Fastpitch Vs. Baseball

Baseball & Softball • Feb 08, 2022

Fastpitch Vs. Baseball

As a new baseball parent or player, you may be wondering what the main differences are between fastpitch softball and baseball since it will mean different leagues and styles of play.

Fastpitch Softball Vs. Baseball

Fastpitch Softball

Baseball

Learn to Play / Blastball

• Introduction to softball – ages 3 to 5 and 6
• Teams of 5 to 9 players
• Games are usually 45 minutes of play No pitching required – players hit a foam ball off a stationary tee and must run to one base approximately 50 feet from home plate
• Players develop basic baseball and teamwork skills while understanding sportsmanship

Rally Cap

• Introduction to baseball – ages 5 to 8, but can be as young as 4 or as old as 9
• Teams of at least 8 players and maximum 10
• No pitching required – players hit a 9” rubber ball off a tee or mechanical pitching machine
• Every inning, the team at bat will begin with the bases loaded and runners stop advancing once the defensive player fields the ball
• Taught basic skills and rules

Rookie / Mites

• Ages 6 to 9
• Teams of 9 players
• Players hit off a mechanical pitching machine operated by a parent or coach using a 11” indoor rubber ball and aluminum or composite bats
• Players develop basic hitting, fielding, throwing and running skills and are taught basic rules of softball

Mosquito / Peewee

• Ages 8 to 12
• Teams of at least 9 players
• Overhand pitching is required with a 9” regulation cored baseball
• Regulation baseball approved aluminum or composite bats
• Introduction to baseball pitching and general skills and rules

U12 / U14 / U16 / U19 / U23 / ADULT

• Teams of 9 or more players
• Teams of 9 players
• Windmill pitching is required using an 11” or 12” regulation size cored softball
• Aluminum or composite Softball Canada approved bats
• Games usually consist of 7 innings of play

Bantam / Midget / Junior / Adult

• Ages 13 to 17 / adults 18 and older
• Teams of at least 9 players
• Overhand pitching is required with a 9” regulation cored baseball
• Regulation baseball approved aluminum, composite, or wood bats

For expert advice on baseball gear and equipment that is right for your game, level of play, and budget, come see us at your local Source for Sports baseball store near you. We Fit Your Game.

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