Softball: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Oct. 22, 2026

News •

2027 North Shore Girls Softball League Spring Season registration is open • Oct. 15, 2026, 7:22 PM ET (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Facts

Also Known As	mush ball • playground ball • indoor-outdoor • diamond ball • kitten ball

Photos

A softball batter in a white and navy uniform swings at a pitch as a catcher in blue gear crouches behind home plate during the World Championship Softball in Haarlem, Netherlands.

Chicago indoor baseball team

Two women playing softball in 1919.

Diagram of a softball diamond, indicating pitching distances for men and women

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Topics

slow-pitch softball Olympic Games Baseball Summer Olympic Games umpire American football football cricket rugby Basketball ice hockey Australian rules football polo Canadian football lacrosse

Key People

Lisa Fernandez

Lisa Fernandez

American softball player

U.S. softball captain Dot Richardson

Dot Richardson

American softball player

Assorted sports balls including a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball and others.

American Sports Nicknames

Volleyball match

Sports Fun Facts Quiz