men
The first game of softball was played on Thanksgiving Day in 1887 in Chicago. George Hancock is credited with the invention of the (originally) indoor game.
soccer, softball, baseball, dance
Softball was invented in 1887 but everybody played it. Not until later did mostly women play baseball and men can play softball too.
11" circumference for women's slow pitch softball.
for entertainment, and because the men who played baseball were away at war.
Men
The first women's softball team was formed in 1895 at Chicago's West Division High School. They did not obtain a coach for competitive play until 1899. But in 1904, the Spalding Indoor Baseball Guide devoted a large section of the guide to the game of women's softball (presumably to reach a new demographic for its equipment) and the women's game began to grow.
No, Women never earned that right, but Women enjoy Softball leagues where Women are free to play.
According to answers.com, 3,523 women and 6,797 men competed at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
I believe back when they were first written the women roles where played by men because women were not allowed on stage
For Varsity sports: Baseball, Men's and Women's Baseball, Cross Country, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Men's and Women's golf, Men's and Women's Gymnastics, Women's Lacrosse, Men's and Women's Rowing, Women's Lightweight Rowing, Sailing, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Squash, Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving, Synchronized Swimming, Men's and Women's Tennis, Track &Field, Men's and Women's Volleyball, Men's and Women's Water Polo and Wrestling
girls or men who play softball