1. Indoor Baseball
Indoor baseball, the original name of the sport now known as softball, originated in a gym in Chicago on Thanksgiving in 1887. A group gathered to find out the score of the Yale-Harvard football match. When one person didn't like the result, he threw a boxing glove into the air which another person promptly hit with a pole. George Hancock came up with a set of rules and returned to the gym to paint the lines that define the sport as we know it today. The sport made its Olympic debut in Atlanta during the 1996 games, where the United States women's team took the gold medal against the China.
2. Not the Same as Baseball
While many think there are few similarities between baseball and softball, each sport is unique. Softball is comprised of two different styles of play: slow pitch and fast pitch. In addition, the game lasts 7 innings, rather than 9. Certain college games of softball are only 5 innings long. The softball itself is 12 inches in diameter, as opposed to the baseball which is 9 inches and much denser. The bat used in softball is shorter than a baseball bat by about 8 inches.
3. The Softball League Community
Most communities have softball leagues available for children, women and men, in addition to co-ed teams. Each league is partnered with the Amateur Softball Association and complies with the rules laid out for each group. Leagues typically practice twice a week and play once a week, with the occasional doubleheader. Younger kids enjoy learning the basics under a parent who volunteers to coach. In the youngest age brackets, games aren't even scored. Often, softball leagues offer clinics to help improve players' games.
4. Softball Equipment for Starters
When it comes to softball equipment, you're sure to need cleats, softballs and approved softball bats. You league might wear uniforms, but this varies from place to place. Some communities allow young players to wear sweatpants, to save on cost of buying new uniforms each year. Batting helmets and the specialized catcher's protective equipment are typically supplied by the league, but they can also be purchased at most local retail stores if you'd rather have your own. Other nonessential accessories include batting gloves and batting chalk.
5. Swing Your Way to Good Health
Playing softball is great for your health. Running the bases is aerobic exercise, while batting and throwing work the upper-body muscles. In addition, players develop hand-eye coordination, balance and the ability to judge distances. The team aspect of softball play helps develop social skills, as teammates learn to work with each other to achieve success. Teamwork fosters friendships and camaraderie, making softball a good all-around experience for everyone who participates in the sport.
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