Slow Pitch Softball Equipment

If you are going to play slow pitch softball, you are going to need slow pitch softball equipment. Slow pitch softball equipment is different than regular baseball equipment, although it is similar in appearance.

The type of slow pitch softball equipment that you need depends upon which type of slow pitch softball you are playing. For example, you will not be able to wear a catching glove when you are playing 16 inch slow pitch softball, but will need one when you are playing 12 inch softball.

Just as is the case with baseball, from which slow pitch softball is derived, you need to have bats and balls as well as bases when you are playing slow pitch softball. Batting helmets are usually not worn when playing slow pitch softball, although a catcher will still wear a mask to protect him from the ball. Helmets are used for baseball and fast pitch softball.

There are several differences between baseball and softball that relate to the slow pitch softball equipment. Slow pitch softball equipment consists of bats, balls and gloves that are made for this sport. Baseball equipment is different as there is more protection required for the fast pitched sport than for slow pitch softball.

The original intention of slow pitch softball was to have a game that could be played indoors during the winter so that baseball players could continue to practice during the cold months. At the time softball was invented, baseball was a professional sport that had taken the entire nation by storm. Softball was invented in Chicago as an indoor game. It was called a number of different names before getting the name of softball such as cabbage ball and diamond ball. Original slow pitch softball equipment consisted of a ball that was made out of a rolled up boxing glove and broom handles for bats.

Today, slow pitch softball equipment has become very much more refined although the bats are thinner than regular baseball bats as well as longer. Slow pitch softballs are also different in size and are larger than regular baseballs. You can get slow pitch softball equipment such as gloves for 10 inch and 12 inch softball that are larger than regular baseball gloves. Naturally, the balls are also larger for softball than baseball with the slow pitch softball balls being usually 12 inch or 16 inches, although some leagues play slow pitch with a 10 inch softball.

You can purchase slow pitch softball equipment wherever sporting goods are sold, including online outlets. You should make sure that you have the right equipment when you are playing slow pitch softball, especially if you are playing in a structured league as the right type of equipment will be required for the game.

Leave a comment | View Comments