History

• The game of softball originated in 1887 in Chicago. Believe it or not, the very first softball was actually a rolled up boxing glove. The very first softball game also took place at a boxing club. Someone grabbed a boxing glove and tossed it at someone who smacked it with a born. And the game was born. Obviously, using a boxing glove wasn't practical so the ball evolved to use something smaller and more similar to a baseball.
  
  

Features

• The inside of a softball is made of either cork or rubber. Wrapped around this inner core are two figure eight-shaped pieces of leather. The two leather pieces are sewn together with red thread to form a smooth seam. The outer covering of a softball can also be made of synthetic materials, which last longer.
  
  The soft material construction of a softball increases the safety of the game. A softer ball helps prevent injuries. Despite the "softball" misnomer, some individuals hit the ball off the bat extremely hard. Bat speeds of 70 mph are normal in a recreational softball game.
  
  Softballs come in both yellow and white coverings. Yellow softballs are starting to become the normal playing ball for co-ed leagues and women's games. The yellow covering stands out visually with its bright neon yellow. White tends to be used for men's games.
  
  

Size

• Softballs differ in size based on what part of the country the game is played in. In Chicago, the ball is 16 inches in circumference. Wheelchair softball leagues also tend to use the 16-inch softball. Many people in Chicago actually play softball without the use of a glove because of the ball's size. In other parts of the country, the standard softball must measure between 1.88 and 12.13 inches in circumference. Some women's teams play with an 11-inch softball. In general, men play with 12-inch regulation softballs. The weight of a softball is very specific too. Regulation softballs must weigh in between 6.25 and 7.0 ounces.
  
  

Considerations

• Softball play and equipment is highly regulated through a multitude of leagues. Two of the largest regulating agencies are the American Softball Association and the National Softball Association. Both of these entities regulate the types and styles of softballs used in league play. These agencies regulate the actual ball shape and structure for safety reasons. How a ball "pops" off a bat is a big consideration since a lighter ball can be hit harder.
  
  Teams playing in American Softball Association leagues are required to purchase and use balls that are stamped with an ASA stamp. This league has approved these balls and these are the only softballs that can be used in regulation play. Leagues also have lists of approved bats. This is done to prevent any team having an unfair advantage but also to protect pitchers from high-speed hits.
  
  

Types

• Some teams use weighted training softballs for practice. These are heavier than a standard softball and weigh between 8 and 12 ounces. Using a weighted softball increases the strength of catchers and outfielders. Training softballs are usually made of plastic rather than the more expensive cork and leather of a regular softball.