Softball

My earliest memories as a child root in the innocent competitiveness of recreational sports.

While each sport a played holds a special place in my heart, playing softball most reminds me of my fondest memories with my teammates.

As I recounted the joys of my athletic childhood, I began to wonder about the history of softball. Did it originate from baseball? Did women traditionally participate in softball’s gameplay?

I’d played this sport for years and had no answers. I did what I always do and researched to put an end to my shoulder-shrugging.

A group of football fans accidentally invented softball during the 1887 Yale vs. Harvard Thanksgiving Day football game.

When Yale won the game, a fan playfully threw a boxing glove at his opposing friend. Athleticscholarships.net explained how the group of alumni made history:

“The Harvard fan swung at the balled-up glove with a stick, and the rest of the group looked on with interest. George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade, jokingly called out, “Play ball!” and the first softball game commenced with the football fans using the boxing glove as a ball and a broom handle in place of a bat.”

Since then, the game has evolved and transformed into one of the most popular and beloved American sports to date.

Softball wins the award for the most-spirited sport I’ve participated in. My voice quickly went horse from hollering my team’s clever, shady cheers that playfully mocked the other team.

Additionally, softball taught me how to play nice- especially with other girls! Extracurriculars like dancing, cheerleading and pageantry tend to have a competitive edge that puts young girls against each other.

Softball requires teamwork and thoughtful understanding.

Lastly, the game surely toughens you up!