Can You Use A Baseball Glove For Softball?

Yes you can.... but....

You may think that you could simply use the same glove for both baseball and softball, and this may technically be true. However, baseball gloves are designed differently than softball gloves, and for a good reason.

The gear used for modern-day softball may look very much like those used for baseball. However, both ports have their own unique qualities, which differentiate them from each other. Some major differences between the two sports include the size of the field, the shape and size of the bat, and the circumference of the ball. 

The Difference Between Baseball and Softball Gloves 

Here is why softball and baseball gloves are different: 

Because a regulation baseball is 9 inches in circumference, and a regulation softball has a circumference of 12 inches, so the best glove for effectively catching each ball is different as well. In order to properly secure the much larger softball, a larger glove with a bigger and deeper pocket is ideal. Softball gloves used by fielders usually measure between 13 to 14 inches. In contrast, baseball gloves average a smaller size and measure in the 10 to 13-inch range. 

Much like the fielder's gloves, the softball catcher's mitts are also bigger to accommodate the much larger ball. With an average size of 32.5 to 34.5 inches, the baseball catcher's mitts are slightly smaller than the usual softball catching mitt, which averages around 33 to 35 inches. The baseball catcher's mitt also requires more padding than a softball mitt because of the slower pitch speed and the larger surface area of the ball, which reduces the force of its impact.

You may be able to get away with using a baseball glove in a softball game. However, to ensure your best performance on the field, using a glove specifically designed for the sport is ideal.

Baseball and softball share a similar origin and have many attributes in common. Softball was originally developed as an indoor version of baseball. Both sports share a lot when it comes to the general rules and style of play and therefore require a similar skill set.