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Softball

Softball is a bat-and-ball sport similar to baseball, played on a smaller field with a larger ball.

Created in 1887 to keep baseball players fit during the winter months, softball was introduced to Australia in 1939 through promotion into NSW schools and colleges.

The first national softball body, Australian Women’s Softball Council (AWSC), was formed in 1949. 1

Discover more about softball

Clearinghouse evidence base

Evolution:

  • Australian Women’s Softball Council (AWSC) [1949-1972]
  • Australian Softball Federation (ASF) [1972-2000]
  • Softball Australia [2000-]

Participation

A softball

An estimated 31,000 Australians [aged 15+] participated in softball at least once in 2025. 2

Icon of a baseball glove

An estimated 10,000 Australian children [aged 0-14] participated in softball at least once in 2025. 2

A baseball bat and ball

An estimated 18,000 Australian women and 13,000 men [aged 15+] participated in softball at least once in 2025. 2

Explore further participation statistics for softball through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab

Governing body

Softball Australia, opens in a new tab is the national governing body for softball in Australia, recognised by governments at all levels.

History

The Australian Women's Softball Council (AWSC) adopted the name Australian Softball Federation (ASF) in 1972. In 2000, the organisation was renamed Softball Australia. 1  

Documents

The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.

REFERENCES
  1. History, opens in a new tab, Softball Australia, (accessed 14 January 2026).
  2. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 15 May 2026).

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