Baseball & Softball vs. Cricket
Comparing 2 standards across 18 specifications. 18 key differences identified.
Official baseballs are regulated by Major League Baseball (MLB), measuring 9.0–9.25 in (22.9–23.5 cm) in circumference and weighing 5.0–5.25 oz (141.7–148.8 g) with 108 double hand-stitches. Regulation softballs are larger: 12-inch Fastpitch softballs measure 11.875–12.125 in (6.25–7.0 oz), 11-inch Slowpitch softballs measure 10.875–11.125 in (5.875–6.125 oz), and 16-inch Chicago Clincher softballs measure 15.75–16.25 in.
Cricket balls are regulated by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC Law 4) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). A men's match ball must weigh between 5.5 and 5.75 oz (155.9–163.0 g) and have a circumference between 8.81 and 9.00 in (22.4–22.9 cm). Women's balls weigh 4.94–5.31 oz (140.0–151.0 g) with a circumference of 8.25–8.88 in (21.0–22.5 cm).
Specification Comparison Table
18 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MLB Baseball Circumference
|
22.9–23.5 cm (9.0–9.25 in) | — |
|
MLB Baseball Weight
|
141.7–148.8 g (5.0–5.25 oz) | — |
|
MLB Baseball Diameter
|
7.3–7.5 cm (2.86–2.94 in) | — |
|
Baseball Stitching
|
108 Double Stitches in Red Waxed Cotton/Polyester Thread Hand-sewn | — |
|
Baseball Core Construction
|
Cushioned Cork Sphere wrapped in 3 Layers of Wool/Poly Yarn Standard | — |
|
12-Inch Fastpitch Softball Circumference
|
30.2–30.8 cm (11.875–12.125 in) | — |
|
12-Inch Fastpitch Softball Weight
|
177.2–198.4 g (6.25–7.0 oz) | — |
|
11-Inch Slowpitch Softball Circumference
|
27.6–28.3 cm (10.875–11.125 in) | — |
|
Softball Core Material
|
Polyurethane Core or Kapok Fiber Core with Optic Yellow Leather COR 0.44–0.47 | — |
|
Men's Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 155.9–163.0 g (5.5–5.75 oz) |
|
Men's Circumference
|
— | 22.4–22.9 cm (8.81–9.00 in) |
|
Men's Diameter
|
— | 7.13–7.29 cm (2.81–2.87 in) |
|
Women's Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 140.0–151.0 g (4.94–5.31 oz) |
|
Women's Circumference
|
— | 21.0–22.5 cm (8.25–8.88 in) |
|
Junior Ball Mass (Under 13)
|
— | 133.0–144.0 g (4.69–5.06 oz) |
|
Outer Leather Casing
|
— | 4-Piece Molded Alum-Tanned Cowhide Leather Red, White, or Pink |
|
Internal Core
|
— | Layered Cork Sphere wound with tightly spun worsted wool yarn Standard |
|
Seam Stitching
|
— | 6 Rows of Hand-Stitching (75–85 Stitches) Raised Equator Seam |