It is played on a smaller field than baseball, and a larger ball is used. Softball began in Chicago as an indoor version of baseball. By the early 1970's, more than 20 million person in over 40 countries were playing softball. All softball pitching must be underhand. The base runner cannot leave his base in softball until the ball has left the pitcher's hand.
Baseball players can lead off a base.
Except for these differences, softball is played like baseball. Women play softball by the same rules as men except that the pitcher stands 40 feet from home plate. Types of Softball. Every year, men's and women's teams compete in regional, national, and international tournaments. The tenth man is a short-fielder.