Batter up..time to really face off, for real this time.
Softball:
Is way more popular, on both the national (Amateur Softball Association) and international (International Softball Federation) level. It is even considered an Olympic Sport, that is until the International Olympic Committee decided to kill the sports off starting in 2012. Check out USA Today's take on it.
The game is extremely similar to baseball but with the following exceptions:
- A larger ball (not necessarily softer) which is considered easier to field
- A different bat to hit the balls
- 4 outfielders over 3 (left, left center, right center, and right field)
- Some leagues consider no leading or stealing bases
- There is a mercy rule if a certain amount of runs are scored
- There is fast pitch, slow pitch, high arc,
- The count can start at 1-1 (1 ball and 1 strike) to speed up the game
That's the major differences, making it seem completely different from baseball, but it's like comparing Texas Hold'em to 7 Card Stud- two different games based on the same core of rules.
So what makes for a better game?
Stickball is up first:
Pro- There is no base running
Con- Not as much of a team sport (usually limited to 4 players per team unless you want to just bat)
Pro- It is very satisfying watching a ball you hit go over the roof of a school, or all the way down the street
Con- There aren't many great courts (if playing with a tennis ball)
Pro- You don't need an umpire
Con- Tennis balls or racquetballs are easily lost
Good outing, how about softball?
Pro- It is the closest you can get to baseball without playing it
Con- You need a lot of players to get a game
Pro- It is infamous for drinking during the game
Con- There is a LOT of running.
Pro- There are coed leagues
Con- For a friendly game and alternative to baseball, some people take the game way too seriously.
The winner.....stickball. A faster paced game, requires less players and equipment. There aren't any leagues in the suburbs- check out the New York Emperors Stickball League in the Bronx.
