Fun & Interesting Facts About Softball

Mention softball and you will get instant recognition. Softball is in some ways a direct descendant of baseball. Differences include underhanded pitching and a larger ball. It also is played on a smaller field than baseball. Do not be fooled by the name “softball” for the ball in question. Compared to a baseball, this is a much harder ball. This sport is governed by the International Softball Federation. The game time is usually 2 hours. If you want to know more about this game, here are some interesting facts for you.

History

Softball was played for the first time in 1887. The creator of this game is George Hancock who developed the rules, ball size and bat size for the game. Lewis Rober, Sr. called this kitten ball and is a different variation of softball. The term softball was coined in 1926 by Walter Hakanson. The first league outside the US was in Canada.

Governing Bodies

The main governing body for softball is the International Softball Federation. There are also other organizations that do govern the game of softball and they are ISC – International Softball Congress, ISA – Independent Softball Association, NSA – National Softball Association, USSSA – United States Specialty Sports Association and ASA – Amateur Softball Association.

Famous Softball Players

In Fast pitch softball, there are at least 7 famous players such as Michele Smith, Cat Osterman, Dot Richardson, Lisa Fernandez, Joan Joyce, Jennie Finch and Crystl Bustos. Each of these ladies has become famous for playing the sport of softball in the Olympics. Eddie Feigner of the “King and His Court” is famous for his pitching which has been clocked in excess of 104 MPH.

Positions on Field

In softball, there are nine total positions on the field. Outfielders, shortstop, catcher, pitcher, third baseman, second baseman and first baseman are the nine positions. Each position is important in playing softball. All positions cover a lot of territory during game play. If one doesn’t do their job then the team as a whole could suffer a loss due to runs or errors. Therefore, these positions are vital to playing and defending against runs.

You know you're a softball junkie if...

• You need a second job (or your parents do) just to pay for gloves, bats, equipment, uniforms, player fees, batting cages, etc...
• Your second job is umpiring at softball games.
• Your idea of spending quality time with your family is playing players vs. parents.
• You have more than one bat that cost over $200.
• You go to the softball fields on nights your team isn't even playing.
• You used to rest and relax on the weekends, now the only rest you get is between games at a tournament.
• You think "wearing something nice" means an all-tournament shirt with no dirt stains.
• When someone says they are going out of town this weekend you ask if there is a tournament there.
• All your white socks have dirt stains from playing softball.
• Your idea of a weekend getaway is a two-day tournament in Orlando.
• You plan your summer vacation each year around the All-Star state softball tournament.
• You own more softball t-shirts than pairs of underwear.
• Your boyfriend knows when you ask him out to dinner you really mean pizza after the game.
• You tape your bat handles with various designs and use only tape with team colors.
• You have a softball website.
  

Remember To Be A Good Sport

During the course of a heated softball tournament, the coach felt the need to remind one of his players about the importance of team play and good sportsmanship.

The coach asked the player if she knew and remembered what good sportsmanship was.

The player replied, "Yes."

The coach then asked her if she knew she shouldn't curse at the umpire or throw things in anger.

The player again replied "Yes."

"Good," said the coach, "now could you please go tell your mom and dad."

10. Team's idea of a double play is two songs back-to-back on the radio.

9. The most popular dugout phrase is, "Who's up? Are you up? I'm not up! She's up."

8. Players refuse to slide for fear of ruining their hair and nails.

7. Coach's new exercise video features his walking to the mound after every pitch.

6. Players keep pointing at the bat and saying "Is this some kinda ball-wackin' stick?"

5. You get yelled at by the umps because your team is slow getting on the field, and they are all still at the concession stand.

4. Players always complain because you can't mathematically give 110%.

3. On pop fouls the catcher actually has to come out of the dugout.

2. Your best hitter's nickname is "Slugger" because she's already beat up four girls in the dugout - this inning.

1. The team's chant in the field is "Hey batter, batter, hit it at her!"