Softball is one of America’s most loved sports. It’s fast. It’s fun. And it’s full of surprises. But have you ever wondered who came up with this exciting game?
TLDR: Who Invented Softball?
Softball was invented in 1887 by a man named George Hancock in Chicago. It started as an indoor version of baseball. Over time, it became a popular outdoor sport of its own. Today, millions play softball around the world!
How Did Softball Begin?
Let’s go back to a chilly day in November 1887. A group of people had gathered at the Farragut Boat Club in Chicago. They were waiting to hear the results of a football game between Yale and Harvard.
When Yale won the game, a fan from Yale playfully threw a boxing glove at a Harvard fan, who swung at it using a stick. That simple swing sparked the idea for a new game.
George Hancock, a reporter who was watching, shouted, “Let’s play ball!” He drew a diamond on the floor with chalk, tied up the glove into a ball shape, and the game began right there—indoors!
This moment is marked as the birth of what we now call softball.
Who Was George Hancock?
George Hancock worked for the Chicago Board of Trade. He loved baseball and had a creative mind. That night in the club, he imagined a way to enjoy baseball even when it was cold outside.
He quickly came up with:
- An underhand pitch (different from baseball’s overhand throw)
- Bats made of broomsticks
- A soft, tied-up boxing glove as the ball
By the next week, he had written down rules to make the game official. In just a couple of years, people were playing it all across Chicago.
From Indoors to Outdoors
At first, the game was called indoor baseball. By 1895, women started playing it outdoors in Minneapolis, Minnesota. And that began a big shift. The game kept growing and changing.
It got different names in different cities:
- Indoor-Outdoor
- Indoor Baseball
- Kitten Ball
- Diamond Ball
But don’t worry—it’s all the same game!
Eventually, in the 1920s, the name “softball” finally became popular. The name was used because the ball was softer than a regular baseball—at first, at least. Later the ball wasn’t really soft anymore, but the name stuck!
Why Was Softball Invented?
George Hancock didn’t plan to create a new sport; it just happened! But there were a few reasons why people liked it so much:
- It could be played indoors during winter
- It needed less space than baseball
- It was easier to learn and safer for beginners
Before long, schools, leagues, and clubs all over the country adopted the game.
Key Moments in Softball History
Let’s look at some big moments that shaped the sport over time:
- 1887 – George Hancock invents the game in Chicago
- 1895 – Women play outdoor softball in Minnesota
- 1926 – “Softball” becomes a common name thanks to the YMCA
- 1933 – First national softball tournament held in Chicago at the World’s Fair
- 1934 – Official rules created by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA)
- 1940s – Softball spreads worldwide through U.S. military during World War II
- 1996 – Women’s softball becomes an Olympic sport in Atlanta
Fastpitch vs Slowpitch
Did you know? There are two main types of softball:
Fastpitch Softball
- The pitcher throws the ball very fast using a windmill motion
- Common in schools, colleges, and pros—especially for women
- Games are quicker and very competitive
Slowpitch Softball
- The ball is tossed in a high arc
- Meant for fun, friends, and recreation
- Popular in adult community leagues
Both types are fun! But they have very different styles.
Softball Around the World
Softball didn’t stay in the U.S. for long. During World War II, American soldiers introduced the game to many countries while stationed overseas.
Now, you’ll find softball being played in:
- Japan
- Canada
- Australia
- Mexico
- The Netherlands
And many more!
Is Softball Still Popular?
Very much so! In fact, millions of people in more than 100 countries enjoy softball today.
It’s played by kids, teens, adults, seniors—you name it! Whether it’s a school team, a women’s college league, or just friends hitting in the park, softball continues to bring joy to many.
Did You Know?
Here are some fun and surprising facts about softball:
- Softballs are actually bigger than baseballs!
- A softball field is smaller than a baseball field
- The game can be just as fast and demanding as baseball
- Some professional players can throw pitches over 70 mph
Wrapping It All Up
So, who invented softball? That would be George Hancock—a man with a quick idea and even quicker reflexes back in 1887.
He sparked a game with just a glove, a stick, and a chalk-marked floor. Today, softball is an international sport full of passion, history, and players of all kinds.
Next time you pick up a bat, remember the humble start at the Farragut Boat Club in Chicago. You’re part of a long, amazing story!