One question that I often see asked is whether you can use a softball bat in a baseball game. And frankly, it always boggles the mind. Yes, I understand that softball bats are generally cheaper, but using them in a baseball game is never a good choice.
I for one do not want anyone to get this idea and that is why I want to put this question to rest once and for all. In this article, I will showcase the issues with this idea and help you understand why you cannot use a softball bat for baseball.
Can You Use a Softball Bat for Baseball
No. Softball bats are designed to hit softballs as they are – well, soft. Hitting a baseball hurtling towards you at breakneck speed will easily crack or dent your softball bat and you would have to spend money again to get a new one. So, it is not a good solution if you want to save some bucks.
But that is not the only issue here. In organized baseball, regardless of the age group and league, you are not allowed to use softball bats. You need to use a bat that is designed specifically for this game. So, you can only use it in your backyard games, and even then, you will break it inevitably,
What is the Problem with Using Softball Bat for Baseball?
A softball bat is not the same size, diameter, or even length as a baseball bat. Baseball bats are designed to handle tougher and harder balls and don’t get dented as easily as a softball bat.
Don’t get me wrong; I am in no way trying to bash on softball bats. Back in my days, I used to love this game, and I still now keep my Rawlings Fastpitch Softball bat in my locker. But these bats cannot keep up with the force of impact that baseball bats have to put up with.
Besides, in organized baseball, you need to use a regulation baseball bat. You cannot participate in games with a softball bat anyways. So, the question is whether you want to use it in your backyard games.
Then again, if you play backyard baseball with an actual baseball and use a softball bat, it will not last that long. After a couple of hits, it will start showing signs of damage. Needless to say, nobody wants their new softball bats to break this way.
Can you hit baseballs with a softball bat?
The short answer is – yes. But it’s not recommended. Baseballs are harder than softballs. So, a softball bat can break under the pressure of a baseball. Plus, the barrel diameter of fastpitch bats is thinner, which makes it even more complicated.
Point being – baseball and softball bats are quite different from each other (read more). They differ in barrel diameter, bat length, weight, and handle design. So, while you can hit a baseball with a softball bat, you shouldn’t.
Can a baseball dent a softball bat?
Yes, a softball is harder than a baseball. Although a softball has a bigger diameter, baseballs are tough. That’s why, if a pitcher uses enough force, and the hitter also returns the favor with all their might, you will dent your softball bat.
Is it safe to hit baseballs with a softball bat?
Not really. Baseballs have a much sturdier construction than softballs because of the way the balls are compressed. So, if you’ve got a new softball bat, chances are, it’s relatively safe to hit baseballs with a softball bat. People who are using a weary softball bat will run into trouble. The softball bat might crack, get dented, or even break after the impact. The resulting splinters + the insane vibration can be too much for even healthy adults to handle.
Will a baseball hurt a softball bat?
Yes, a baseball will hurt a softball bat. It may not happen immediately. It may not even happen for a year or two. But it’s going to happen. The extra force of baseball + the speed is definitely going to have a negative impact on your softball bat. Either the softball bat will break (barrel flying off the handle), or there’ll be irreparable dents. No matter how safely you play it, there will be consequences.
Can I hit baseballs with a composite softball bat?
Although there are differences between a composite and alloy softball bat, the bat designs are meant for softballs. So, even when you’re using a composite softball bat, you shouldn’t hit baseballs. In fact, I’d say that DO NOT hit a baseball with a composite bat. Why the grim warning here? Composite bats are more expensive than alloy or wooden bats.
Can you hit baseballs with a fastpitch softball bat?
I hate to sound like a broken record, but you shouldn’t hit baseballs with a fastpitch softball bat. Sure, you can hit baseballs. And the first few times won’t be a problem. But as you keep doing it repeatedly over and over again, you’ll wreck your softball bat. The more you hit baseballs with your fastpitch bat – the more damage.
What happens when you hit a baseball with a softball bat?
This question has two perspectives – the ball and the bat. If we see it from a baseball perspective, you hit a baseball with a softball bat, and it travels a certain distance depending on the hit. There’s nothing more to it.
If we look at it from a softball bat’s perspective, you hit a baseball with a softball bat, and you end up damaging the bat. Your softball bat can get dead, broken, or dented if you regularly hit baseballs with it.
Can you use a baseball bat for slow pitch softball?
Yes, you can. When it comes to slow pitch softball, the case is a bit different. Slow pitch is more of a recreational game. The average pitching speed of the slow pitch is 10 MPH compared to the fast pitch’s 50-70 MPH. That’s why, even when the ball is different, it won’t be a problem.
But you need to get used to two things –
- The extra weight of a baseball bat
- Shorter total length
If you can do that, you’re good to go.
Can you use aluminum bats in softball?
Yes, you can use aluminum alloy bats in softball. Until and unless the specific softball bat breaks any league rules, you won’t run into any problem. That’s why make sure the tag on your bat (USSSA, ASA/USA, NSA, ISA, ASF) abides by the regulations of the league/tourney you’re in.
The Bottom Line
The fact is, you should always use proper gear for the game that you are playing. You should not even try using a softball bat in a baseball game. In fact, even when you are playing a slowpitch game, you should avoid using a fastpitch bat, although both of the games are essentially softball games.
If you were thinking of using your shiny new softball bat to hit a couple of baseballs, then I hope my article was enough to convince you otherwise. For a detailed comparison between softball and baseball bats, you can read my article here. Cheers!
