Softball enthusiasts around the globe unite to celebrate World Softball Day each year on June 13. Conceived by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), this day is dedicated to promoting the sport, celebrating its rich history, and broadening its reach to people of all ages and backgrounds.
World Softball Day isn’t just for players and coaches, it’s a day for parents, fans, and communities to come together in their shared love for this dearly treasured sport.
History of World Softball Day
Every year on June 13th, the world celebrates World Softball Day. This date holds special significance, as it was on this day in 1991 when the International Olympic Committee outwardly recognized the sport by incorporating it into the Summer Olympic Games for the first significant time.
Starting its journey as an indoor activity for baseball individuals during winter in 1887 in Chicago, softball has seen many modifications, including the fastpitch and slowpitch versions. As World War II soldiers carried softball overseas, it acquired global recognition, culminating in the formation of the International Softball Federation in 1952 to regulate the sport on an international scale.
The first-ever World Softball Day was held on June 13, 2005. This day was the brainchild of the International Softball Federation, now known as the World Baseball Softball Confederation. The main objective was to spread awareness and increase the popularity of the sport globally, providing a rallying point for softball enthusiasts.
To celebrate World Softball Day, softball activities, such as tournaments, games, and clinics, are organized worldwide, inviting individuals of all skill levels to participate. It’s also a day to honor coaches, players, umpires, and all those involved in promoting the sport.
World Softball Day Timeline
Invention of Softball
Inventor George Hancock created an indoor game in Chicago that would later evolve into softball, initially using a boxing glove as the ball.
Formation of The Amateur Softball Association
The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) was formed and established a standard set of rules for the game.
World's Fair
Softball was included in the Chicago World's Fair, which led to increased national exposure and popularity for the sport.
International Softball Federation
The International Softball Federation was established to oversee the sport around the world and promote it internationally.
Men's Softball World Championship
The first Men's Softball World Championship took place.
Softball in the Olympics
The International Olympic Committee votes to include softball in the Olympic Games.
World Softball Day
The first World Softball Day was celebrated on June 13th.
Ideas to Celebrate World Softball Day
Dedicate a Softball Tournament
Plan and host a community softball tournament. Participants not only get to play and enjoy, but also come to appreciate the global sport of softball. You can present World Softball Day facts and trivia during half-time.
Softball Skills Workshop
Team up with local clubs or sports facilities to hold free softball workshops. These events can focus on introducing softball to beginners, improving skills of current players, learning new strategies or understanding the game overall.
Streaming Softball Classic Games
On World Softball Day, arrange an outdoor screening of classic softball games. This can encourage participation in the sport and also let everyone enjoy and appreciate the exciting games in softball history.
Promote Fitness and Softball
Host a fitness seminar incorporating softball training exercises. Softball is a sport that fosters physical strength and endurance. This seminar can help attendees understand the importance of physical fitness in softball and sports in general.
World Softball Day Social Media Campaign
Start a hashtag campaign on social media platforms calling on fans to share their favourite softball experiences, photos, and reasons why they love the sport. This will help in bringing together a broader audience of the softball community.
8 Interesting Facts About Softball
Origin of Softball
Softball was invented in 1887 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. It was created as an indoor game and was initially known as 'indoor baseball'.
Softball in the Olympics
Softball was introduced into the Olympics in 1996 and remained a part of the Olympic program until 2008. It was reinstated for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Size of Softball
Despite the name, a softball is not soft. It has a diameter of approximately 3.9 inches and weighs around 6.25 to 7.00 ounces.
Pitching Style
Unlike baseball, which is pitched overhand or sidearm, softball is pitched underhand. This can result in very high pitching speeds, sometimes exceeding 70 miles per hour in fastpitch softball.
Game Time
A regulation game of softball lasts seven innings, as opposed to nine innings in baseball. If the game is tied at the end of seven innings, it can go into extra innings.
World Participation
According to the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), it is estimated that over 65 million people play softball in over 140 countries worldwide.
Bat Construction
Softball bats are typically made out of two materials: composite or aluminum. Composite bats offer a larger 'sweet spot' and less vibration, but aluminum bats are generally more durable and less expensive.
Team Members
Each softball team has 9 players in the field at a time. This includes a pitcher, a catcher, four infielders (first baseman, second baseman, shortstop and third baseman), and three outfielders.
World Softball Day FAQs
Next World Softball Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 13th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | June 13th | Thursday |
| 2025 | June 13th | Friday |
| 2026 | June 13th | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 13th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every June 13th | |
World Softball Day Word Search
- Softball
- Glove
- Pitcher
- Catcher
- Umpire
- Strike