rules

Question
Hi
I am new to this sport, having grown up in Europe. My daughter is interested in joining a fastball team.
What is the difference between baseball, softball, fastball, and slowpitch?
It seems all the girls play fastball, the boys play little league baseball, but girls and guys play rec. slowpitch.
Thanks for your help!

Answer
There really are a lot of differences between fastpitch softball and baseball despite the similarities.

The biggest difference is the size of the playing field.  Fences for baseball are over 300' from home plate, distance between bases is 90 feet, pitchers throw from 60' 6".  Fastpitch softball the numbers are 200', 60' and 43'.

The smaller field makes for a much quicker game.  There is a greater emphasis on bunting in softball.  The pitcher can be more dominating in softball due to the short distance pitched from.

Slowpitch softball is just that, slow pitch softball with slightly with larger field dimensions than fast pitch.  This is typically an adult recreational game.

Tom