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Questions and Answers
When was softball invented?
When was softball invented?
1887
What is the circumference of a softball?
What is the circumference of a softball?
The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) was founded in 1933.
The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) was founded in 1933.
True
How far is the pitcher's mound from home plate in fast pitch softball?
How far is the pitcher's mound from home plate in fast pitch softball?
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What year did women's fast pitch softball become a Summer Olympic sport?
What year did women's fast pitch softball become a Summer Olympic sport?
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Which of the following statements are true about slow-pitch softball? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following statements are true about slow-pitch softball? (Select all that apply)
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Softball is played with a smaller ball than baseball.
Softball is played with a smaller ball than baseball.
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What major difference exists in how the ball is pitched in softball compared to baseball?
What major difference exists in how the ball is pitched in softball compared to baseball?
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What is the distance between bases in a softball game?
What is the distance between bases in a softball game?
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What unusual items were used to play the first known game of softball?
What unusual items were used to play the first known game of softball?
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Study Notes
Softball History and Development
- Invented in Chicago, Illinois in 1887 as an indoor game.
- Uses a larger ball (11-16 inches circumference) than baseball.
- Played on a smaller field (60-foot bases) than baseball.
- Pitcher's mound distance varies (43-50 feet from home plate).
- Home run fence distance depends on the type of softball played (200-220 feet).
- Faster pace than baseball, with less time for base runners and fielders.
- Named "softball" in 1926, although modern balls are hard.
- 1933 Chicago World's Fair tournament boosted popularity.
- Governed by organizations like the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America (founded 1933), USSSA, and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
- Women's fastpitch softball was an Olympic sport (1996), later dropped (2012), and planned for reinstatement (2020 Olympics delayed due to COVID-19).
Softball Rules and Variations
- Two main rule codes: slow-pitch and fast-pitch.
- Slow-pitch: ball must arch, 10 players, no bunting or stealing bases (11-inch ball for women, 12-inch for men).
- Fast-pitch: fast pitch, 9 players, bunting and stealing permitted, no leading off. Fast-pitch is more common in some areas (e.g., Virginia high schools).
- Olympics feature women's fastpitch softball.
- Softball rules differ from baseball: underhand pitching (50 ft in slow pitch, 46/43 ft in fast pitch for men/women; compared to baseball's 60.5 ft overhand pitch); 7 innings (or 1-2 hours depending on league) vs. baseball's 9 innings.
- Softballs are not soft (except foam practice balls), about 12 inches in circumference (11 or 12 inches for slow-pitch). Recreational leagues for children often use 11-inch balls until around age 13.
- Smaller infield than adult baseball, identical to Little League Baseball. Bases are 60 ft apart in softball, vs. 90 ft in baseball.
- In fast-pitch softball, the entire infield is dirt, unlike baseball's grassy infield (except at bases and the pitcher's mound).
- Softball mounds are flat, while baseball mounds are hills. This affects the ball's arc towards the plate.
The First Softball Game
- First game played in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day, 1887 at the Farragut Boat Club.
- Originated from a playful altercation between Yale and Harvard supporters after a football game.
- A boxing glove was used as the ball, and a broom handle as the bat.
- Game ended with a score of 41 (additional details of this score are unavailable in this text).
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Description
Explore the fascinating history and development of softball, originating in Chicago in 1887. This quiz also covers the main rules and variations, including slow-pitch and fast-pitch formats, as well as the governing bodies that regulate the sport. Test your knowledge on key milestones and regulations in the world of softball!
