Tag:sport=softball
 sport = softball
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| Description |
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A bat-and-ball game similar to baseball. 
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| Group: sports |
| Used on these elements |
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| Useful combination |
| See also |
| Status: de facto |
| Tools for this tag |
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Softball is a bat-and-ball game similar to baseball.
How to map
Since this is a non-physical tag it should be combined with other (physical) tags.
Playing Field
When creating maps for softball fields, it's advisable to include the entirety of the playing field, rather than focusing solely on the infield. Should a fence encircle the field, the mapping should correspond with the fence's boundaries.
However, it's worth noting that some softball fields are multipurpose, shared with other sports, and may not possess a fence that clearly demarcates the outfield's precise limits. In the absence of a fence, the exact dimensions of the field might be open to interpretation. Furthermore, it's important to bear in mind that the sizes of softball fields can vary considerably. Fields designated for children's use, for instance, tend to be significantly smaller than standard adult-sized fields.
- leisure=sports_centre - for the whole sport area
- leisure=stadium - if it is a stadium
Softball or Baseball?
Differentiating between a softball field and a baseball field using aerial imagery can be a challenging task due to their similar overall designs. However, certain key elements can help in distinguishing the two:
| Size | The most noticeable difference between a softball and a baseball field is the size. Softball fields are generally smaller. The distance between the bases in softball is typically 60 feet, whereas in baseball it is 90 feet. |  |
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| Pitching Mound | In baseball, the pitcher's mound is raised and is located 60.5 feet from home plate. In softball, the pitcher delivers the ball from a flat circle that's closer to home plate, typically 43 feet in fastpitch softball. | |
| Shape of Field | Baseball fields usually have a more triangular or wedge shape, while softball fields are more circular or square. This is due to the difference in distances between the bases and the outfield fence. | |
| Outfield Fence | The fence in a baseball field is generally farther away from home plate than on a softball field. In softball, fences are typically around 200-250 feet from home plate, whereas in baseball, the fences are typically 300 feet or more from home plate in the corners, and even further in center field. | |
| Path Between Bases | Softball fields have a noticeable dirt path between the bases, while baseball fields do not always have this feature. | |
| Baseball Diamonds | Baseball diamonds tend to have grass infields, whereas softball diamonds are often all dirt. | |
| Size of Infield Area | The infield area in baseball is larger due to the larger distance between bases and larger pitcher's mound. |