Skip to main content
  • ActiveMapX Login
Home
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • WSNews
  • Jobs
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • #LIKEaGIRL
    • ACTIVEMapX
  • #HerMoJo
  • CHANNEL247
  • Girls & SPORT
  • MoJoManuals
  • WSNews247

#Softball #GenderEQUITY - Is Softball Sexist? WITH @nytimes

Softball was invented in 1887 by men, though it came to be seen as an easier, “safer” and more modest game more suitable, that is, to ladies.

OVER the next three weeks, baseball players from around the country will compete in three regional tryouts for a chance to make it onto the United States baseball team. These are among the most elite, dedicated and talented athletes in their sport, and the best of them will go on to play against teams from Japan, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Venezuela and Taiwan in the World Cup tournament held in September in Miyazaki, Japan. 

Baseball evolved from the British game rounders, played by both girls and boys. Softball was invented in 1887 by men, though it came to be seen as an easier, “safer” and more modest game more suitable, that is, to ladies.

The conventional wisdom is that baseball is for boys and men, and softball is for girls and women. But women have been playing baseball since long before they had the right to vote. As the national pastime went professional, women were forced out of it and into softball. 

Both men and women swim, ski, snowboard and run marathons and sprints. Both play tennis, soccer and basketball. Softball, though, is a completely distinct sport, with different pitching underhand — and different equipment, including a larger ball. It also has shorter distances from pitcher to home plate and between bases, fewer innings and a smaller outfield. 

What if we just admitted that softball and baseball are not, in fact, “separate but equal” but entirely different sports? There is no rational basis to claim that girls can’t throw overhand, run 90 feet between bases or handle a hardball. And there is no reason but sexism to prevent them from doing so.

 

MORE FROM: @nytimes  HERE

 

 

PLEASE FOLLOW @WSNet FOR LATEST INFO, LINKS & UPDATES -  Click to follow @WSNet on Twitter 

WSNet - a self-funded network of groups & individuals working as associates & volunteers. A not-for-profit community of over 100k worldwide. Crystallising issues & coordinating opportunities in WomenSPORT & Fitness by working in partnership to raise the profile of WomenSPORT & SportsWomen, alleviating gender-bias & empower through sport/fitness in everyday life.

 

 
Back to news list
Netball Mojo


  • Follow Us
  • Twitter

© The Women's Sport Network Ltd. 2021: Reg. No. 07784934 -
Registered in England & Wales. Registered Office: Warren Place, Birch Vale, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 2PX, UK

© HerMoJo, Twing_IT, WSN-TV, #WonderWall, WSNet, the WSNet 'Flower' & 'Petals' are registered trademarks and subject to worldwide copyrights of The Women's Sports Network Ltd. WSNet & its worldwide partners claim no rights to the term #ShowUP ©Twing_IT, HerMojo, #WonderWall, ACTIVEMapX - are operated by WSNet on a worldwide licence - all rights protected by the licensee

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Commercial
  • Google+

Newsletter Signup

WELCOME
The Women’s Sports Network

Is a self-funded, international cooperative of individuals working
independently as associates and part-time volunteers.
A not-for-profit community supporting women & girls
Empowerment via Sport into Leadership.
Please FEEL FREE to sign up for our ‘not too’ regular updates.