History of Softball

Many people are interested in the history of softball.  They want to know who invented softball, how it started and how it has evolved over the years. I have put together a few links for you to read more about the history of this wonderful sport.

Article #1 - History of Softball

Softball developed as a younger version of baseball. Softball was started by elements of other sports of which were boating, boxing and football. A boating club, a boxing glove and a football game were key parts in the very first game of softball.

Article #2 - How it Started

On Thanksgiving Day in 1887, Yale's football team claimed victory over Harvard. Of the many interested were those young men awaiting the outcome at the Farragut Boat Club in Chicago. Once the Yale's victory was announced and all bets were paid off, one of the young men happened to pick up a stray boxing glove, throwing it at another young man who hit it with a pole.

Article #3 - Softball History

The history of softball is by far the clearest of all documented sports related histories. Meaning that football history, soccer and golf among other sports all have much more convoluted beginnings compared to softball history. It is a relatively young sport that was originated in Chicago in 1887.

Article #4 - The History of Softball

Softball evolved from baseball in the USA. The first version of the game was played in Chicago in 1887. Different variations were played under the names of "Diamond Ball", "Kitten Ball", "Mush Ball", "Pumpkin Ball" and "Recreation Ball". In 1900 in Minnesota, USA, the first softball league was organised and in 1926 the game was officially named "Softball". In 1933, the Amateur Softball Association (America) was established and a Joint Rules Committee was formed to standardise the rules. Softball flourished in the USA during the 1930`s. During World War II, American servicemen played the game wherever they were stationed, introducing softball to other countries.

Article #5 - History of Softball

The game of softball originated in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day in the year 1887. A group of men gathered to hear a football game at the Farragut Boat Club. When the football game was over, one of the men picked up a stray boxing glove and threw at one of his friends, who hit it with a broom handle to serve as a bat.

There are quite a few more pages on the internet about the great history of our sport but this will give you enough reading to give you a pretty good idea.

Enjoy learning about it!