preview

History of Softball

Decent Essays

History of Softball Many people assume that softball came about from baseball, the sport’s first game actually came about because of a football game. The history of softball dates back to Thanksgiving Day of 1887 when several alumni sat in the Chicago, IL Farragut Boat Club anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Yale vs. Harvard football game. When Yale was announced as winner, a Yale alumnus playfully threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The Harvard fan swung at the balled-up glove with a stick, and the rest of the group looked on with interest. George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade, jokingly called out “Play ball!” and the fist softball game commenced with the football fans using the boxing glove as a ball and …show more content…

Because it can be played on either a field or an indoor arena, softball games are played year round, and involve teams with players as young as 8 years old and some players over 60 years in age. Softball is sometimes played by co-recreational leagues where both women and men play on the same teams, but the rules are generally modified to reduce physical inequalities between the sexes. Often, companies and organizations form amateur co-ed teams to play for benefits and charity fund raiser events. The history of softball is still unfolding and the game has undergone numerous modifications since its creation in 1887, but it is still one of the most preferred sports games in the country and has developed a following in several countries throughout the world, especially in Australia, China and Japan. Loved by amateurs and professionals of all ages and athletic backgrounds, the world can only anticipate what is in store for the future of America’s other favorite pastime. Softball Rules and Regulations: The game of softball is played on a large field, comprising a distinctly demarcated grass infield, running areas and an outfield. The field is divided into four bases: first base, second base, third base and the home plate. The bases are set at a distance of approximately 45 to 65 feet from one another. The pitcher's circle is marked equidistant from the four bases. The objective of

Get Access