A definition of softball from The Free Dictionary website states that softball is "a game closely related to baseball that is played on a smaller diamond and with a ball that is larger and softer." That's an accurate nutshell definition of softball, but the bare-bones meaning of the word is insufficient in terms of distinguishing the two types of softball, fast-pitch and slow-pitch. The former is geared to competitive athletes; the latter is suited to recreational leagues and players of all ages and abilities.
History
When softball was invented in the late 1800s, it was played as an indoor game in winter. In 1895, according to the Women's Sports Information website, softball moved outside and the first women's team was organized in Chicago. Initially, it was known as "kitten ball," but in 1926 the name was changed to softball and the rules were standardized. Both men and women demonstrated the sport at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933, and the Amateur Softball Association was created that same year to govern the game. Softball still is played under ASA rules and regulations. Softball piggybacked on the growing popularity of baseball, and the meaning of the word "softball" was literally a comparison to the harder and smaller ball used in baseball
Fast-Pitch Softball
Fast-pitch softball primarily is a women's game. Shut out of baseball, many women wanted to compete in a game that was similar. A fast-pitch world championship for women was inaugurated in 1965 and the sport's Olympic debut came in the 1996 Atlanta Games. In the 21st century, it is played by girls in youth leagues as well as young women in high school and college. Fast-pitch softball is a kissing cousin to baseball. Pitchers throw fastballs at more than 70 mph, you can bunt and steal and a game lasts nine innings.
Slow-Pitch Softball
Slow-pitch softball is significantly different from fast-pitch softball and baseball. Most slow-pitch softball teams and leagues are intended for recreational players. Coed teams are popular, and beer often replaces water or sports drinks as the beverage of choice. The rules are much different, too. In fast-pitch, the pitcher often is the dominant player on the field. In slow pitch, the hitter reigns, as pitches are lobbed in an arc. To partly restore balance, the defense is allowed 10 players on the field. Since the pitches arrive slowly, stealing is not allowed and you can't leave a base until the ball is struck. Games last seven innings instead of nine.
Considerations
The split personalities of slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball allow almost everyone to enjoy the game. It is estimated that 40 to 50 million people play softball games every year, as of publication. if baseball is America's national pastime, then softball is one of the American ways to socialize. The meaning of softball is so universal it has created well-known metaphors. For example, journalists either lob softballs or fire hard balls at the people they are interviewing.
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