Encyclopedia of Sport: Every sport from around the world
Topend Sports Logo

Softball

Softball is a modified form of baseball, played on a smaller field with a larger, softer ball, seven rather than nine innings, and with underarm pitching. There are two main types of softball: fastpitch and slow pitch. Softball differs from baseball in that the pitchers throw underhand (with the hand below shoulder level).

softball players softball hit

Softball started in 1887 in Chicago as an indoor game. It was previously known as indoor base ball. Softball also became a part of the Olympics from 1996 to 2008 but was removed starting 2012, and is now back on the program for 2020 (jointly with baseball). The International Softball Federation holds world championships in different categories.

The aim is to get as many players to home plate as possible, usually by hitting the ball. The ball used in softball is not actually soft. It is larger than a baseball: weighing about 6.25-7.0oz for fastpitch and 5.87-6.12oz for slowpitch.



Similar Sports

Related Pages

send us a comment Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.

More Softball

Softball is more than just a female version of baseball (see the differences). There is slow pitch and fast pitch (which is at the Olympics). There is lots of softball equipment you can buy, too.

Sport Extra

Check out the 800+ sports in the Encyclopedia of Every Sport. Well not every sport, as there is a list of unusual sports, extinct sports and newly created sports. How to get on these lists? See What is a sport? We also have sports winners lists, and about major sports events and a summary of every year.

 → How to Cite