There are huge similarities between softball and baseball. From playing gears to rules; there are huge similarities. So many people are engaged with both.
Many baseball legends started to play softball after they retired from baseball. They use the same equipment for both the games; it saves some of their dollars so why not?
So, can you use a baseball glove for softball?
Well, technically you can use, but, a baseball glove is smaller than a softball glove. So you can’t use it professionally. The pocket sizes for both gloves are different. Baseball gloves are small, so the softball barely fits.
Using a baseball glove for softball playing has both pros and Cons. In this article, we will discuss all the aspects of this issue in detail.
Can you use a baseball glove for softball?
Professionally you can’t use a baseball glove for softball. Subtle differences exist between them. For playing softball, the globe’s pocket has to be slightly larger than that of baseball. And for the inappropriate pocket size, you can miss an easy catch.
The standard size of an infielder’s glove in baseball is 11.25 inches to 12 inches.
Whereas if we consider the baseball glove, this measurement is 11.5 inches to 13 inches. So as we can see there is a very short common section and this difference is not easily noticeable, but it can affect your play.
Similarly, in baseball, the outfielder’s glove’s size lies between 12 inches to 12.75 inches and for softball, these sizes are 12 to 15 inches.
Here we can also see that there is a common section. For these common sections you can use a baseball glove to play softball, but this will not be the perfect fit. As the softball’s size is large, it needs larger gloves.
There is not a huge difference between baseball and softball gloves; but as there is a slight difference in the size, it can affect your play. For a non-perfect glove, you can miss any easy catch.
But using a baseball glove for softball has some benefits and some drawbacks. Now let us discuss all the pros and cons.
Using Baseball Gloves for Softball (Pros and Cons)
Pros
Control
If you were a baseball player and now you’ve switched to softball, then you already have a baseball glove that you have been using for a long time, and it fits in your hand perfectly. You know the glove’s extension pretty well. So this control over your glove allows you to give your best all over the diamond.
Fittings
While playing softball, the fittings of the glove is one of the major considerations. Among various baseball glove’s models, ‘Youth’ model is the best option for such people whose wrist is small and has shorter fingers. You can also choose between narrow fit and pedroia fit. So as we can see there are varieties of options on baseball gloves. The players can choose the best option that fits on this hand perfectly.
The player needs to choose the type with their hand’s size and folding position. Some baseball players are so comfortable with the fittings of this baseball glove, they can deliver better performance. If such people use a new softball glove, then their performance can be affected.
Cons
Size
Size is the main issue that creates problems when one uses a baseball glove for playing a softball match. The ball that is used for playing softball has a larger dimension than that of a baseball. So a softball can’t fit itself perfectly in a baseball glove’s pocket.
A baseball glove contains a smaller sized pocket which is not ideal for a softball. And if you do so, you can feel discomfort and a lot of stress on your glove from time to time; especially when you need to be forced to get in range of the ball.
Less Padding
The infidels need to give special attention to it. The infield baseball gloves are light and it helps the players to easily shift the ball between their hands. To make these light gloves many unessential elements are removed from this type of gloves.
In other words, we can say many paddings are taken out. For it, your protection somehow gets compromised. Imagine a ball rocketing off a bat towards your hand which is not perfectly protected. By using such a glove for softball, you can face injuries.
The Web
In a baseball glove, the web section is not that large to easily handle larger softballs. When you are fielding hot shots off the bat, then you can face the real problem; you can feel a great force on your glove’s web. This is not that much worrisome, but it is a problem.
Are baseball and softball gloves the same?
Many people use a baseball glove to play softball, but these two are two different types of gloves. First of all, a baseball glove is smaller than that of a softball. Being small, the softball will not fit perfectly in a baseball glove.
But, For outfielders, the entire palm is crucial to secure a pop fly. So an unfit glove can ruin your entire game. Besides that, there are also some other differences. Let’s discuss all of the aspects one by one.
Walls
The walls of softball gloves are smaller than those of baseball gloves. There is a slight difference in length between a softball glove and a baseball glove. Baseball gloves are narrower than softball gloves. But the difference is so little that most people ignore it.
Difference in size
You can’t detect any difference in size between these two types of gloves if you watch them on TV or in any other video. An adult baseball middle infielder uses a glove of 11.25 inches. Whereas for outfielders, it is 13 inches. And most of the youth baseball gloves are 9 inches. Contradictory, the size of a softball glove is a minimum of 11.5 inches; and it goes up to 15 inches.
There is also a difference in the size of the catchers’ mitts. For baseball, its range varies between 32 to 34.5 inches. In the case of softball, it is 33 to 35 inches.
Difference in Pocket and Webs
As the size of the ball for both the games are different, the gloves also have different-sized pockets. A baseball glove has shallower and smaller pockets. It helps them to catch the smaller ball easily. On the other hand, the softball gloves are deeper and a bit shorter. It offers a better grip over the ball.
You can see larger webs on softball gloves. In both types of gloves, there is a closed web, so that the players can easily hide the ball. But in softball gloves, you can find that the web runs deep into the pocket. It is not the same with baseball gloves.
Materials that are used
Most softball gloves are made of leather. Synthetic and treated, both types of leather are used here. Besides giving the best feel, leather makes these gloves very durable. Treated leather is a little soft, but here quality gets compromised. For beginners, this is a great choice. The baseball gloves are only made of solid leather; so they are more durable.
Difference in Fittings
Women are the most common player in softball. And they have comparatively smaller palms than that of men. Softball gloves are designed to fit women’s hands better. So the softball players prefer a glove that fits tighter.
And baseball players prefer loose gloves that help them to easily move the ball between their hands. And the softball gloves are easy to adjust as they contain hook-and-loop closures or velcro adjustments.
Can you use a baseball catcher mitt for softball?
Apparently not. Mitts are less flexible and the size of the pocket is the main section here. A catcher mitt must have a larger pocket to grab the bigger ball easily. The baseball catcher mitt is smaller in size than that of softball. On the other hand, being rigid makes you feel very uncomfortable. So it is good to use a softball catcher mitt.
Can I use a baseball glove for slow-pitch softball?
You can play slow-pitch softball with a baseball glove, there is no specific rule. But most softball players don’t prefer to use a baseball glove mainly for the short-pocket issue. But if you play softball casually and there is no regularity, then you can easily use a baseball glove for playing slow-pitch softball.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is 72 mph in softball compared to baseball?
72mph in baseball is equivalent to 101mph in softball.
Can you use a slow-pitch glove for fastpitch?
Yes, you can use a slow-pitch glove for a fast pitch. But the ball will not fit in the pocket perfectly.
Can Outfielders Wear A Baseball Glove While Playing Softball?
Yes, the outfielders can use a baseball glove while playing softball. But the experts advise not to do that. For smaller gloves, the ball can be popped out.
Conclusion
Although there is not a distinct difference between a baseball glove and a softball glove. But for better experiences, you have to use separate gloves. The size of the pocket is the main issue here.
If you are playing a softball match just for fun and time-pass, then you can easily use one baseball glove. But if you are serious with your game, then you must purchase a dedicated softball glove. A glove with better fittings can improve your performance a lot.
