Softball, a beloved bat-and-ball sport enjoyed worldwide, often draws comparisons to baseball. However, key differences exist, including the larger ball, shorter base paths, and underhand pitching style. But perhaps one of the most intriguing questions surrounding this sport is: Why Is It Called Softball? This article delves into the history of softball and the evolution of its name.
alt text describing the equipment used in softball, including the larger ball compared to a baseball.
The Birth of “Indoor Baseball”
The origins of softball can be traced back to a Thanksgiving Day in 1887 at the Farragut Boat Club in Chicago. As the story goes, following a heated Yale-Harvard football game, a Yale alumnus playfully threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The Harvard fan retaliated by swinging at the glove with a stick, sparking an impromptu game. George Hancock, a reporter present at the scene, declared “Play ball!”, and thus, the first softball game was born. Initially, the game utilized a tightened boxing glove as the ball and a broom handle as the bat.
From Indoors to Outdoors: Kitten Ball and Other Names
The game quickly gained popularity and transitioned outdoors the following year. Early variations of softball were known by different names, reflecting regional preferences and the evolution of the sport. Some common monikers included “Indoor-Outdoor,” “kitten ball,” “lemon ball,” and “diamond ball.” These names often alluded to the characteristics of the game or the equipment used. For example, “kitten ball” was reportedly named after the first team to play the sport. In Minneapolis, Lewis Rober, Sr. organized outdoor games for firefighters using a 12-inch ball, contributing to the standardization of the ball size.
The Coining of “Softball”
By the 1920s, various versions of the sport were played throughout the United States and Canada, each with its own set of rules and names. The need for a unified name became apparent. In 1926, Walter Hakanson of the YMCA coined the term “softball” during a meeting of the National Recreation Congress. While initially, the ball used in the game was indeed soft, this isn’t always the case in modern softball.
Standardizing the Rules and Name
The adoption of the name “softball” spread nationwide by 1930. However, variations in rules persisted. By 1936, the Joint Rules Committee on Softball standardized the rules and officially established “softball” as the name, solidifying its place in the sporting lexicon.
The Evolution of the Ball: From Soft to Hard
While the original softball was indeed soft, modern softballs are typically hard. This evolution in the ball’s composition contributed to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the game as we know it today. Different leagues and levels of play utilize specific ball sizes, ranging from 11 to 12 inches in circumference.
Softball Today: A Global Sport
From its humble beginnings in a Chicago boat club, softball has evolved into a globally recognized sport played by millions. Its inclusion in the Olympic Games further cemented its status as a major athletic competition. While the name might be a bit of a misnomer in the modern era, the history of “softball” reflects the evolution of the game and its enduring popularity.
