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Introducing Softball
The game of softball started at a Harvard-Yale football game. A fan rolled up a glove into a ball, which was hit with a broom. Gloves weren't needed yet because the ball was soft. Thus, the indoor game of softball was introduced -
Creating Rules
Every sport has a set of rules to follow. The Farragut Club took it upon themselves to write the rules for softball. -
Moving Outdoors
Softball was then moved outdoors because firefighters needed some extra exercise. More leagues began to form and the sport was officially played outside. -
Women Playing Softball
Women began playing softball shortly after the game was introduced. The first women's softball team was at a high school in Chicago. Women started gaining more independence at this time, so playing a sport that was similar to one that men played helped this independence. -
New Official Name
This sport was originally named "kitten ball" and then "diamond ball" when it was moved outside. The official name Softball came in 1922 in order to get more attention with a more professional name. -
Forming an Association
The first softball association, ASA, was formed. This stands for Amateur Softball Association. Today, the ASA is in charge of regulating and changing the rules for softball. -
International Tournaments
Melbourne, Australia held the first international women's softball tournament. After this, the sport spread all around the world. -
Softball in the Olympics
The first Olympic softball tournament was held in Atlanta. In 2004, the USA team won and were named "The Real Dream Team". -
Explosion of Opportunities
As this sport became more popular, colleges began giving women more opportunities for scholarships. This helped the sport turn into a pro league. -
Creating a Professional League
The International Women's League was formed. It only lasted until 1980, but it had such a great impact on women's lives that they still continued to play. -
Softball Today
40 million Americans still play this sport once a year. Today, the International Softball Federation 127 member countries.
