Softball is called softball because its original version in 1887 used a large, soft, indoor play ball. The game evolved from an indoor adaptation of baseball. Its initial form featured a much larger, softer projectile.

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TL;DR

Softball originated in 1887 at Chicago's Farragut Boat Club when George Hancock used a soft boxing glove as a ball and a broom handle as a bat for indoor play. While early regional names included "mush ball" and "kitten ball," Walter Hakanson proposed the official name "softball" in 1926 to unify the sport.

How Did the Game Begin?

Softball began as a spontaneous indoor adaptation of baseball specifically designed for restricted gymnasium spaces during winter months. George Hancock invented the game after a Yale-Harvard football game in 1887, using a 17-inch ball made of soft materials and a small bat. This setup allowed athletes to maintain their skills indoors without the risk of breaking windows or injuring others with a hard leather baseball. See more on trackbarn.

As the sport progressed, it moved outdoors but kept the larger, softer ball to differentiate it from traditional baseball. Early players found the softer core easier to handle without gloves, which was common in the game's infancy. Over time, the ball's construction changed to include a solid cork or polycore centre, making it just as hard as a baseball despite the name.

Who Chose the Official Name?

The official name "softball" was coined by Walter Hakanson of the YMCA in 1926 during a meeting of the National Recreation Congress. Before this standardization, the sport suffered from a lack of identity, with different regions using a variety of nicknames based on local preferences or ball types. The shift to a single name helped formalise the rules and paved the way for international competition. See more on proplayerteam.

The following table highlights the various names used for the sport before the 1926 standardization:

How to Decide if Softball Is Right for You

If you're considering joining a league or purchasing equipment like custom team jerseys, consider these factors:

• Determine if you prefer the fast-paced reaction time of fastpitch or the social nature of slowpitch.

References:

• USA Softball History
• WBSC Softball History
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball

Our Expert

Nic Reese

Our Sport Expert

Nic Reese is a sports expert and lifelong enthusiast with a deep focus on bowling and competitive team sports. He brings practical insight, real-world experience, and a genuine passion for the game into every piece of content. Nick is driven by a love of sports culture, performance, and helping players and teams perform at their best.