Fastpitch softball is a team game similar to baseball with differences that include the field size, bats and balls used, and the method of pitching. There are also some rules and strategies that are unique to fastpitch.MSN Encarta: Softball

The Amateur Softball Association ASA, founded in 1933, was appointed the national governing body of softball by the United States Olympic Committee in 1978. There are 245,000 registered ASA teams, with over 3.5 million players. The ASA is headquartered in Oklahoma City, and hosts the gold national tournament there annually.Official Site: ASA Quick Facts

Fastpitch softball became a Summer Olympic event in 1996. The United States team won the inaugural gold medal.Official Site of United States Softball: ...USA Softball at The Olympic Games In 2000, the United States defeated China, Australia and Japan to win their second gold medal.Official Site of United States Softball: History of USA Softball at The Olympic Games The United States team won their third straight gold medal in 2004, allowing just one run in their nine games.Official Site of United States Softball: History of USA Softball at The Olympic Games During the 2006 winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee voted to remove softball from the summer Olympics in 2012.Official Site of United States Softball: History of USA Softball at The Olympic Games In 2008, Japan defeated the United States 3-1 in the gold medal game, in what might be the last Olympic softball game ever played. It was Team USA's first loss since September 21, 2000.NBCOlympics.com: In Softball Stunner, Japan Upsets U.S. For Gold (August 21, 2008)

• • Akron Racers
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