A bat-and-ball team sport similar to baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field.
Origin and rules
Softball was invented in Chicago in 1887 as an indoor winter version of baseball. Two teams of nine alternate at bat and in the field, with the offensive side trying to hit the larger ball and circle four bases.
How it plays
Games last seven innings. In fastpitch softball, pitchers throw underhand at high speed from a 43-foot mound. The smaller diamond compresses the action, with bases 60 feet apart and fielders working at close quarters.
Competition
The WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup is the leading international event. Collegiate softball in the United States is a major draw, capped by the Women’s College World Series. Softball returned to the Olympics in 2020.
Find more sports by letter
Softball starts with S and ends with L. Browse other sports along the same letter.
Sports that contain a letter from "Softball":