Slowpitch Softball

Slowpitch softball is a bat-and-ball team sport, which has the primary objective of scoring more runs than the opposing team. Games are split into seven innings; when three “outs” are marked, the teams switch offensive (batting) and defensive (fielding) positions. The fielding team consists of ten players; three basemen, four outfielders, a catcher, shortstop, and pitcher and their aim is to catch struck balls, thus prevent scoring, and to record “outs.” The offensive team involves striking the ball with a bat before attempting to run around the bases. The order of the batting team is predetermined prior to the game. The game begins when the first batter is positioned on the home plate and the fielding team are in position. The pitcher initiates the game by throwing the ball underhand into the home plate; the pitcher is not allowed to windup their arm and use the windmill technique when throwing the ball. A run is scored when an offensive player is able to successfully touch first base, second base, and third base before returning to touch home plate. If the defensive side tags a baserunner with the ball or catches a ball that has been hit, or if the offensive batter records three strikes, an “out” is recorded and teams switch positions. In less competitive slowpitch softball games, the pitcher is from the same side as the offensive team in order to facilitate better hitting. Some other slowpitch softball leagues require the throw from the pitcher to be arched in order to count as a legal throw.

Slowpitch softball originated in the late 1800s in Chicago and began to grow in global popularity. Immigrants from the United States of America brought the sport to Canada and the first Toronto league was established in 1897.

Slowpitch softball is played in GTA outdoor parks during the summer months.

Males and females of diverse ages and ethnocultural backgrounds.