The game of softball originated in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day in the year 1887. A group of men gathered to hear a football game at the Farragut Boat Club. When the football game was over, one of the men picked up a stray boxing glove and threw at one of his friends, who hit it with a broom handle to serve as a bat.

The first women's softball team was formed in 1895 in Chicago. A coach was not obtained for competitive play until 1899.

The International Softball Championships in 1965 developed women's softball by making it an international step towards the Pan-American Games and the Olympics. Eleven years later, the International Women's Professional Softball League was formed.

I support and love the game myself. Played many years but during my days on the field, The pitching style back in those days wasn't the traditional windmill pitch which is used today. I pitched for various churches in our area and also played in high school. Can't recall but don't think college scholarships were offered back in the '60's for girl's softball. Wasn't the sport of choice and not nearly as popular as it is today.

We have one daughter who played throughout life. Became very active in one organization and also played in high school. She was offered a college scholarship, took advantage of the education and has a promising career today. Another daughter played for many years and was a natural athlete. She didn't have any interest in playing college ball but as she has aged, still enjoys playing on a slowpitch softball team with her friends. How times have changed over the last 40 years with females and sports.