The origins of softball date back to 1887, with records showing that the first game was played between Yale and Harvard alumni, on September 16, 1887 in Chicago. Originally an indoor game envisioned for baseball players to keep up their skills in the winter, it began being played outdoors and quickly spread across the US and Canada. There are 126 countries that are currently registered with the International Softball Federation. Softball - women made its debut at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta and the Canadian Women’s teams were very successful. The sport was removed from the Olympics following the 2008 Games however, will make its return in 2020. Men’s Softball has not been included in the Olympic program, but a World Championship is played. Many former Team BC athletes have previously played, and are currently playing, for Canada on the Women's and Men’s National Teams.
Softball differs from baseball in a number of ways including the ball, while not soft, it is larger than a baseball. The infield has bases 60 feet apart as opposed to 90 feet apart in baseball. Seven innings are played in a typical game and pitchers must pitch the ball underhand to the batter.
Softball is one of the most popular summertime participation sports in Canada, with over a quarter of a million Canadians of all ages and both genders hitting the diamonds every year in competitive and recreational leagues. Softball is a highly accessible sport, with little investment required in the way of equipment and facilities.