The Speed of Softball

[PDad]

In the High School coed game mentioned above, I’m assuming the boys were pitching from their normal 60’ and didn’t require a screen. So, if the girls were pitching from their normal distance, and balls and strikes were being called, why would the school require a screen for the girls on that day only? Do the girls get whacked with balls hit by boys only, and never from other girls during their regular season games?

It was a fastpitch game - the teams were mixed and the girls did all the pitching. Take a closer look at the picture and you'll see it was played on a softball diamond with guys playing defense behind her.

HS Varsity baseball players generate faster swing speeds, on average, and with a heavier bat (-3 drop). I've never watched one of the coed games, but past article(s) said the boys start connecting after an AB or two.

[Vess Express]

I understand you could have a possible faster bat swing, I just thought there was a maximum speed of the ball off of the bat, regardless of that.

Sorry, I didn't realize all the pitching was all done by the girls. You had mentioned baseball and softball teams, and that field looked like a football field made into a field of some sort, but not any type of softball field I recognized. It could have had both a mound and a circle, from all I could tell from just the picture.


Spaaz, don't get what the eye roll is for. You're being funny, I guess.

[PDad]

I understand you could have a possible faster bat swing, I just thought there was a maximum speed of the ball off of the bat, regardless of that.

The 98-mph limit is just under the conditions of the test. A faster collision and/or heavier bat results in faster batted ball speed.

[Vess Express]

Okay, now I see.

I have never seen a High School softball field like that.

[SBradley]

7th, 8th, 9th grades.

I saw the same thing with base ball hitters going against good softball pitchers. The boys struggled at first , frustrated , but the better ones would get the timing down and start hitting it.

If you notice, when they do this with the pro ball players going against someone like Jenny Finch, she doesn't let them hack and hack. its like 3 - 4 pitches, everyone laughs at the guys, and then they go on. My bet is give the guys a few more tries and Jenny is wearing some of those balls.

I believe these guys got plenty of hacks to prove that its tougher than it looks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PypphWjEgUc