Baseball originated in the 15th century and was known as cricket in England. It later spread to the United States and was adapted and improved into baseball.

The first baseball game was held in 1839 in Cooperstown, New York.

Softball evolved from baseball in the United States. Due to the large field required for baseball, playing outdoors during rainy or snowy weather was impossible. In 1887, Chicagoans first reduced the size of the baseball field and moved it indoors, calling it "indoor baseball." In 1895, softball gradually moved outdoors and was renamed "playground ball."

What are the differences between baseball and softball?

1. Size and Shape of the Ball:

The most apparent difference between baseball and softball is the size and shape of the ball. Baseballs are typically white, while softballs are often light yellow. Softballs have a larger diameter than baseballs, and their seams are more pronounced, but softballs are not as heavy as baseballs.

2. Ball Composition:

Baseballs are made with a core of cork, rubber, or similar material wrapped in yarn, with two pieces of white horsehide or cowhide tightly stitched around it. Conversely, softballs have a core made of cotton fiber, a mixture of rubber and cork, or other materials wrapped in yarn and covered with chromatically-colored horsehide, cowhide, synthetic materials, etc.

3. Field Dimensions:

In baseball, the distance from home plate to the outfield fence is "76.2 meters or more for men" and "67.06 meters or more for women." In softball, this distance is "68.53 meters or more for men" and "60.96 meters or more for women." Softball fields are generally smaller than baseball fields due to the larger and heavier balls used in softball.

4. Pitching Style:

In baseball, pitchers can throw from various angles (overhand, sidearm, or underhand). In softball, pitchers must use an underhand pitching motion known as the "windmill" pitch. This pitching style is a distinctive feature of softball and is designed to make hitting easier for batters, thus allowing players to "enjoy the game of baseball more effortlessly."

5. Pitching Area:

Baseball pitchers throw from a raised mound called the pitcher's mound, while softball pitchers throw from a flat surface. Additionally, in baseball, baserunners can leave the base before the pitch is thrown, whereas in softball, runners must wait until the pitch is released before leaving the base.

6. Gloves Used:

Due to the differences in ball size, the gloves used in baseball and softball also differ. Softball gloves typically have a more profound and extensive pocket than baseball gloves because of the larger size of the softball.

Different types may be specified when purchasing gloves, so choosing according to individual needs is essential.