Is it because the ball is neon green and bigger? It is not soft at all.

It's because it is SOFTer than a baseball. That's whst my coach told me!

I've read that the density of a softball is less than a baseball, but I also that the game started with slow (soft) pitching some time before fastpitch evolved.

it is baseball for girls.

guys do play soft ball too and pretty much what ken said... i know a few girls who play baseball and my step mom used to be the best catcher in her travel league

After it hits your head it leaves a soft mushy bruise .. haha