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SUPPORT OLYMPIC SOFTBALL
Issue your vote of confidence here on why softball should remain an Olympic sport.
Be sure to also visit the website for "Back Softball," our Olympic reinstatement campaign.

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Posted by:
Taylor Spang Date/Time: 6/3/2009 9:17:52 AM
Message:
 I am 14 years old and have been playing travel softball since i was 9. I love the sport and have always dreamed of playing on the olympic team. I have seen them play and it is amazing to see all of the teams play. Bring back Olympic Softball it is LOVED!!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
BESENTY GOMEZ Date/Time: 4/21/2009 5:29:28 AM
Message:
 My name is Besenty Gomez, a softball enthusiast, player and coach-to-be in The Gambia. Softball is an all inclusive game that has all ages on board as well as other sports in it like Athletics as in running, Basket as in throwing and catching, Cricket as in batting, Football or soccer as in the drills, Karate or boxing as in the posture for batting and last but by no far the least passion and excitement with which it is received and played in The Gambia is just unbelievable. To deny these young men and women the opportunity to taste and experience their Olympic dream is just really heart breaking....Softball is a game that cuts across generations, gender and racial divide. Let’s heal wounds by getting Softball back to the Olympics in the spirit of Olympism which talks about inclusiveness and bridging cultures and cultivating PEACE in our troubled world. besenty@hotmail.com
Mail Me! Country: THE GAMBIA
Posted by:
Leeza Enfield Date/Time: 4/20/2009 11:03:26 AM
Message:
 I am 14 and play on a 14u team. Now i am playing high school ball. This has been my dream to play on the olympic team. USA is an awesome team that is good and are fun to watch. Bring it back everyone loves it!!!
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Jessica Date/Time: 3/30/2009 6:28:19 PM
Message:
 I am 19 years old and have been playing softball since I was 8. I remember going to the USA games when they were within 7 or 8 hours of my hometown. I played traveling ball as soon as I was old enough and now play college ball. I have worked my entire life to be where I am right now and I am working even harder to go on to keep playing softball as long as possible. I know from experience that even the thought of not having being able to play softball anymore is devestating.. I think the IOC has put the sport itself in a very bad situation. Softball has grown so much over the years, and I would hate to know that it wont be in the Olympics anymore. The IOc needs to realize that Softball is not even close to Baseball and all its problems. They need to see that softball is one of the only sports without these doping problems, and that we do send the best of the best to compete internationally for those games. Softball is a wonderful dream, and life to have and for many young athletes its what they aspire for. Dont take that away now..not when its starting to make a difference.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Rebecca B Date/Time: 3/25/2009 12:46:27 PM
Message:
 I love to play and watch softball. I play on a select team and like many other girls softball is my life, but softball is not just my life, it is life. Softball teaches life lessons such as eating healthy and staying fit. I am doing a paper for school and was wondering if any one had any interesting info or an opinion that they would like to be publicized as i wall also be submitting my persuasive essay to my local News Paper. Thanks for supporting softball in its quest to be put back into the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Coach Soliz Date/Time: 3/24/2009 8:02:07 AM
Message:
 bring Olympics back...our 8U players aspire to play the olympics against other countries players. don’t take away their dreams.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jerrica Kang Date/Time: 2/21/2009 12:45:47 PM
Message:
 It is CRAZY that they would cut Softball from the Olympics. There are not a lot of Pro teams out there and Olympics is one thing that many Softball girls like my self aspire to. I really want to see it get put back in!!! It is a popular and growing sport and is MY LIFE! I know a lot of other girls who feel the same way. There needs to be a comeback so girls who have spent their entire life playing softball don’t have to quit the minute they’re done with college ball. It hardly seems fair. Many of us girls idolize the Olympic softball players and they should never have to cut any sport from the Olympics. Everyone around the world has been in huge support of this Back Softball Movement. This is our dream. Like the slogan for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing: "One World, One Dream". I recently traveled to China (Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Beijing) with the Washington Cultural Exchange to help spread the sport and keep it international. We love it and want it back!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Kim Date/Time: 2/16/2009 8:02:08 PM
Message:
 My daughter is 10 and LOVES softball. Her dream is to play softball in the Olympics when she is old enough, taking softball out will crush her dream of stepping out on the field with the best in the world. She has played on a competetive travel team for the last 2.5 years. She continues to push herself to be the best player that walks out on the field, at 10 she is even working on switch hitting. I didn’t do that until I was in high school! She is amazing in the dirt, what a shame it would be not to be able to see women like this compete at such a high level of play.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
natalie Date/Time: 2/11/2009 12:15:24 AM
Message:
 I’m a softball fan from china.maybe there are also a few people not knowing enough about it,but the fans are becoming more and more all around the world ,expecially after the Olympic games.We cannot live without the wonderful sport.And as far as I considered,no one would like to take softball out of the olympic if he really know it.
Mail Me! Country: china
Posted by:
Brooke Date/Time: 2/1/2009 8:45:29 PM
Message:
 Im 14 years old and i am very interested in softball...Some girls my age have dreams of playing in the Olympics one day but taking it out doesn’t even give them a chance. young girls are the future in softball and some of the olympic players really inspire young people to go out and exercise and play the sports they love. For me, softball is the game i love and i really enjoy watching the olympic teams. it really helps me when i play because i can see what they do and it helps me correct the mistakes i make. so, keep softball in the olympics, it is the future in softball
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Vickie Date/Time: 1/21/2009 11:45:42 AM
Message:
 To the Olympic Committee. Please reconsider your decision to ban Softball from the Olympic Games. Softball is so important to our youth and taking it away would take away the dreams of someday playing in the Olymics. My daughter is 13 years old and has been playing on a traveling team since age 9. She has big dreams of going to college and playing with the hopes of someday trying to play for Team USA. Removing softball from the Olympics, would be devasting to so many young ladies across the United States and even the rest of the world. It has become so popular over the years and needs to be part of the games. Please reconsider and bring softball back for 2016.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Colleen Ahern Date/Time: 1/10/2009 9:58:21 AM
Message:
 Hi. My name is Colleen and I love to play softball! I’ve been playing since I 5 years old. I now play competitive travel for the Glenview Titans 14u. I dream to play on the USA team when I am old enough. I attend every Northwestern softball camp there is and work six days a week to improve my skills. I will soon be having high school try outs. I know that I will take softball to the highest level there is, but if there is no Olympic USA team, my dreams will be crushed! So please please please, BRING SOFTBALL BACK!!! Many other girls have the same dream I have and we need the USA team to play at the highest level! BRING SOFTBALL BACK!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Hannah 13 Date/Time: 12/21/2008 3:04:58 PM
Message:
 Hi, my name is Hannah and I am 13 years old. I have played softball since the age of 6, and I love it!! I am currently playing for the Dreams 14 and under Fastpitch team. There are many kids my age including me, that have a dream of playing on the U.S.A softball team in the Olympics one day. Other kids have dreams too, and this is ours. Why would people want to take away thousands of dreams? I love the sport, and I know many other people do too. I play softball because I love it, it might help get a scholarship one day, and because I want to play in the Olympics on the U.S.A. team. My dream will not come true because we don’t have softball in the Olympics. It’s a heartbreaker. LET’S GET SOFTBALL BACK IN THE OLYPMICS!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Mikayla Purvis Date/Time: 10/19/2008 6:54:27 AM
Message:
 I am 15 and play fastpitch softball for Fort Myers High and the Scorpions travelball team. My dream since I was in fourth grade was to play USA softball with Coach Candrea and participate in the Olympics. I believe I speak for myself as well as the other players and coaches below that we want softball back in the Olmpics for good. No matter if we win or lose, we want to play the game.
Mail Me! Country: united states
Posted by:
Jessica Butler Date/Time: 9/14/2008 9:13:56 AM
Message:
 i play softball and it is my thing my dream is to play for the USA team and be able to do all the things that the olympic team does. i wont have a dream if they take that away then what am i supposed to do PLEASE put softball back in the olympics!!! It doesnt make any since they are keeping ping pong, battmittin, canoing, sincrinezed diving i can understand swimming that takes a lot of serious training. not that i want them taken out of the olymipics other peoples dreams are out their but it’s still rediculos that they can take other peoples dreams away but not theirs! but they are going to take something so big and so loved out of the coolest things in the world. you will be taking so many enourmous amounts of little girls dreams taking this out not just mine. Could you imagine going up to your 7 year old and telling her she will not be allowed to be like jenny finch or crystal bustos when she grows up. her heart would SINK i am sure i no mine has. would you realyy want to do that to so many litte girls? to see them cry and it would be all your fault because you toook all of their dreams away!!
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Lori Riley Date/Time: 9/14/2008 5:10:02 AM
Message:
 Come on everybody. Let’s do what we can to bring back softball in 2016. It’s not fair to punish this great group of athletes or these young girls who are the future of this sport who have spent so much of their time playing the sport they love and to have their dreams ripped away from them like this. I know now I will not watch as many hours of the 2012 Olympics as I did the 2008 games without softball. So let’s all rally together and see what we can do to get this sport back. I’m willing to do whatever I can and I hope most of you are too.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
kiwi Date/Time: 9/3/2008 7:24:52 AM
Message:
 i love softball...if they take it away i have nothing. i have played softball since i was 7. i didn’t think i was any good till my travel ball coach called me and asked if i wanted to play. we was the 1st travel team in our county. i have played with the same team since i was 9 years old. i am 14 years old now and a freshman in high school. i also play basketball and have a great love for it...but not as much as softball. many aau basketball coaches asked me to play for them but i turned them down because i was playing travel softball at the time. i want to play softball in college and i want to play softball for the USA...i don’t know why they would want to take one of the biggest sports out of the Olympics (softball) and keep ping-pong, badmitting... when i saw that they had those "sports" i was like OMGSH (oh my gosh) that is crazy. i think they need to think it over there are lots of girls that love softball they don’t need to take that away from us!
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Cynthia Lue Date/Time: 8/28/2008 8:28:53 PM
Message:
 I have no idea why the IOC voted out Softball in 2005 when they did not even notify the ISF that their sport was on the voting block. For the past few week I have had a heart to help softball become a part of the Olympic Games once again. There are multiple sports in the Olympic Games that do not even look like sports. There are even sports where one country or region dominate. When the IOC used the excuse of that the USA was to dominate in Softball there are other sports where other countries are dominate as well. It does not only apply to Softball. There is race-walking, or better known as "speed-walking", that just looks ridiculous to watch and it does not even look like a sport. There is also Rythmic Gymnastics that is dominated by the Europeans, but mostly the Russians who won both golds this year. Also there is Synchronized Swimming that just looks like dancing underwater. The last is the Trampoline. That "sport" just looks like what the "beat-up" gymnast do when they are injured and have bad knees. Of course I would never want softball to replace an already existing sport but if that is the only way that softball will get back into the Olympics then it must be that way. In the newest Sports Illustrated, there was an article about softball in the Olympics. It said that all softball needs to get back into the 2016 games is to win a majority, such as 51-50. But if softball wins by a landslide, such as 90-10, then there is a chance that softball will be reinstated for the 2012 Games. Deleting softball from the Olympics not only crushes little girls’ dreams in the USA but also throughout the world. Eight countries qualified for the 2008 Olympics and many more countries play softball. I really hope that someone from the ISF is reading this and can use it when trying to lobby for the sport to be reinstated for the 2016 Games and a slim possibility for the 2012 Games.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Stingerz Date/Time: 8/27/2008 7:28:44 PM
Message:
 I am in my first year coaching youth softball (ages 5 to 10). What a pity that they may not have the opportunity to be just like their favorite player in the Olympics. I believe at last count, just in the United States, there were over 35,000 teams and growing each year. Obviously from all the posts below, it is growing around the world. I would like to know the real reason why softball is being taken out of the Olympics. Obviously with the talent worldwide, the United States isn’t so dominant anymore. Bring on the competition! That is why we love the game, it gives us a chance to see the people that we love and care about having a great time doing what they love - playing softball. I spent the last winter league season being an assistant coach because (a) I wanted to learn the skills necessary to effectively coach young girls (who will grow up to be phenominal players) and; (b) to see my daughter smile every time she made an out, got a hit, or made it safely to base. That is where the heart of softball lies - with our children. Please don’t let my daughter’s dreams of being in the Olympics be shattered, because then my dream of my daughter being a happy, thoughtful, productive person will also be shattered. Keep softball in the Olympics!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
ashley sheesley Date/Time: 8/25/2008 5:09:27 PM
Message:
 Me along with many girls around the world are upset with the decision to drop softball in the olympics. I dont see how softball isnt just as much of a sport as soccer, biking, boxing, tennis, and swimming. The olympics are meant to make young people believe they can once represent their country. So the message the olympics are now stating - "sorry, we don’t like that sport, its no longer in the olympics" - is ruining the dreams many people have. Must be the dedication of the girls of the US softball team wasnt recognized by the IOC but some how its recognized by all of us. Someone needs to take a stand and thas what were all doing. We have to wait until october of 2009 to see if were being re-instated in the 2016 olympics. Its a long wait, but it also gives us the chance of more time to state our reasons that the sport should be re-instated. The IOC once stated that the US team was way to dominant and the point of softball in the olympics was nothing but a repeative chance for the US and US only to take home the gold. They were proven wrong when Japan defeated them in the 2008 olympics. The US team is a very good team dont get me wrong, but im stating the obvious fact that its any ones game and the team with the most practice and dedication will be the team who takes home the gold. So spread the word to the whole world because as a softball nation, we are not going down without a fight, and this is coming from a 15 year old softball player. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to realise that softball needs to be RE-INSTATED IN THE 2016 OLYMPICS. email me.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Jeni Davis Date/Time: 8/25/2008 11:58:49 AM
Message:
 By the looks of this message board, there are a lot of people who would like to see softball back in the Olympics. We were shocked to hear that the sport our daughter loves so deeply will not be included in the 2012 Olympics. Please bring it back for 2016 and beyond. Our daughter works very hard and has set a goal for herself to get to the Olympics...and 2016 is just when she would be eligible to attend! PLEASE, please reconsider softball as it is not only swimming and gymnatics that little girls everywhere are setting their sights for GOLD!
Mail Me! Country: Iowa, USA
Posted by:
nick d’aloisio Date/Time: 8/25/2008 11:32:24 AM
Message:
 these women playing softball, no matter what country, are a great example to all young girls on what they can achieve with hard work in any endeavor. my 15 year old daughter has been playing since she was 7 years old, she’s fallen in love with the sport. with today’s world it has helped her keep focused on working hard, with school as a priority, and kept her from taking the wrong path as so many of our young people have. please keep the dream alive for thousands of girls.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Mel Date/Time: 8/24/2008 7:02:37 AM
Message:
 Watching the softball was one of the highlights of the Beijing Olympics for me. It’s such a great game that I was surprised and saddened to hear that it won’t be included in the schedule for 2012. Please, Olympic Committee, bring it back!!
Mail Me! Country: Australia
Posted by:
Taylor Caldwell Date/Time: 8/23/2008 11:42:45 AM
Message:
 I am 14 and Love softball!! I hate this!! I cried for ever over the fact that they took my dream, nd the dreams of other girls just like me away. Softball has never been this big, and why now would they knock it down like this??!! I pitch and want to be the next Jennie Finch, as many other girls want to be. But we have table tennis and trampoline!!!!!!!!!! This is soo stupid!!! E-mail me and put softball in the subject line so I dont delet it.
Mail Me! Country: Usa
Posted by:
Tori Date/Time: 8/22/2008 4:38:40 PM
Message:
 I’ve been playing since i was 4 and always dreamed of playing even though i knew it would probably never happen. I think they should star thier own olympic games just for softball. Im sure the coaches have connects with coaches in the other countrys. It would be a good idea i think! I just don’t want them to stop it altogether thats so sad i LOVE watching them play its amazing!!!!! *tear*
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Rosemary maclean Date/Time: 8/22/2008 11:58:13 AM
Message:
 I cannot see any reason to remove softball from the olympic schedule. There are other quite obscure sports that are there and deservedly so. It is a wonderful sport that builds bodies, minds and personalities. To take it away would be a shame. It is time for the players of the world to band together and make the olympic committee sit up and take notice.
Mail Me! Country: Canada
Posted by:
Kelly Date/Time: 8/22/2008 10:56:31 AM
Message:
 I think the committee should include the men’s game in the application. The fact that New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Japan, Argentian, Venezuela, etc. - not the USA -are powerhouses in the men’s game and that the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Denmark, Great Britain, etc. are coming on strong adds greater credibility to the game overall. It certainly outstrips baseball on the men’s side and speaks much more loudly to the global effect of softball overall. The men’s game can be a strength to the application of brining softball back to the Olympics. Let’s support the overall game.
Mail Me! Country: Canada
Posted by:
Crystal Date/Time: 8/22/2008 10:32:48 AM
Message:
 First, let me say that USA and Japan did a great job on field for softball. I think those who run the Olympics are jerks, they took softball out for two reasons get back at USA for Iraq war and all drug stuff that was going in MLB. The IOC needs not to use these reasons to take out softball from the games for good. Also they really need look how decide is affect all nations who play this sport.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Lena Date/Time: 8/22/2008 1:52:19 AM
Message:
 Congratulations to Japan for winning the gold medal. They proved that softball is a worldwide OLYMPIC sport.
Mail Me! Country: U.S.A.
Posted by:
john green Date/Time: 8/21/2008 11:05:21 PM
Message:
 you would make a huge mistake to take away dreams of so many believers. softball is my favorite sport in the olympics. you take it away i wouldint care to watch. dont punish are team because there great competeters. I LOVE USA.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Fred Date/Time: 8/21/2008 7:54:58 PM
Message:
 I don’t know if this has been covered but in case it hasn’t: another reason that the International Olympic Committee is snubbing softball and baseball is that the London Olympic people didn’t want to construct facilities only for the purpose of these games. They’re not played much (if at all) in England so they don’t already have the facilities as they would for swimming, etc. I’m not saying I agree with this reason so don’t blitz me with hate e-mail! The other reasons I’ve seen for the snub is the US dominance (I guess basketball will have to go now as well) and the fact that Major League Baseball will not allow its players to play in the Olympics. Another factor is that many IOC members didn’t understand what softball is when they cast their ballots -- they apparently thought they were voting for baseball when it was ballot time. Yup, it’s pretty pathetic. Tip of my hat to all the softball Olympians this year. Watching you play was great fun.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Carolyn DeLisle Date/Time: 8/21/2008 2:23:56 PM
Message:
 What better role models are there for women than Cat Osterman, Lisa Fernandez Jessica Mendoza. Give them the opportunity to display their talents. With what we see in sports now adays how can you deny them.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Shannon Date/Time: 8/21/2008 11:30:57 AM
Message:
 Now that the USA hit the silver instead of gold, maybe that will help the initiative to bring back softball. We deserve the opportunity to get the gold back!! To support the initiative to bring back softball to the olympics, go to the back softball campaign. Hopefully someone will let us know what small schools full of olympic hopeful girls can do to help. Until then, it’s a shame that this has happened.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Ann Gerl Date/Time: 8/21/2008 9:10:28 AM
Message:
 Like so many others, I feel the women’s softball athletes are role models for today’s young women and upcoming generations. Now they are wanting to remove the sport and add something like the biking sport - where injuries can happen - and will! How can the Olympics take away softball when they have ping-pong, badminton, and fencing. Who watches them? My husband and I have stayed up each night for the women’s softball team. We are so proud of each and every one of them. Those women have sacrificed time away from their families to train and represent our country only to have their hearts torn out by the deletion in 2012. What are people thinking? Thank you.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Danika Date/Time: 8/20/2008 9:30:47 PM
Message:
 okay, so i have heard numerous reasons as to why softball is being taken out of the olympics. 1. the usa is becoming too dominate..well in response, no offense to all the swimming and michael phelps fans but he has won every race he has been in this year! and thats not dominate? 2. there arent enough supporters...well as far as i know, the numbers are only growing! and if people stick around to watch badminton and trampoline they are definately gonna watch softball. 3.and like numerous other messages said, if your gonna leave in sports like speed walking and trampoline and badmintion, and take out softball, your completely INSANE. i love the sport and i have crappy shoulders so being a pitcher or just throwing at all is made hard and i would give anything to play and now not even to be able to watch the girls i admire play and perservere through injuries, well, just plain old stinks.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Cappy Date/Time: 8/20/2008 9:27:50 PM
Message:
 I can’t believe Fastpitch Softball is out and pairs tissue twirling is in as an olympic sport! Since the USA just happens to be the dominant team in softball, the IOC decides that the sport isn’t worthy of being in the Olympics. Baseball too? And because the pros don’t play? How about synchronized swimming and bicycle moto-x, both time tested "ancient" sports worthy of being reverently included in the Olympics! the politics of international athletics is just sick! I believe that softball should be re-instated at the 2012 games, no reason to wait until 2016. Almost forgot another super sport...team handball! What’s next to be included...rock, paper, scissors?
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Nina Matera Date/Time: 8/20/2008 8:01:44 PM
Message:
 My grandfather taught me to play baseball when I was 6. When I was 9 I started to play in the girls softball league in my neighborhood little league, where because we were girls we played on a concrete schoolyard field. My grandfather always came to my games and win or lose he would always support me. I never made my high school team but it didn’t stop me from playing. I also played soccer if not for these sports I don’t know where girls like me would have done. In 1986 my neighborhood little league started a women’s slow pitch softball league. I immediately signed up. In 1990 I tore the ACL in my left knee sliding into third base but I didn’t let this stop me. I coached my team for the rest of that season and the next which was when my grandfather passed away. It was my teammates that got me through it. The following year I came back as a player with a metal hinged brace on my knee even though I played catcher. I never gave up and my team took 1st place in the league for the next 4 years. When they made softball an olympic sport in 1996 and I saw Dot Richardson play I was simply beside myself. I had never seen fast-pitch softball before and could not believe how good these women were. I saw all the games that year, and the following olympic games. When they said they were taking it out of the games I could not believe it. So many other countries have learned the game and when I watch the games I get so excited every time we score. The US has a large population of children that are overweight and it is mainly because the children do not have enough chances and willingness to go out and play. By taking sports like softball out of the olympics I feel it takes the dreams of the children that play more reasons to stop because their dreams of becoming olympic champions will never come true. If it is because we are too good then why did it take 9 innings before we finally scored against Japan just the other day to get into the gold medal game? Give me a break I don’t think they know what they are taking about? Do we take out swimming from the olympics just because Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals this year and plans to compete in 2012 London or do we just sit back and enjoy the games? I always look forward to watching the olympic summer games for the softball now I feel what’s the point. BRING BACK SOFTBALL!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Kristina Gandara Date/Time: 8/20/2008 3:31:29 PM
Message:
 As a fomer Collegiate Softball player at Texas A&M and a friend and former long time competitor to many of the women on the current USA Olympic team, I am deeply saddened by the news of Softball being cut from the Olympics. Although I will never have a medal of my own, seeing old teammates, and past compeitors compete in the games, it feels as if I am able to satisfy some Olympic dreams by watching them. Now with a daughter of my own, I would love for her to follow in my footsteps, and go even further. The IOC will never fully understand the many hours of hard work and dedication Softball players put into the game. If other countries were introduced to the game, it would undoubtedly catch on and grow immensly, even in Europe. With the sport Fairly new to the Olympics, we needed time for other countries to develop and level the playing field. With the sport being eliminated, we were denied that chance. Other countries were denied that chance. They owe it to the children who look up to the Olympic players now, give them a dream to shoot for in the sport they love. Its only right. It must be reinstated.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
kelsie Date/Time: 8/19/2008 12:45:24 PM
Message:
 I am 14 years old and it is my dream to play in the olympics. But if softball is taken out, my dream can’t come true. And thats the same for any other girl. So back softball, and get rid of the other wimpy "sports" like ping-pong.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Karly Date/Time: 8/18/2008 11:11:32 AM
Message:
 I’ve played softball since I was 5 years old and I’ve always dreamed of playing with the Olympic team. When I heard they were taking it out... I couldn’t believe what I was hearing!!! And then, to make it even worse, I saw this lame badmitton and trampoline event! Besides, softball is as big as its ever been! More and more girls are learning about it and suddenly they’re taking it away and crushing dreams like mine. This is unfair, and I am not going to stand for it. I’m going to send out an email saying similar things like this and I want to get it circulating around the country if we can, so to get it around, please send me an email stating you want me to send it to you! Title it Softball so I know it isn’t spam. So come on ladies!!! Lets get softball back!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Mark Llewellyn Date/Time: 8/18/2008 6:19:51 AM
Message:
 Women around the world deserve a chance to play softball at the Olympics. This sport is a super showcase for talented women around the globe. The IOC made a big mistake in removing this sport from the games. I ask the IOC to reinstate this sport for the 2016 games and beyond.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Katy Date/Time: 8/17/2008 10:29:52 PM
Message:
 Remember Sports Illustrated in previous Olypics, USA softball is the REAL DREAM TEAM! Keep all the other sports like "tabel tennis"(ping-pong), badmittion, and all the other sissy sports. But, I can promise you that thousands of girls from 8u to international level, are willing to get down on their hands and knees and beg. Olympics isn’t the olympics with out Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman. Back Softball!
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
claudia Date/Time: 8/17/2008 10:16:59 PM
Message:
 To Whom It May Concern: It is a profoundly poor decision to drop softball and baseball from the Olympic agenda. And with what events are these two sports being replaced? Someone told me golf and something else, but I have a hard time believing that. I’ve read that they are being dropped because not enough other countries participate. Wasn’t that once the case with basketball? And beach volleyball? Come on IOC, give me a break! Softball and baseball have only had two (count ’em, 2) actual Olympics in which they were events. The other was a trial event. So I guess we, as USA citizens, get screwed--again--by the IOC, huh? Maybe the IOC should see what it would be like to be without, not only our Olympian, but also without our money,huh?
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Katy Date/Time: 8/17/2008 10:13:42 PM
Message:
 I am 13 and ever since I was 8 I have played softball, and dreamed of a gold medal being put around my neck. When I heard softball was being eliminated, I was devastated. I hope softball is reinstated for the 2016 games when I’m a junior in college. :)
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Kristee Pleszewski Date/Time: 8/17/2008 6:20:48 PM
Message:
 I love softball! I have been a great supporter of the local beer leagues and have gotten most of my teammates men and women to watch us going for gold!!! I cannot imagine the Olympics without it! I am 31 and still dream of what could’ve been for me! There are some things that are meant to be in the Olympics and softball is one of them.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Lisa Howell Date/Time: 8/17/2008 2:13:52 PM
Message:
 We also cannot believe that they are taking Softball out of the olympics. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING??? Softball is such a great sport - we also believe that the sport does not get enough credit...or exposure...
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Rick Frazelle Date/Time: 8/17/2008 6:27:40 AM
Message:
 I’m not sure who, why or what politics were involved in making this completely irrational decision, but obviously all of the children throughout the world were not considered. I say politics because there could be no other explanation for this irresponsible decision. I would never say anything disrespectful about any other sport, but when curling, badminton, speed walking, etc. are events in the olympics and softball is not, then something has gone wrong. Like the millions of girls that play softball, my daughter has played from T-Ball to High School, and they all deserve the opportunity or dream of making it to the Olympics. I vow never to watch the Olympics again until softball is reinstated. I hope others understand the seriousness of this ridiculous decision.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
CMorrow Date/Time: 8/15/2008 11:36:38 PM
Message:
 Good Lord! Racewalking is an Olympic sport. The commentators on NBC were having discussions about 1 or 2 shoes hitting the pavement at the same time. Shooting a clay target with a shotgun (with a powder pack taped to the target) is an Olympic sport. YET...Women’s softball isn’t worthy of being classified as an Olympic sport?
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
amanda lee Date/Time: 8/15/2008 10:48:50 PM
Message:
 it’s me again. Im sorry but in my opinion... hey can they have table tennis and badminton and BALL ROOM DANCING in the olympics and taking SOFTBALL out? who brought up that great idea. if that’s what the olympics are coming too.... wow....
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
amanda lee Date/Time: 8/15/2008 10:24:10 PM
Message:
 i just cannot believe that a group of people could vote to take softball out of the olympics. I say that softball (college or better) is not on TV ENOUGH. how can people think that taking softball out of the olympics is going to make it better? the olympics is going to lose A MASSIVE amount of viewers all over the world. i have heard a lot of decisions that were not that smart but this is the most IDIOTIC decision that anyone (especially a group of people) has ever made in my opinion.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
cassidy newbrough Date/Time: 8/15/2008 4:55:20 PM
Message:
 im a 11yr old with a dream,softball and the olympics.how can you take away little girls dreams? im sure there are more than just me out there that feel the same way,most of them are playing in the dirt right now.the sad thing is if the usa dominatied in every event would they take them all out of the olympics?it seems to me that is why its being taken out.look out swimming that will be next...LOL...to all the softball players please support are sport and sent out are message...KEEP SOFTBALL IN THE OLYMPICS AND GIVE US GIRLS HOPE.
Mail Me! Country: usa-p-burg-wv
Posted by:
Rachel Date/Time: 8/15/2008 1:46:40 PM
Message:
 Softball is the best sport ever. I have played since I was 5 and I dream to play on the olympic team on day. But if softball is not back in the olympics in 2016, me and many other girls out there will be crushed. I can’t believe that they would keep handball in the olympics and not womens softball. Get Softball Back!! Go USA!!
Mail Me! Country: USA : )
Posted by:
Jessie Date/Time: 8/15/2008 12:54:34 PM
Message:
 Hey, I an 16 years old and i have been playing softball since i was 6 and my dream from when i was a kid was to be like Jennie Finch and play in the olympics. Now I cant focus on that anymore because softball had been taken out. I think that softball should be put back into the olympics so all the young girls that play have something to play for and to show the world whay there skills. If softball gets taken out then a lot of girls will not play and pretty soon softball wont be a sport anymore just a distant memory. If the USA is to good that should promote other countries to try harder to get bettter programs not force them to drop out. I cant belive that they are taking softball out and leaving water polo and diving which are not sports. Softball should defenitaly be played in the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Amelia Date/Time: 8/15/2008 9:36:41 AM
Message:
 My daughter has been playing softball for 3 years. She recently had the oppurtunity to make All Stars and travel with her team. We were honored to play in the Nationals Tournament in Oklahoma. It was an amazing experience. We had the pleasure of visiting the Softball Hall of Fame. To see my daughters eyes light up and saying this is where I want to be and not only her we were there with a few of her team mates and got the same reaction from them also. It just makes me tear up thinking that those dreams and oppurtunities may never be reality for them. I dont even have the heart to tell my daughter she won’t be watching her favorite players in the olympics again. Softball is hard work. Its not just a game for some of these players. Its a way of life. I strongly believe it is a big mistake to remove it from the Olympics. Please dont make me tell my little girl that the sport she loves and thinks about all day is not going to be there anymore.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
alexis padilla Date/Time: 8/15/2008 9:00:56 AM
Message:
 i LOVE softball a have been playing since i was 5 and i am 14 now i love softball and love watchin it and for softball not to be in the olympics thats hurts me because i have a dream goal of one day to play for USA but without the olympics having softball my dream may not come i hope and pray that it will become part of the olympics again in 2016
Mail Me! Country: united states
Posted by:
Anastasia Austin Date/Time: 8/15/2008 7:14:46 AM
Message:
 I hope that the IOC will be forward-thinking enough to see that softball, which is a fairly young sport in comparison to many of the other Olympic sports, is gaining popularity world-wide. It brings hope and possibilities to girls all over the world, especially in countries that are just starting. I hope the IOC remembers how the Russians dominated Ice hockey for so long or how the Chinese are dominating in events such as Sync. Diving. It provides a goal for other teams, it fuels their drive to be the best players they can be. That possibility of being the team to beat "the best" team. Softball is already making huge strides in that direction. Having softball as an Olympic sport allows girls around the world another opportunity to dream of one day wearing a gold medal for their country. Please don’t take those dreams and opportunities away from girls all over the world.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Kaysee Date/Time: 8/14/2008 11:55:37 PM
Message:
 When I heard that this might be the last year for softball I was devastated because all of us girls in Bobby Sox have dreamed of playing in the Olympics. I definitely think that Softball should be put back in because so many young girls around the world love the game of softball and want to have a chance to play for their countries. Give all those girls a chance. Please put them back into the 2016 Olympics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Stephanie Mello Date/Time: 8/14/2008 11:23:30 PM
Message:
 Hey, I have played softball most of my life. The lessons I learned and the friends I made will be with all of my days. Many of the girls I played with are going to college for the sport, who’s life time dream is to play in the Olympics. I watched there dreams get ripped away just as the got close enough to feel it with in reach. These girls have worked, and are willing to work just as hard as any other athletes in the Olympics. We should not punish a team for being too good, nor should we punish a sport just because a team is too good. Is excellence not what we are told to strive for? Michael Phelps dominates the swimming and is called a hero. The softball team dominates, and loses their chance to compete. It doesn’t make much sense.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Fiona Johnson Date/Time: 8/14/2008 8:00:43 PM
Message:
 hi. I have been playing softball since i was 6. I love the sport an I am on a team who has won a bunch of tournuments. all our wishes are to be in the olympics. I think its horrible that kids our age woulnt be able to live up our dream. and I also cant belive that other sports like water polo can be in it but they are taking softball out!
Mail Me! Country: U.S
Posted by:
Megan Date/Time: 8/14/2008 2:10:00 PM
Message:
 When I heard that softball was going to be taken out of the olympics, I cried. Softball is very important to today’s youth. Growing up playing softball kept me out of trouble and also taught me to strive for what I wanted. I had good grades because of softball. When high school was finished for me, I thought why don’t you coach a team to show the youth what I was taught and make them better ball players. I’ve coached 2 teams since I graduated high school since 2004, and most of my girls are still playing on varsity or at colleges now. Just because softball is a dominant sport here in the USA, does not mean that it should be taken out of the olympics. That is the only sport I look forward to watching during the olympics. I think softball should forever be in the olympics! Jennie Finch, Stacy Nuveman, Crystal Bustos, Michelle Smith, Lisa Fernandez are all women girls can look up to. Keep it in!
Mail Me! Country: USA!
Posted by:
Andrea Sato Date/Time: 8/13/2008 7:38:51 PM
Message:
 HUGE mistake!! it’s impossible!! as everybody has said in all the posts...there are many young athletes who really dream about being in an olympic game. why is softball not an important sport?? I am the pitcher of my team, and inthe pre selection of my country and MY dream was to go to the olympics at least once in my life!! I feel terrible about this!! and it’s so hard i can’t even say it in english anymore...NO PODEMOS QUEDARNOS CON LOS BRAZOS CRUZADOS! NO PODEMOS DEJAR QUE SAQUEN EL SOFTBALL DE LAS OLIMPIADAS, EL SOFTBALL ES TAN IMPORTANTE COMO EL BASEBALL O CUALQUIER DEPORTE QUE HAY ACTUALMENTE EN LAS OLIMPIADAS!!! Sigan posteando que tenemos que lograr que el softball regrese, aunque sea solo un post, cada uno vale mucho, demostremos cuanto valoramos el softball!! EL SOFTBALL ES UN DEPORTE OLIMPICO!!! No dejemos nuestros sueños!!!
Mail Me! Country: PERU
Posted by:
Jessie Date/Time: 8/13/2008 2:35:28 PM
Message:
 Hey everyone, I have been playing softball since i was 5 so about 10 years. I have dreamed about playing in the olympics since i was little always watching it on tv telling my dad was going to be just like Jennie Finch. By 2016 rolls around i will be to old to play in the olympics and so will alot of other girls my age. so i dont think they should take softball out of the olympics and take away my chance of being in the olympics. Everybody should get the same chance of being in the olympics. So those of you suppporters like me mail me and i will also help as much as i can and do whatever it takes to get softball back in olympics where it belongs. And take out water polo which is a game and not a sport. It is a silly game like marco polo. Jessie
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jen Date/Time: 8/13/2008 2:17:04 PM
Message:
 hey, I have been playing softball for 10 years and i love the sport. My dream always has been to play softball in the olympics. I have been watching it for as long as i can remeber. I dont thik it is fair to take it out of the olympics. Doing this it will crush a lot of little girls dreams to play in the olympics and less girls will participate in softball and pretty soon it wont even be cosidered a sport. Just a distant memory. So everyone reading this contact me and i will do whatever it takes to get softball back into the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Danielle williams Date/Time: 8/13/2008 8:45:48 AM
Message:
 hi my name is danielle i love playing softball.I want to be a pitcher . i would love to be in the olympics so they need too bring softball back no one wants to watch bmx biking that is so boring we need softball so other kids can learn to pitch hit and catch and bundt and slap GO USA!! PLEASE BRING SOFTBALL BACK
Mail Me! Country: texas
Posted by:
Pat Date/Time: 8/12/2008 11:53:39 PM
Message:
 I played sports in high school which was many years ago. I have always been interested in women’s sports and was so happy to see the Title 9 program come in since it helped the expansion made many improvement for the women’s sports programs. I was able to watch the prorams start to enable little girls and women to participate and gain the confidence that organized sports can provide which the men have always had all along. I enjoyed watching the U.S. Women’s softball team as they played their way toward the games in Beijing. I didn’t hear about the suspension when it first happened in 2005, they must have kept that a secret. I didn’t hear about it until this past June when I was talking to a friend about the U.S. women’s team. I felt a combination of sadness and anger when I was told there wouldn’t be a women’s softball event at the Olympics in 2012. I began to inquire into how this could happen. All I’ve been able to learn is the U.S. was possibly "too good" or maybe they "won" too often. Then someone said they thought it was because of a lack of interest by the rest of the world in the sport. Horse pucky, give me a break. Why does this always happen when women get "too good" at something? They, meaning the powers in charge, really should have thought about it before they decided to suspend the women’s Olympic softball event. It’s an insult to women to do this to them. I plan to do whatever it takes to see that women’s softball is reinstated and is once again an event in the Olympics. Do they plan to suspend the meter swimming just because Michael Phelps wins all the time and out swims anyone else in the world? I don’t think. Nor will they ever suspend any of the other events the men are involved in and they shouldn’t suspend any of the women’s events no matter how good they are or how much they win. The women softball players are outstanding women both on and off the field, they are a credit and role models for little girls coming up and other women athletes. I hope the women win all of their games in 2008 Olympics and leave the heads of the IOC spinning. GO USA!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Sandra Torrez Date/Time: 8/12/2008 10:00:37 PM
Message:
 i have been playing softball for 10years. i remember the first time i saw softball on played on the olympics i was little and i remember wanting to grow up and play softball so thats when i first started. my first tryout for a travel team was so scary i was more neverous than anything, but i had talent i made the team and seeing all the other girls get cut is like seeing the softball get takin out of the olympics. it makes you wanna quit and think that the sport is over for you. so i TATALLY support back softball and i hope we get it back next year.
Mail Me! Country: California
Posted by:
Randi Date/Time: 8/12/2008 9:37:36 PM
Message:
 I think they should keep softball in the olympics. One because there are a lot of chances that the forein countries will get the funding to promot the sport to the young softball players that are inlined in the community. Then young players who have and will dream of being in the future olympics will be able to follow their dreams of being in the olympics. All I’m saying is that we would miss out on great kids representing their country in the olympics by cutting the game of softball out of the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: California
Posted by:
HARRIS Date/Time: 8/12/2008 7:47:34 PM
Message:
 I am a proud mother of a 12 year old girl who bust her butt with pitching lessons and hitting lessons along with all of the other girls on her travel team. I just can’t imagine these poor girls have dreamed of being able to one day play in the olympics and now to find out that dream may not come true shame on the olympic committee for allowing this to happen they have sports that no one has ever heard of and yet they stay in the olympics. Please realize softball is growing and growing fast and girls are starting younger and younger to start training and learning this wonderful sport. Not only that but if you truly just look at some of the stars of this sport and look at the role models they are for our youth what else could you ask for.. please reinstate softball for the dreams of all who eat breathe and sleep it...
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Camille Date/Time: 8/12/2008 6:38:05 PM
Message:
 I have played softball since i was 5. it’s so disappointing to remove olympic softball. i fully support back softball. i hope that softball comes back to the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: U.s.a
Posted by:
Marissa Levine Date/Time: 8/12/2008 6:36:09 PM
Message:
 I have played softball since I was 7 years old. Prior to that I played tee ball at 5 years and farm baseball at 6 years old. I finally made an All Star team this year when I was 11. There were so many girls that tried out to make the U12 team that we made 2 teams. They A team went to all states and regionals to try and go to the world series. I was on the B team but had so much fun and we played awesome when we had our summer final tournament. I have been watching softball on tv since I was little and there is no reason why this should not be in the Olympics. I hope softball will always continue to be an Olympic sport. I love playing the game and I love watching it too. i know you can do it good luck. Go U.S.A. Marissa Levine, 12, Raynham MA
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Danielle Williams Date/Time: 8/12/2008 6:31:39 PM
Message:
 I play softball and I am currently training to pitch. I am sitting here watching the United States play softball. I learn alot from watching this team play. Please return softball to the Olympics. Why would you remove these athletes from the field and add BMX bikes. Danielle
Mail Me! Country: Unitekeep d States
Posted by:
carlie strange Date/Time: 8/12/2008 6:15:39 PM
Message:
 hay i love softball i dont understand why they are taking it out of the olympics. i have been playing softball since i was 3 and im 15 now. i think they should take another sport out like a pointless one like badmitten or handball. but softball is the most awsome sport ever i cant imagine why they would do that. but i think they should re-instate softball in to the olympics for all the girls around the world
Mail Me! Country: united states
Posted by:
Samantha Date/Time: 8/12/2008 3:54:09 PM
Message:
 I’ve been playing softball for over 6 years now and have always enjoyed the game. I’m very disappointed in the Olympic committee in choosing to remove softball from the 2012 Olympics. It is a shame that they are removing a sport that can have such a positive presence for young girls to full grown adults. It’s a shame to see softball be removed from the Olympic rooster. I fully sport BackSoftball in it’s mission. Good Luck.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Kasey C. Date/Time: 8/12/2008 3:18:55 PM
Message:
 I’ve been playing softball for years and have worked so hard to get to where I am. I’m on a traveling fastpitch softball team and I have wanted to play in the olympics in the future for a while. Softball is my favorite sport to watch in the olympics, and not just because team USA is a great team, but because I like to watch the game being played by people who really know what they’re doing. How can they have all of this handball and synchronized swimming (which aren’t even real sports) and take out softball?
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Court Date/Time: 8/12/2008 2:05:41 PM
Message:
 I have been playing Fastpitch since i was eight and i grew up thinkin that i would be able to play in the olympics and now i cant because they took it out.. It’s not our fault the U.S. dominates every olympics they are trained well. Many girls lik me are losing their dream of playing and the olympics and everyone needs to back softball because to me it is the only reason to watch the olympics and the only reason to get up in the morning to know that you have a big tournament or a big game.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Louann Smith Date/Time: 8/12/2008 1:14:26 PM
Message:
 I am 15 years old and I have been playing softball since I was verry litte. And now that I hear that they took softball out of the olympics in 2012 that pissed me off I was so mad and sad at the same time. I have always wanted to be on the U.S.A team and I will when I am a little older, but I want to go and compete in the olympics and Im sure that there are other girls like me that want to do the very same thing, but they cant without the olympics. With out softball in the olympics there are going to be girls crushed and their dreams will be crushed. SO PLEASE PLEASE PUT SOFTBALL BACK IN THE OLYMPICS FOR 2016 AND KEEP IT IN THE OLYMPICS!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jason Russell Date/Time: 8/12/2008 11:50:43 AM
Message:
 I am so upset over this whole situation. Let me get this straight, softball is being snubbed from the Olympics because the USA dominates the sport, yet badmitton, handball, table tennis and other nonsense sports are being kept in the rotation. This is absolutely ridiculous, Do not drop a sport because one country dominates it, encourage other countries to step-up thier game. Does this mean that diving and table tennis will be dropped because China dominates it, or long distance running will be dropped because Ethiopia dominates that sport. The answer is NO, Why? you ask, because those sports are not dominated by the USA!!!!!!! I am asking, no begging, bring back softball into the Olympics in 2016. My 15 year old daughter plays softball and I would love to see her play in the Olympics if she chose to and made the team, do not take that dream away from so many girls.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
C Lawrence Date/Time: 8/12/2008 10:32:08 AM
Message:
 My daughter is a softball player who spends a tremendous amount of time and effort on improving her game. She spends almost every weekend at tournaments games in our area, and never complains about the 6:00 AM Saturday and Sunday wake ups. She loves the sport. I am grateful that she is interested and involved in a sport that emphasizes girls and women who are strong, athletic and team players. BRING SOFTBALL BACK TO THE OLYMPICS.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Samantha Date/Time: 8/12/2008 10:30:54 AM
Message:
 8 years ago when we took our daughters, then 11 and 7 years old, to an olympic pregame in a town near us, they both decided then and there that they were gonna grow up to be like Cat Osterman. Since then-my girls have worked their butts off and pitch EVERY DAY and are two of the best pitchers in our area. Our oldest made Varsity as a freshman and took her team to the regionals for the first time in the history of our little town. She plays on a National Travel team as well as 2 other city leagues. Our youngest is just starting in the travel thing and is doing great! I am hearbroken that they are taking softball out of the olympics just because no other country can compete with us!! They are going to punish girls like my daughters who have role models and work their butts off to be like them. It is my daughters dreams to play in the olympics and they are still working towards that goal because I know someone will step up to the plate and make things right again! I just want to thank all the olympic team-we again took our daughters to the pre olympic game in June and they got to meet all the girls and get all their autographs again as well as pictures! You all are such great role models and have made my kids such great athletes. I know my girls are going to keep working to achieve their goals of one day competing w/ you in the olympics and for that I owe you so much! I absolutely LOVE to watch my girls play! I’m so proud to be a softball mom-I know how much work it takes to be as good as my kids and I could never express how proud I am of them!! They have given up SO much to practice pitching and I just hope that they KEEP SOFTBALL IN THE OLYMPICS!! GET RID OF air pistols, speed walking, badmitten the list goes on and on of nonsence sports that they ARE keeping! What a shame!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
sandi w Date/Time: 8/11/2008 11:44:59 PM
Message:
 Both my daughter and 2 step-daughters played softball on various leagues...I coached a summer league team. I would certainly rather watch softball than badminton in the olympics! Softball teaches girls teamwork and gives them pride in themselves and their teammates. It should be continued in the Olympics...it’s our favorite Olympic event!! Everyone I know has expressed shock and dismay that very obscure sports are included, yet softball is being weeded out because Team USA dominates...I say "Step up to the plate" other countries. Work on improving your teams. Other sports where one country dominates are not being discontinued! It’s absurd! Keep softball!!!!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Britani Eaton Date/Time: 8/11/2008 11:27:59 PM
Message:
 First of all I have worked my butt off to maybe one day be in the olympics! I have logged the man hours!! I play on 4 teams a year [MHSAA, Little League, National travel League (Mt. Pleasant Drillers) , Midland City League] and travel all over the state of Michigan!! I have been playing softball since I was 8 years old and I am now 15! Softball has taken me places that I never thought would even be possible for me to go! I can’t tell you how disapointed I was when I heard that they were taking softball out of the Olympics after 2008! It has always been my dream to walk out in the opening cerimonies and look @ all the people there cheering for me! I have always dreamed of just one day getting to pitch in an Olympic game! They are taking softball out because it is such an American bassed sport right well is that our fault that the girls here work hard and are good! Why should the little girls like me and my little sister be punished when we have been working forever to maybe one day be in the Olympics! Look @ womens Basketball that was an American Bassed sport for how long and now teams are starting to catch them! Well let that happen for softball! Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t! Why just the other day I was watching the USA play Canada and Canada gave them a run for there money! The teams all around the world will get better! Just give them a chance!! So please I beg just reconsider putting softball back in the olympics!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Toby Date/Time: 8/11/2008 11:21:13 PM
Message:
 So many sports are out of reach to girls and women. Yes things have gotten better, yet we are light years behind men/boys in opportunities to pursue our passions athletically. I was an excellent running back and wide receiver, I played much better football than softball. So without a doubt there was no future for me outside my neighborhood. Plus at age 12 the neighborhood mothers wouldn’t let their boys play tackle ball with me when i turned 13. I am resentful that we as women have different rules for our games, yet have both played and been an avid supporter of womens softball. Why are we being excluded from Summer games in the UK? I’m from the generation that could only practice with the boys for their little league games. I’m pre- soccor generation. GO young women you’ll have the support of us ex-jocks, grin. Anyone out there remember the Lansing Laurels? Or travel league fast pitch in the mid west? I’ve rambled long enough. Lets not slide downhill, lets continue what the likes of Billie Jean, Wilma Rudolf, Babe Dedrickson and many many wonderful role models began. Opening doors for girls of the future to experience the self respect, confidence gaining, and equality for all. Would anyone think of eliminating Mens Basketball from the Olympics, I think not.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Amy Stoodt Date/Time: 8/11/2008 11:06:33 PM
Message:
 I have played competitive softball nearly all my life; including high school, junior olympics, college and semi-pro. It is heartbreaking that softball has been taken out of the Olympics for 2012. Young girls and young women deserve to have this great sport to play at a world class level. It is shocking to me that a fast paced and exciting game like softball is being removed but lower interest sports like air pistol, speed walking and the like remain as Olympic events. You International Olympic Committee should be lobbied to bring Fastpitch Softball back as it is a fantastic sport not only to play but to watch.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
cathy adamson Date/Time: 8/10/2008 10:23:59 AM
Message:
 i was sooo disappointed when i found out they are trying to cancel softball in the olympics. i played softball all my life from the age of 4 -16 when i blew out knee in a game (i was catcher and got slid into) i wasnt able to play anymore but its something thats in your blood i have and 8 year old daughter that i have now coached her team 2 years and i love to give them hope i give out dvd of the womens usa softball team and give them links to the videos for the olympics games. these little girls really need something to look forward to. when i moved to South Carolina in 㥠 they didnt even have a softball team at the high school i went to. i moved from Iowa where softball is huge and i just could not imagine a place that didnt have softball. we need to keep softball alive in the Oympics.... for our babies and their babies. thank you, Cathy Adamson
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Carol Morrow Date/Time: 8/9/2008 12:54:02 PM
Message:
 I’m 48 yrs old. I played softball, semi-professional through the year of 1986. I wish I had the opportunity to play at the olympic level. I have been so excited that young girls had that opportunity I didn’t have. I know you probably don’t want to play the "sex card", but geez! The WNBA has been successful! How dare the Olympic committee decide that the women’s sport of Softball isn’t worthy!
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Amy Pipkin Date/Time: 8/9/2008 12:06:36 PM
Message:
 It is my great hope that through the efforts of all of us softball moms and you know who you are that we will support this effort in any way we can to insure our daughters have the chance of excellence...which is to compete against the best in the world. May God Bless us All.
Mail Me! Country: United States of America
Posted by:
Megan Date/Time: 8/8/2008 8:14:44 AM
Message:
 I have been playing softball since i was 7 years old. It has taught me so many wonderful things about life. I am now 14 and sofball has taken me places i would never imagine i would go. Sofball is not just an American sport it is a sport that girls share all around the world. We all may be sperated by oceans and much more but we all have one common goal and that is to represnt our country in the olympics. The time 2016 rolls around ill be 22 and able to play in the olympics. It has always been my dream and that will never change. If we all fight and unite together I know that we can bring the olympics back into the 2016 olympics. Together we can achieve anything!
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
!!_EVIE_!! Date/Time: 8/7/2008 12:34:45 AM
Message:
 Why should softball be taken out of the olympics, I’m only eleven and I know that isn’t a good idea infact if I told my team they would be outraged. Does that tell you girls aren’t enthusiastic about sport.As a junior player I watch other teams and play other teams and I know that girls in thoses teams, in the back of their minds, are thinking that I could play for my state or even my country. Table tennis is a Olympic sport I really haven’t met anyone who would rather tabletennis over softball. It is so unfair that girls aren’t allowed to play what their best at for for their country. It is irritating and frustrating.
Mail Me! Country: AUSTRALIA
Posted by:
Chris Papps Date/Time: 8/6/2008 10:05:18 PM
Message:
 For any athletes to be denied the chance to participate in the Olympics after winning that right is a travesty of justice. Softball is a worthy sport not tainted with abuses and flawed competitors. My daughters play and I coach, this is part of our life that we cherish. Young people aspire to compete in the Olympic games and to have that taken away is a spiteful and a great leap backwards in an increasingly sedentary and obese world. Reinstate it
Mail Me! Country: Australia
Posted by:
Morgan Date/Time: 8/5/2008 8:20:32 PM
Message:
 I have played softball since I can ever remember. I love watching the World Cup and the Olympics on TV. I look up to every one in the USA team and the tought that they might not ever play in the Olympics upsets me. I enjoy watching these girls and I enjoy how they carrie themselves on and off the field so I hope that they get to be in the 2016 Olympics
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Sabrina Date/Time: 8/5/2008 2:14:48 PM
Message:
 I have played softball my entire life. I remember when I watched the 2000 olympics and dreamed of joining the U.S. team when I was old enough to play. Then in 2005 I heard that Softball was getting taken out of the Olympics, crushing my dreams. Softball has been underated and looked past for so many years and when it finally reached the greatest sports arena, it is to be taken out? By doing this you are limiting how far a girl can dream. What I don’t understand is why? Women get out on that field and they play through their pain, they have passion and heart, they go on that field and get to live their dream, they sweat, bleed and breathe softball, they train long hard hours to be in shape and fit enough to compete just like any other athlete. Don’t limit us, let us reach for the dreams of playing for our countries softball team, our chance to show the world just how tough softball is and how much herat goes into the game....
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Todd Young Date/Time: 8/5/2008 8:27:32 AM
Message:
 My daughters have played softball for the past 8 years. By taking Softball out of the olympics you are doing a great injustice to all these young ladies who dream of representing their countries. Your board has not provided a reason why this great sport was taken out of the 2012 olympics, but be the bigger person and bring this sport back and the hopes of all of our daughters.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Andrea Porter Date/Time: 8/4/2008 12:12:53 PM
Message:
 cat was my coach for a while and to take that away from them and waste all this talent and amibtion is a sin. i have a speech in college that im taking and im doing a speech on putting softball back in. my prof thinks its a fantastic idea and i think that if enough of us complain about it and protest, and get the higher ups in it, it just might work. but that requires more than internet sites popping up.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Tomislav Fritz Ozimec Date/Time: 7/31/2008 12:45:15 PM
Message:
 As an ESF and ISF certified umpire, it goes without saying that I love the sport of softball, and for any reason one might say softball does not belong to Olympic family of sports, I could say ten reasons why it does. Beautiful, fast, competitive, exciting, drug free, amateur, fast growing, just a few things off the bat. So please, whoever can do anything to get back softball to Olympics, DO IT. Hi to every softball lover around the world and PLAY BALL!
Mail Me! Country: Croatia
Posted by:
Shannon Date/Time: 7/31/2008 12:14:53 PM
Message:
 Softball is my life. NO ONE can take that away from me. It’s a shame that there are people that do want to take that away. Everyone has a dream, and mine is to be on the Olympic softball team. But how can that happen if there is no softball in the Olympics?! I, along with many other softball fans, will be heartbroken if softball is taken out of the Olympics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Becca Date/Time: 7/27/2008 7:15:47 PM
Message:
 i am a thirteen year old softball player. I have been playing for 8 years and ever since i can remember i have dreamed of being in the olympics and rep. the US. When i heard that the Olympic Commitee removed softball from the Olympics it took everything that i had been working for away. why should kids in other sports be able to dream big when others in different sports cannot? i just dont understand it. Softball is a sport that is played all around the world, there is no reason that it had to be removed.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Belinda P. - Idaho Diamond Bandits Date/Time: 7/24/2008 9:04:39 AM
Message:
 Why did they decide to remove softball? I realize that the USA team typically dominates, but does that mean you remove gymnastics because Russia or China may dominate. No! Our gals just won a state tournament and we are headed to Nationals next week and every one of those gals want the opportunity to be the best and play for our country. How can they justify taking it away? I have watched a good number of these gals for the past three years and their self esteem, confidence and sportsmanship has grown with them on the field. Team sports builds character, bring back softball, give our girls their dream back!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Eugene Stek Date/Time: 7/23/2008 8:52:59 PM
Message:
 Softball is a true amateur sport that encourages ethics, teamwork, fair play and participation. Aren’t all these factors part of the Olympic charter? As evidenced by the support in this site, and many others like it around the world, withdrawing this sport from the next Olympics was the WRONG decision. To continue to remain credible, the Olympic movement needs to support amateur sports such as softball.
Mail Me! Country: Australia
Posted by:
kristen boren Date/Time: 7/21/2008 9:34:43 PM
Message:
 i cant believe that they took softball out of the olympics. ive grown up watching them play and i ve alwasy dreamed of playinf softball in the olympics. now theyve taken it out and ive lost my dream. the us softball olympic team has brought so much glory to the US by doing what they do best. i really hope they reinstate softball for the next olypmics.
Mail Me! Country: united states
Posted by:
Karen Date/Time: 7/18/2008 5:14:21 PM
Message:
 I can’t believe that this is even brought up to not have softball in the Olympics. After all that has been done to have Softball as an Olympic sport it is a shame that they aren’t going to bring it back. There are so many players, coaches, fans all around the world that do play and enjoy softball that it’s unbelievable that they wouldn’t want to keep it around as an Olympic sport. It really is devastating to think that this could happen. Look at all the girls/women who strive to compete at an Olympic level and now they will be let down with the news such as this happening. Please bring it back in 2016!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Kathleen Date/Time: 7/18/2008 6:03:02 AM
Message:
 Softball does not lead to million $$$$ contracts; it leads to character. My daughters love the game and the there is nothing I would rather do with my time than watch them - or any other girl - play softball. Would you rather have the young women of the world emulate Jennie Finch, Jessical Mendoza, and Cat Osterman or perhaps you feel Nicole Ritchey, Brittney Spears, and the Hilton girls are better role models. BRING IT BACK! Give girls around the world POSITIVE role models who emulate hard work, dedication to a goal, and team spirit. No girl plays softball because she will someday be offered a million dollar contract; she plays for love of the game. Give our young girls back their dream.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Gene Kelly Date/Time: 7/17/2008 1:47:44 PM
Message:
 I wonder what the thought process was that led to the decision to drop softball, and keep sports such as badminton, trampoline, hand ball or table tennis. Softball has been growing in popularity and participation by leaps and bounds the last few years, and there are more opportunities for girls to continue playing past college. It was not too many years ago when stars such as Lisa Fernandez, had to move to Japan to continue playing professional softball, and now those opportunities are available in the U.S.. That alone should prove how popular softball is around the world, so I can see no reason that softball should be dropped from the Olympics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
John Hickman Date/Time: 7/17/2008 2:05:41 AM
Message:
 as a current active umpire in NZ, we are the current ISF Men’s World Champions.... our Black Sox are some of the most underrated athletes in our extreme sporty country... Our Ladies game has recently not been able to re-create the consistent results that they were able to achieve a wee while back, but our game’s strength is in our youth, give them a chance !!!
Mail Me! Country: new zealand
Posted by:
Lori Date/Time: 7/14/2008 12:17:22 PM
Message:
 I can’t even believe this is an issue. Softball is an around the globe sport. Has anyone asked the Olympic Softball teams already establised what they think of this. What about removing hockey, baseball, basketball from the olympics or would this involve the high dollar sports? Softball is for men AND women. My dad was a fast pitch softball pitcher and played until he was 68 years old. All three of my sisters and myself were raised on the ball fields. We all have played or coached in our lives. My daughters play, my neices play, cousins, and i cannot wait until my grand daughter plays. Young women around the world play this sport for their home town, for their high school, at their college and they DREAM of playing for their Country. Keep DREAMING young women of the world. This issue will not go away for those people who would like it to. SOFTBALL GIRLS ROCK ON AND ON!!!!!!!!!!!!! We support the USA Olympic Softball Team!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Glenna and Raegan Date/Time: 7/13/2008 4:25:35 PM
Message:
 It makes my daughter, Raegan and myself, very sad to know that softball will no longer be an Olympic sport. I have played softball my whole life and have a passion for it. Now my daughter has her heart and soul in the game as well. She has played since she was 4 and she is 11 now. Watching Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza and Monica Abbott are something we have really been looking forward to for these Olympic games. My daughter dreams of some day being able to play for team USA. You cannot take away this sport as an Olympic game, there are too many young girls dreams that depend on it. Please reconsider and keep softball in the Olympics and keep the dream alive for my daughter and other young women all over the world.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Danielle Date/Time: 7/11/2008 7:28:36 PM
Message:
 I am 13yrs old! I have played since i was like 5 yrs old. I love the sport and what it stands for sportsmanship and FUN. I would be really sad to see it leave the Olymic games. To me it is like taking away a great sport and many girls dreams and hopes. What if we were to take socer out? But they would not take it out because it would cause a lot of problems. We have to let them see that softball means more than it sounds and it is a great sport. They would not only be taking away the hopes and dreams of young girls in my contry, but they would be taking away the dreams and hopes of girl all around the world today and tomrrow.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jazmine Sosa Date/Time: 7/9/2008 10:55:54 AM
Message:
 ********KEEP MY/OUR DREAM ALIVE********** More than a sport, more like a passion, red dirt and bruises are in fashion, the wind up, the pitch, scrambling defense, this is what softball is all about, intense parents in the stands, anxious coaches waving their hands, the swing of the bat, making contact, this is what softball is all about, the bat, the ball, the bases, the glove, this is softball, the game that I love. By NHS Lady Dragons
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Shelly Date/Time: 7/5/2008 10:36:37 AM
Message:
 Ever since I have known that there was an olympic softball team i have wanted to play. When Jennie Finch came back and was on the news it was my dream to play in the olympics. when I herd that they were not going to alloow it, i felt like something died inside me, it was horrible. i think that the committee should let softball back into the olympics. not allowing softball in the olympics is crushing a lot of girls dreams just like mine.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
kari Date/Time: 6/30/2008 8:53:42 PM
Message:
 My daughter had to play on a boys team because there was no softball team. After this little town saw a girl play - all the girls wanted to play. So the next year we ended up with 3 softball teams. They played each other that first season and the next season we had more softball teams. Which lead to a team being developed at the high school. We watch college softball and professional softball on TV. Our family can’t imagine not watching the games on the Olympics...we check out the schedule and make sure nothing else is scheduled for us to do so we can watch the games. I think softball is an olympic sport and should be put back!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
lucy f. Date/Time: 6/26/2008 7:56:19 PM
Message:
 I am 14 yrs. old and i have been playing since I was 5 yrs. old. Ever since I was 5 yrs. old I’ve dreamed of being on the USA Olympic team and now you want to take that away. That is not fair and it is also not fair for all the other girls who love the sport. In 2008, I went to see them play in Sacramento,Ca and seeing them play was such a joy but at the same time it was such a sad moment because I knew that the Softball Olympic Team was coming to an end. While I was getting an autograph from Jessica Mendoza, I wondered if she stood in line for Lisa Fernandez or some other player on the USA team. And one day I hope to be signing autographs just like them, but if you take that away then I will never pursue my dream. So, please vote or do anything you can to get softball back in the Olympics. If you do, girls all over the world will continue to dream of some day being on their countries Olympic team.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Sara Date/Time: 6/26/2008 1:49:20 PM
Message:
 I’ve played softball since I was in the Second grade. I love it. When they first introduced softball in to my county, rarely any girls played it, this past high school seasonhas been the best for me because I got to play with the amazing girls that I played with when I first started out. To just do away with softball in the olympics is just crazy. Ever since i started playing I’ve dreamed of one day of being on The USA team and making my country proud but if the committee does away with it that wont happen. All their going to do is crush little girls dreams. It may be dangerous but thats the thrill of the game that some people cant live without. If they do take it out of the olympics it will devistate many people that live for and the game.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Amy Date/Time: 6/25/2008 2:33:17 PM
Message:
 I have been playing since I was six years old.Throughout the seasons of playing I have made many friends and teammates that are excellent players. Too many girls dream of playing on the Olympic Team for them to just do away with it. They should consider the upcoming women and how much talent they have. This sport has so much interest in it. Many enjoy watching the college world series and the olympics for those girls. Those who are voting against us need to realize how much effort people put into this sport. Softball means alot to many girls, girls that dream of becoming olympic players. I haven’t met one person who isn’t amazed at what these girls do. Yes it might be a dangerous sport, but softball’s something that millions of people love. If they do away with softball, they’re going to lose many fans and viewers of the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
kayla brenner Date/Time: 6/25/2008 8:24:59 AM
Message:
 hey! i know this probably won’t get read but it’s worth a try. my name is kayla brenner and i have been playing the game of fastpitch ever since i can remember. in sixth grade, i clearly remember having a writing prompt given to us about our lives in 30 years. i said that i went to the university of texas at austin and i was offered a spot on the Olympic team. that has been my dream since i was a little kid and it still is. i don’t think it’s fair that fastpitch gets taken out of the games but other sports that aren’t as competitive get to remain in. i watched REAL Sports with Bryant Gumbel the other night and saw Jessica Mendoza get choked up over her love for the game. the way she described everything made perfectly great sense. she made a very good point in saying that one sport needs more than twelve or so years to develop. i agree with her. softball needs more time to develop. so those guys voting against us need to think about both sides. please keep softball in the Olympics. it’s my dream and many other girls share the same dream. thank you for your time!
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
catcher Date/Time: 6/22/2008 3:55:36 PM
Message:
 I’ve played ball since i was 4 and a half, and to see the sport go would be like taking away hundreds of dreams away.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Laura Date/Time: 6/19/2008 10:57:50 PM
Message:
 I have three daughters who love the sport. They look forward to playing in college. It is hard to believe that a sport that is unique to women would be taken. There is so much interest in the sport and so much that the girls who play gain from the experience. The International Olympic Committee really needs to reconsider and take a revote concerning this matter. For the time being Girls PLAY ON!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Tom Date/Time: 6/11/2008 12:21:18 PM
Message:
 I strong oppose any effort to keep softball out of the Olympics in 2016. It is evident that softball has gained a tremendous surge in popularity in the last few years. These ladies, and I don’t mean just Americans, but from all over the world, work so hard and their efforts shine once they hit the field. Just watch them warm up!!! I’d be tired just getting ready for a game. The joy they bring the spectator and the grace they give the game deserves to be rewarded. Please put the sport back in the games.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
taylor Date/Time: 6/9/2008 1:11:26 PM
Message:
 I love softball and have been playing it all of my life. My dream was to go to the olympics and play softball, and many people are going to be very upset that it isn’t there any more. You are crushing thousands of kids dreams.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
taylor Date/Time: 6/9/2008 1:03:06 PM
Message:
 I love playing and watching softball. I know a lot of people that also like to watch and play softball, and might even havea future in it. Women are just as good as men. Softball is AWSOME. So do NOT take it out of the olympics!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Shelly Herrmann Date/Time: 5/16/2008 9:49:03 PM
Message:
 Softball ROCKS!!! Need I say more???
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
muximum Date/Time: 5/10/2008 5:07:51 PM
Message:
 I am glad to have come across your website recently to the extend that I have manged to findout that there are lot of players taking part in our Country. Just want to encourage the Zimbabwe Softball leaders and of those heading the ISF to continue lobbying for the sport to be given its rightful place in the olympics. Believe you me once things get better in Zim, our country will be heading for the olmpics come 2012. Mux
Mail Me! Country: zimbabwe
Posted by:
Kelly Trapp Date/Time: 5/1/2008 2:49:52 PM
Message:
 After getting involved with fastpitch softball with my daughter - I am impressed with the young ladies that play this sport. The sportmanship, endurance, athleticism. and the pure tough spirit these young ladies show in their game and everyday life. The young atheletes grow up working hard with this sport and it would be a shame to take this sport out of the Olympics - it will crush a life long dream to many young players now. Bring Softball back to the Olympics!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
jake stone Date/Time: 4/21/2008 9:48:49 AM
Message:
 I think softball should be in olympics, paralympics cuz they are very popular everywhere i’m a very big fan and my aunt played fastpitch her whole life until they done away with her team. I enjoy playin softball with friends and family. I watch college softball and USA National team on TV all the time to see how the diffrent teams are doing. I think it was wrong to take softball out of the olympics in the first place and theres no real reason why they shouldn’t be aloud back.
Mail Me! Country: U.S.A.
Posted by:
Amanda Lee Date/Time: 4/18/2008 11:49:43 AM
Message:
 anyone here in my town is in someway connected to the sport of softball. people i talk to watch the olympics for the sole purpose of watching the USA softball team show the world who is the best in this sport and how girls NOT ONLY MEN have a chance to play something that they love after college is done. i am a coach this year and all i hear about from my girls is how they can’t wait to get to college and play softball and then go to the olympics. i myself am 20 and had to take this past season off due to an injury so knowing that I only have two years left in my career is heart breaking. any softball player here, from 5+ years old, has a dream of playing for the olympic team. you got to realize that softball is not another game for these girls here, it’s something that takes them away from trouble that they would normally get into if they didn’t have a team that gives them a chance for bettering their life. don’t just bring the sport back into the olympics for me, do it for the next generation that loves the sport of softball.
Mail Me! Country: US OF A
Posted by:
Kathleen Lemire Date/Time: 4/16/2008 9:11:13 AM
Message:
 I have 2 daughters who have played softball since they were 10 yrs.old. Both are pitchers trained at PlanetFastpitch in RI. My oldest daughter is 20 and is a pitcher at Div2 St.Anselm College in Manchester, NH. My youngest is 15 and a freshman pitcher for her school and ASA team. Both girls dream was to maybe someday play for out National Team in the Olympics. I know that every young woman has this dream and to not have the CHANCE to make that dream come true is the very OPPOSITE of what we as AMERICANS stand up for..... Please get SOFTBALL BACK INTO THE OLYMPICS!! Sincerely, Kathy Lemire Mom of 2 softball players in MA..
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
kevin Date/Time: 4/15/2008 5:05:20 PM
Message:
 I cant believe what has happened to womens softball,not allowing them in the olympics is just a sad day for softball players as well as fans across the globe,this is a great sport and not letting the sunshine on it is very poor judgement for those who have the upperhand i guess they have never felt or seen the excitment this game has to offer.When i first begain playing softball i played coed and was really amazed how much the girls really envolved there selfs in the game.I saw the shine in there eyes and the heart and soul they played with,sometimes more than the guys i played with,passion is in this game for those girls and they deserve to live out there dreams,lets not forget they are athletes as well as representing our country , they deserve to be there and all the best and good luck to all players in getting into the olympics where they belong. Sincerly a live long fan.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Bonnie McCrane Date/Time: 4/8/2008 4:45:43 PM
Message:
 Whoever decided to remove Softball from the Olympics obviously has never been an athlete at any level. Men’s baseball has been an olympic sport along with "speed walking" for years among other things that are referred to as "sports". Could the decision to remove women’s softball from the olympics have been made due countries that are jealous of the US? Whoever made the decision needs to watch just one game at any level (T-ball, Little League, High School, College, Adult). I played recreational softball for 25 years and my daughter played all the way thru college. BRING BACK WOMEN’S SOFTBALL!!!! The All American Sport!! Everyone needs it.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Sarah Scroggins Date/Time: 4/6/2008 4:18:53 PM
Message:
 I think that canceling softball from the olympics is stupid because every girl on my team is always talking about what it would be like to train with the worlds best coaches, meet people from around the world , and play on the best team in the USA. But when I told them that it was canceled from the 2012 olympics they were MAD. One of my teammates even said she would start failing in school because theres no point if she can’t try out for the olympic team. I’m writing an essay on it for my English class then I’m going to join a campaign thats going on at my state capital all for my passion for the sport softball.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
ashley Date/Time: 3/10/2008 3:54:36 PM
Message:
 The olympics have turned into pansy sports softball is a real sport maybe they should take out curling I always dreamed of playing in the olympics they have ruined so many girls dreams
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
kim Date/Time: 3/10/2008 6:50:44 AM
Message:
 I’m shocked that softball - a game that offers so much to so many around the world - was voted out of the Olympics. Softball is a huge part of millions of women’s AND men’s lives. It is a wonderful sport that provides a healthy, active outlet and builds comraderie and character. To not include softball (or any other sport, for that matter) goes against the spirit upon which the Olympic games were founded. To quote the International Olympic Committee’s own website: "The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play." Tell me, where in the Olympic committee’s decision to eliminate softball is the "mutual understanding" and sense of "fair play?" And, to choose some sports and eliminate others is, in itself, an act of discrimination. Shame on those who would dash the dreams of future champions. BRING SOFTBALL BACK TO THE OLYMPIC GAMES!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Natalie Date/Time: 3/5/2008 7:12:27 AM
Message:
 When opportunities for women continue to grow, and the fastest growing womens sport continues to provide opportunities for fine atheletes to accell, I find it hard to believe that the Olympic heirarchy could possibly find removing fastpitch from the Olympics a prudent or ethical decision. Where the OC spends dollars promoting the sports that bring large crowds, I question why they don’t put in a small bit of effort promoting one of the womens sports that has a chance of rising to the top for crowd draw. The likelihood of bringing both sexes to be interested in water ballet is slim, but men quickly become interested in fastpitch once they see the respect these women deserve. Drawing a crowd means getting both sexes interested and both sexes quickly understand that this is a fast moving, highly competetive sport that quickly engrosses the population who want to see an ability based sport and not a judged competion. Ask Barry Bonds about his respect and enthusiasm for softball, it sure won’t be the same as curling or water ballet. Next case is that softball is a true sport. It is not a judged competition where subjective opinion decides the winner or the loser. A home run doesn’t get style or poise points, it just puts a run on the board. It is pure sport where winning and losing is determined by an OBJECTIVE goal of some form being achieved by a single athlete or team. You would not have found figure skating in the ORIGINAL OLYMIPICS many centuries ago because Olympics began as a "sports" competition which has no judge deciding form, only officials who ensure fair play. You will never find a pitch that scores a 9.9 based on someones OPINION influencing the outcome of the game, if it’s a good pitch then the opponent won’t hit the ball and thus won’t score. Pure sport is what the Olympics are about and so games like basketball, hockey, track, etc that take a judge out of the winning determination should be the first and possibly only to stay in Olympic competetion. Case in point would be figure skating. Now, I am not saying that figure skaters aren’t atheletes, because I think they are but what they do is not a sport, it’s a judged athletic competition. Their wins and losses may not have anything to do with their ability, due to favoritism and bias. With fastpitch, the umpire rarely wins or loses the game. Raw athletic ability and focus make for wins or losses. Next case, Water Ballet????????? Hello, purely subjective, low crowd draw and yet still in the Olympics! Now swimming for time, that’s a sport. No judge just pure athletic gaming. Disposing of a sport/game above a judged competion should be against the rules and particularly when the sport has an established history that is far from being on the decline. The promotion of true sports (not judged competition) should be the first thing the OC promotes, either for men or women. What are the first commercials you see at Olympic time? What would happen if fastpitch had 100th of the time given other sports? Do you think the interest/draw would increase? And what about title 9 when it comes to the Olympics? The interest is obviously put where the most dollars can be brought in. Has it ever occurred to them that they have a great product here if they would just do a small bit of marketing? How about they put a few of those dollars in to a video of some great softball footage for a commercial or two, tell the world it’s here, it’s growing and it’s a heck of a game? No one can disagree once they see it. The world wants to see those great women athletes that play hard and go for it with gusto. The likelihood of getting a big draw from water ballet with a commercial or two? Not likely. The OC had better throw away their stuffy attitudes, hire a new marketing director and figure it out. Women athletes are on every billboard and they’re hard at it on every one. The world wants action and softball is action packed, while still being a true sport. So, if they have to take a womens space off the reader board, take off something that isn’t a REAL SPORT abiding by the true spirit of the Olymipic premier centuries ago. SOFTBALL SHOULD STAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Stacy Veech Date/Time: 2/25/2008 8:30:36 AM
Message:
 There are no words to describe what this sport has given me... I have playes softball since I was 6 years old and my passion for the sport is as much alive now as it was then... I played on travel teams, high school varsity all four years and my commitment even led me to a 3/4 scholarship at a Division I School. During my college years I was also invited to an Olympic Tryout and although I did not make it past the first round it was an experience I will never forget. Softball was an avenue for me growing up and presently I am fortunate enough to not only coach at the high school level but also I coach a travelling team. I see so much of myself in so many of the girls I am so fortunate to coach. This is my way to live through them now and stay around a game that I love! Softball, my coaches, my teammates have taught me so many life lessons that have made me who I am! I had that dream to tryout for the Olympics, I had my chance.. I did my best and I am proud to even have had the opportunity.... I cannot put into words why on earth softball has been removed from the 2012 Olympics. It does not make any sense and it needs to be re-instated...period!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
hannah thielmann Date/Time: 2/21/2008 6:20:54 PM
Message:
 we need to hurry up because it is almst time to take the game we all love out of the oylimpics we all will miss getting up 1:00 in the morning to watch our role models play softball so lets type in everyday so we can get the game we love back
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Chealsey Baxter Date/Time: 2/14/2008 10:12:35 AM
Message:
 I have played fastpitch softball for nine years. Softball is a passion for me. I love getting out there and playing. To me its the best sport ever created. So I know it’s a passion for tons of other people as well. So, there for, softball should remain an olympic sport so that all us girls can have the dream to be on the Olypic team someday. Maybe even get that dream, and be able to compete at that level. So please get softball reinstated in the olympic’s as as sport.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Sarah VanHooser Date/Time: 2/10/2008 1:42:40 PM
Message:
 It has been my dream since I first started playing softball ten years ago to be on the USA team. Not only to be on the team, but to win the Gold medal at the Olympic Games. That is also my little sister’s goal, and thousands of oter girls are just like us. We all work so hard and we all deserve to have the oppurtunity to play at the Olympic level. PLEASE reinstate softball in the Olympics! It’s the right thing to do!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Olga Bellou Date/Time: 2/10/2008 4:03:03 AM
Message:
 Get softball back to the Olympics !!
Mail Me! Country: Hellas
Posted by:
Vic Method Date/Time: 2/4/2008 1:29:21 PM
Message:
 Good luck Back Softball...the sport is great to watch in the Olympics. All athletes need their opportunity to peform at the Olympic Games.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Rick Garcia Date/Time: 1/29/2008 7:07:43 AM
Message:
 Softball belongs in the Olympics. Power, Speed, Acuracy, Mental Fortitude. How can you deny this!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
D. Perez Date/Time: 1/24/2008 11:01:00 AM
Message:
 Please reinstate Softball into the Olympics. Softball players are dedicated athletes that work very hard to train. It is a shame that all their hard work is ignored.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Dion C Gauthier Date/Time: 1/8/2008 3:28:45 PM
Message:
 I’m writing again 2 encourage u 2 reinstate softball in 2016 it would be a traversty if little girls & women if they lose this opportunity please once again reinstate softball because its the right thing 2 do
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Emily P. Date/Time: 1/7/2008 7:05:20 AM
Message:
 Softball should have NEVER been taken out of the Olympics to begin with!!! Whoever thought of that must not have realized how many people would be VERY upset with that choice. I am 13 and I have been playin this sport since I was 5 years old! When I heard that softball wasn’t gonna be in the Olypics any more didn’t know what to do! I am all for gettin it back in and keeping it in!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Katie Date/Time: 12/12/2007 2:46:51 PM
Message:
 wow. i deffs. agree with holly and meghan. so yeah im 12yrs old and you need to put softball back in the olympics because its an amazing sport =]
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
holly rothweiler Date/Time: 12/12/2007 2:43:08 PM
Message:
 SOFTBALL needs to be in the olympics cuz it is absoultly the best sport in the world! im 12 yrs old and im not the best at softball but i think it is the mostest fun thing in the whole world. I think start a march and make signs that say "SOFTBALL BACK IN THE OLYMPICS" and march all over the world.
Mail Me! Country: U.S.A
Posted by:
Meghan Bressler Date/Time: 12/12/2007 2:35:25 PM
Message:
 Are you serious? Taking Softball outta the Olympics was the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard of. I’m 13 years old n absolutley inlove wit softball. I am on two different teams. My life is sports, softball being one of my favs. IF SOFTBALL WERE ANY EASIER IT WOULD BE CALLED BAEBALL. do us girls all a favor and put softball back in. if you dont that is the biggest mistake ever.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jim Date/Time: 11/29/2007 8:01:54 PM
Message:
 I applaud the International Softball Federation "Back Softball" campaign. The Blueprint for the return of Softball to the Olympics in 2016 is right on. The IOC meeting in Copenhagan 2009 will be critical, not only for reinstating softball but maintaining the integrity of IOC by listening to the deafening voices of the world. In addition, I want to commend the USA Team and ESPN in promoting softball this coming 2008 spring season with multipule telecasts. This is great!Fastpitch softball has an infinite value to everyone. I say play ball!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
mark Date/Time: 11/29/2007 2:21:23 PM
Message:
 by taking softball out of the olympics you are extinguising the dreams of players all around the world that one day they might be playing for there country.no matter how small a chance it may be to play for there country, if softball is taken out of the olympics than that chance is taken away from them.
Mail Me! Country: canada
Posted by:
ashley eldridge Date/Time: 11/28/2007 7:31:55 PM
Message:
 and not only just american women. but EVERY nationality or race there is.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
ashley eldridge Date/Time: 11/24/2007 1:55:39 PM
Message:
 the gaem softball, is more than a game, is more than, a sport, a hobby. it life. more than something to occupy time. it teaches lessons, and gives morals to all the young players. personally, it disgusts me that they’re discussing to take softball out of the olympics. this site helps to inspire the sport of softball. and i do not want to go against the opposite sex, but waht does baseball have that softbal doesnt. yes, they might have a higher rate of popularity. but with the help of all the organizations softball has, we can help with that. softball is a major part of alot of young, middle aged, and elder american women. it has been a part of their life, and i tihnk it should remain. it should be televised, talked about, and spread through out the united states. please consider mine, and every other SOFTBALL PLAYER, fans, parents, and colleagues comments. i am a SOFTBALL PLAYER, i am a daughter. and i want my opinion to be voiced, and taken seriously. your player, who wants to be heard.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Susan Date/Time: 11/19/2007 10:14:48 AM
Message:
 I was devastated and dumbfounded to hear that a popular, growing and widespread sport such as softball was being dropped from the Olympics. This is one of the greatest sports that has embraced and encouraged countless female athletes to work hard for a dream and their health, and to experience the joy of being part of a greater whole. Please put politics aside and consider the needs of the current and future generations of worldwide female athletes.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Lisa Williams Date/Time: 11/6/2007 6:13:33 AM
Message:
 This world needs more opportunities for young people, especially young women, to learn about teamwork, hard work, fitness, concentration, priorities, and goals. I have a 12-year-old daughter who does her very best at school so she can play softball. She has softball dreams and goals. In a world of super-sized kids who play video games, my daughter is fit and strong and works hard so she can play softball. She and her friends are good girls. Help them see it through.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
KRISTEN HAWKINS Date/Time: 10/28/2007 12:26:09 PM
Message:
 i am a current softball player and i think it’s complete bull how they are taking softball out of the olympics while there are events that don’t deserve to be there like curling. whats up with that? some might argue that its because the USA team is amazingly good but that doesn’t mean you penalize them or everyone by taking softball out of the olympics, you encourage otgher nations to participate too and give them time to progress their skills. hockey wasn’t taken out of the olympics when the russians were outstanding and won all those times, neither was mens basketball when the USA team was the dominant team for awhile, so why is softball so different where the committee decided to take it out? softball is finally starting to become popular and it’s being taken away from the olympics. if given the chance this sport will become so big and finally give women a sport in which they can exceed in. there are so many people that are getting their dreams crushed by this; i am one of them.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Helen D Maris Date/Time: 10/27/2007 1:01:37 PM
Message:
 As a former ASA, AAA softball player in the 50’ and 60’s and an ASA Umpire in the Pacific Coast Women’s Softball League it is with great hope that you will convince the IOC to reinstate softball to their program. Because of softball, I learned the art of team play and the values that make a person strong. I became a High school softball coach and hope that I passed those values to my players. Congratulations for your efforts and I pray that you will suceed in your efforts. Sincerely, Helen (Miller) Maris
Mail Me! Country: united States
Posted by:
Rusty Kanokogi Date/Time: 10/3/2007 3:39:26 PM
Message:
 As a former Olympic coach for Womens Judo,and a former competitor,I know the meaning of sports for women and the benifits as well as the bruises. Our Daughter Jean,a international Judo medalist for the US,competed in two sports,softball and Judo.Jean had the oppurtunity to compete in a team sport and individual sport,they actually complimented each other. Women’s softball should have never been removed from the Olympic agenda. Hopefully the powers that be will come to their senses and return softball to the Olympics. Softball is the game for Women from all over the world,and if they need help learning the game,send the softball troops out to help.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Sunny Sahagian Date/Time: 9/26/2007 7:34:27 PM
Message:
 I have loved softball since I was a child. We didn’t even have softball in high school. I had my first opportunity to really play at age 32 and I just love the game. I have coached, played and organized my own softball league for Women in Arlington in 1972. I played till age 50 and then had some surgeries and injuries and couldn’t continue playing. I still go the Extra Innings batting cages an love it. We need to reinstate softball in the Olympics as soon as possible. It is a great sport. Thanks.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Dion C Gauthier Date/Time: 9/20/2007 7:40:50 PM
Message:
 i’m back again 2 ask that u reinstate softball back in the olympics like i said be4 it would be a mistake 4 young women 2 miss out on this special experience of a lifetime
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Michael Rombro Date/Time: 9/19/2007 8:30:55 PM
Message:
 I am a 52 year old retired pharmacist who recently moved to the Dominican Republic. Of course everyone knows how popular both baseball and softball are here. Baseball is a game primarily for younger men and here as in much of the world softball is played by far more men and women than baseball. People from the ages of 5 to 70 play in softball leagues all over the world. Olympic sports should be a reflection of the society that it expects to watch and support it. How is it logical that many sports that people know nothing about and have absolutely no interest in are made "permanent" olympic sports when sports like softball which are of real interest to so many millions around the world are not. Perhaps this is the reason for the contantly declining television poll numbers and attendance numbers at olympic events. Like so many other things in our world the olympic games have become another corporatized and politicized event. Even so one would think that such a popular sport would sell a lot of advertising and swell attendance numbers. Think about it.
Mail Me! Country: Dominican Republic, USA
Posted by:
Wendy Date/Time: 9/18/2007 2:57:13 PM
Message:
 Being a mom of a daughter who plays on a ASA traveling team for the last 4 years, it was a huge disappointment to find out that Softball was abolished for from the 2012 London games. Girls all over the world have trained extremely hard for the opportunity to represent their countries. They put in their hard work, sweat and tears into a game they love with all their hearts. They deserve a chance to play. The USA TEAM represents women that we are proud to call role models for our girls. Aspiring young softball athletes learn a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime in a positive, safe, and supportive environment. We must yell loud, voice our opinion.. we must be heard..
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Tierney Estampa Date/Time: 9/17/2007 9:52:43 AM
Message:
 For the past seven years softball has been, next to my family and my education, the most important part of my life. Day after day I work hard and strive to make my self not only a better player, but also a better person. Playing competive softball has given me so much through out my life. I can no longer say that my family only goes as far as my blood line, because every team mate I have ever had I now consider one of my closest relatives. Through softball I fell a conection to every player in the world, and through watching national heros like Lisa Fernandez or Natasha Watley I know that my if I work hard enough my dreams could take my all the way to the Olympics. I am sure that I am not the only person who feels this way. Softball not only gives my a great sense of pride in my self as well as my team, but also in my Country and sport in general. Watching international teams have the honor of representing there sport and women in such a powerful and domination way is something that everyone should have the chance to watch, not just the generations that were lucky enough to be alive when softball had the right to call itself an Olympic Sport. Softball is changing the lives of thousands and millions of people around the world and it’s popularity only continues to grow as the years go by and it should be able to continue in the Olympics to show the world that softball is every much important as any other sport in the olympics. For some it is not just a sport, but a way of life.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Steve DeVoss Date/Time: 9/14/2007 2:15:55 PM
Message:
 Softball is growing and gaining in popularity around the world. We are doing training and development programs in many countries where softball is an important avenue for involving more athletes in sport and promoting national pride. We are working to increase the exposure and development of softball and have the goal to see the day when the traditional softball powers will be challenged by countries like Malaysia, Iran, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, Israel, Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries where softball is gaining ground. Softball is an international sport and should be included in the Olympics. Steve DeVoss President Global Sports Partners
Mail Me! Country: Cyprus
Posted by:
Feng Date/Time: 9/4/2007 9:04:53 AM
Message:
 We have a Dream, if taking softball out of the Olympics has closed the door to many dreams. Don’t take away the softball from our life. Softball is such an awesome sport. Please put softball back in the Olympic game!
Mail Me! Country: Taiwan
Posted by:
Sam Robbin Date/Time: 9/2/2007 6:54:25 AM
Message:
 I have been coaching travel softball for 4 years with my youngest daughter playing every day. These young girls practice hard, play smart, and look up to the pros in baseball and want their own event to aspire to, and what better than the Olympics. These girls are crushed that their sport is no longer in the Olympics, makes them feel that what they do is not important enough. How untrue that thought is and they learn the same life lessons that other team sports teaches young players, why should they not have the highest level to strive for. All of the key elements that an Olympic player must have, these girls are learning now and deserve to show what years of hard work and dedication can bring. Please bring the sport back so that I can tell my daughter that if she works hard, plays smart and is dedicated, she can play in front of the world stage to go after the highest goal, Olympic Gold.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
bob fuller Date/Time: 9/1/2007 1:03:35 PM
Message:
 please bring back softball to the olympics.you have so few women team sports in the olympics as it is and to drop softball mankes no sense at all. you have at lot of young girls who look up to these ladies and dream of playing playing in the olympics and you want to crush their dreams? come on ioc!! do the right thing and bring back softball!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Kelsey Jager Date/Time: 8/30/2007 6:24:55 PM
Message:
 I love softball so much it is my life. I wouldn’t be the same without softball. The game is so awsome i watch baseball with my dad and ialways watch the softball games. there’s nothing left to say but that i love the sport!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Nancy Stephens Date/Time: 8/30/2007 8:08:00 AM
Message:
 I am a big softball fan. My brother and his family all play the sport. My niece is currently playing college softball. It would be very nice to have the chance to add Olympics to her softball career. It is a sport that is participated in by so many girls and young ladies. It would be great if these young ladies were seen and recognized in wordly competition. The Olympic committee instated snow boarding. And there are many other winter sports. But unless it is track and field or basketball, what other spring sport is there for ladies? Please reinstate softball. Thank you, Nancy Stephens
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jean Brown Date/Time: 8/24/2007 8:52:24 AM
Message:
 Please reinstate Women’s Softball to the Olympics. It is a wonderful sport and the only arena where women can be recognized for their efforts. It deserves to be an Olympic Event.
Mail Me! Country: Canada
Posted by:
Ann Dusseault Date/Time: 8/24/2007 8:49:46 AM
Message:
 Please re-instate Women’s softball to the olympics. It’s a great sport and deserves to be an Olympic event. What were you thinking?????
Mail Me! Country: Canada
Posted by:
Dion C Gauthier Date/Time: 8/22/2007 7:18:23 PM
Message:
 I was totally disappointed when I heard that softball was being taking out please reinstate it too many girls would lose out at this special experience it would be crime for them to miss this opportunity
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
silvia Date/Time: 8/21/2007 6:55:46 PM
Message:
 Please reinstate softball in the Olympics. It is a sport that many young girls in my community try. It is very rewarding to see so many hispanic girls dedicated to the sport at such a young age. They put in alot of practice time and enthusiasm. I have two girls and both love the sport!
Mail Me! Country: u.s.a.
Posted by:
Steve & Debbie Roberts Date/Time: 8/20/2007 2:20:26 PM
Message:
 We were terribly disappointed when we heard the softball was being removed from the Olympic Games. We have been to the World Series and every softball event held at the ASA Hall of Fame field for the past 14 years. We both coach softball and have officiated ASA for a ling time. My husband has officiated for Lisa Fernandez when she was winning National ASA tournaments many years ago. He has also seen other pitchers like Cat Osterman when she pitched in the Texas High School All Star Game. We love softball and would certainly like to see more on TV, but certainly hope that the I.O.C. will put softball back into the Olympics for 2016. GO SOFTBALL!!!!!! There are too many young ladies out there trying to be like their heroes - Dot Richardson, Lisa Fernandez, Michelle Smith, Crystl Bustos, Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Caitlin Lowe, just to name a few. Come on I.O.C., give softball bak to those who love the game.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jeff Smith Date/Time: 8/19/2007 8:11:33 AM
Message:
 Its a very sad time.They are taking one of the largest growing sports and tossing it aside.It has taken many many years for the females of the world to get noticed.I am a man and love the sport of womens softball.I have 2 girls that play and would rather watch softball thet any other sport.I just wish they would show more of it on T.V.The I.O.C. have made a huge mistake.Why not toss out baseball too.You leave the event where they run around waving the stick with the ribbon attached to it.How many kids world wide compete in that?I would be willing to bet there are way more girls softball players world wide.It just doesnt make sense.Every team in the world is pushing to be a better team and they get stronger every year.There are 2 things on T.V. I will drop everything to watch.One is womens softball and the other is little league baseball.The purest forms of sports.You have no one complaining about anything.It needs to be put back in.Give the girls something to push for.Dont be a dream crusher.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Don Sanders Date/Time: 8/17/2007 8:21:19 PM
Message:
 Softball is a GROWING sport with approx 350,000 playing Little League WORLDWIDE and several MILLION playing various levels of High School and Middle School ball,travel ball,etc. Like baseball it is one of most popular world wide sports. I have coached youth softball for numerous years, put in thousands of hours, and have truly grown to love the game. Our youth need sports like softball for social interaction and learning values of life that really can’t be taught in school. Players learn to work together as a team and depend on each other to achieve a common goal. They learn "sportsmanship" of how to win and how to loose that will teach values that will stay with them the rest of their life. Our country,USA, and the rest of the world needs sports like softball to help keep kids interested in school, off the streets, and involved in a positive association that will teach good values. A lot of youth today do not have the good wholesome values of hard work,honesty,integrity, etc. of the past generation. It was very disappointing to see softball taken out of the olympics and I believe that it was voted out by countries that maybe don’t have good softball programs and can not compete with the fantastic program of the USA. The youth, the leaders of tomorrow, need dreams to aspire to such as actually playing a sport in the olympics. The youth’s dream of playing softball was shattered when it was removed. There are many sports that stayed in the olympics that don’t have nearly the following or involvement that softball has. I truly hope that the Olympic committee really looks at the world wide impact that softball and baseball have on the upcoming youth,their family involvement, community involvement,sponsors,suppliers, and the future of the sport. Hopefully, the sport of softball will return to the Olympics and continue to grow as a fun and rewarding sport to be involved in. Hope this email helps
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
John McHugh Date/Time: 8/17/2007 10:25:28 AM
Message:
 We support letting the softball back into the Olympics. I am a 60 year old Viet-nam combat vet and my wife and I enjoy this sport more than most.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
katie Date/Time: 8/17/2007 9:03:51 AM
Message:
 i have played softball since i was at least four years old, and have enjoyed it since i was four years old.taking softball out of the olympics was the biggest mistake of your life. softball is a very competitive sport. it was then and always will be.taking softball out of the olympics to me is like saying you dont care if the rest of us girls get stuck at home doing nothing when it comes time we’re to old to play with the other teams and the olympic team is the only team left. i know u care so take care of this problem and put it back in the olympics. id like to play in the olympics when it cmes time and i sure hope i can!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Birdenne Brozowski Date/Time: 8/17/2007 8:53:04 AM
Message:
 Even thought the United States dominates the game right now, other countries are getting stronger. So I think Softball should stay in the Olympics. Basketball in the winter Olympics was the same way not so long ago, where the United States isn’t so dominant now. Please keep Women’s softball in the Olympics. Give all these talented athletes a chance to show people what they can do. I really enjoy watching them, and so many other people do too. I vote yes to keeping the Womens Softball in the summer Olympics Thank you. (Mrs.)Birdenne Brozowski
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Jerri Lyons Date/Time: 8/16/2007 6:33:57 AM
Message:
 I’m 36 years old and have played softball since I was nine. It has been a huge part of my life as I"ve made many friends throught the sport and have so many great memories because of it. Playing competitive sports also teaches so many great life lessons along the way. I heard about this website last night watching the Little League Softball World Series. I was so excited watching because the winning team (Morristown, TN) is from just one hour away from me. These young girls, as well as those on the other great teams, have so many wonderful years ahead of them and their dedication is obvious. It’s sad to think that an Olympic dream may not be realized for them. Softball is simply an amazing sport for females. The Olympics needs softball, and girls everywhere need every opportunity to play this sport at every level!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jocelyn Mattison Date/Time: 8/15/2007 5:50:34 PM
Message:
 To me softball is more than just a game. It has taught me so much that it could NEVER just be a game- it’s my life. It has taught me dedication, determination, hardwork, teamwork, and has taught me to follow my dreams and reach for the sky. My first year to qualify for the olympics would have been 2012. Now I have a question; when those people voted ’NO’ for softball in the 2012 olympics did they think about all the young girls who have put an ungodly amount of time, effort, and hope into making those olympics? Did they think about how these girls would feel when they learned that what they have been working for day after day is no longer a possibility? That is basically how I felt, and i know that’s what thousands of other girls felt too. Being a competative player for many years i can tell you the truth when i say that softball has taught me more than you could ever imagine, has given me some of the best times of my life, and has also given me some of my best friends. I know there is many other girls out there like me who are willing to put their lives into this sport. I just ask you to please do what you can to get softball back, and think of all the young girls with hopes and dreams when you vote for the 2016 olympics.Thank you so much.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Carrie Wilkerson Date/Time: 8/14/2007 8:55:45 PM
Message:
 Softball, should have never been removed from the Olympics. It is just important to girls, and women as baseball is to boys and men. I played softball from the age 6 until just last year at the age of 39. I played Bobbysox in Anaheim, CA High School Ball, For Magnolia High School and travel ball for the Huntington Beach Outlaws. Then I converted to slow pitch and played USSSA and SCSA with numerous travel teams. It was the best thing that I could be involved with. It taught me so much that carried on the my adult life that has made my life successful. The teamwork, the disipline and the friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Softball is a way of life for so many girls and they should be given the changes that the rest of that have played. Girls that are coming up throught the ranks in softball need posivite roll models and something to strive for, and should be allowed to have the same opportunities that boys do. SOFTBALL SHOULD BE NOW AND FOREVER PART OF THE OLYMPICS
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Francine Tomkow Date/Time: 8/14/2007 8:23:37 PM
Message:
 When I first heared that Olympic Softball was being removed with BALLROOM DANCING, let’s just say the words out of my mouth took an action for themselves. I’ve recently just turned 15 and I am from Oregon. I just completed my first year of highschool as JV’s numero uno pitcher. Softball has been my greatest achievment of my life so far. I know when things get tough at school, home, with friends softball is the only thing that I can turn too and know that it will be there for me. I’ve been raised by my dad to never trust anyone but yourself, because you never know who’s going to let you down. Well let’s just say, whatever moron decided to take softball out of the Olympics, you’ve let down more people then you can count on your finger and toes times a thousand. I’ve been pitching since my first year of softball, oh about 7 years ago. And I can tell you personally, it is the greatest feeling in the world. Your team, becomes more then just your team. They become your FAMILY. Your learn to rely and put some faith into people that you may of not known before. Your create this special bond that no one can break, and you want to go further then what you’ve already achieved. Many girls look to the Olympics and "Best in the World." And let me tell you, seeing that the 2004 USA Womens team, out their heads together and came out on top of everyone really was the icing on top of the cake. That made us feel that if they were able to do it, then so are we. But again with that moron, ya’ just crushed about half a million girls dreams Way to go bucko. Bet ya’ feel so high and surperior about yourself. But let me tell ya’, if we ever met you, you best believe that you would be running for your mom because you’d be crying by the end of what all of us have to say to you. Oh and by the way, I believe that the Olympics is for sports, and I do not believe that BALLROOM DANCING is a SPORT. Better re-think your decision. And also, you may think your top dog, but by excluding one of the most rapid growing girls sports from the Olympics was a dumb move on your behalf.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Eboni Date/Time: 8/14/2007 8:20:23 PM
Message:
 I am not a softball player or coach and i havent been a fan very long. It was USA softball that attracted me to the sport. I would hate to see a sport be terminated in the olympics that destroys the goals of a lot of women not only in the United States but around the world.
Mail Me! Country: United States of America
Posted by:
Christina Barajas Casillas Date/Time: 8/14/2007 8:18:49 PM
Message:
 I started playing softball at the age of 7 for our local city Sunrise Softball league. At the age of 12 I was asked to try out for a team that was associated with ASA. From the time I was 12 until I was 19 I played all over the Unites States in tournements as well as playing all 4 years during highschool. Traveling around 10 months out of the year, playing & meeting girls from all over was the best experience that I could have ever asked for. Playing softball kept me out of a lot of trouble that other girls my age were getting into. I would hate to see this sport taken out of the Olympics, and I hope that higher heads will prevail and realize what they could possibly be saying to our young athletes about their dreams and aspirations.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Emily Date/Time: 8/14/2007 8:17:51 PM
Message:
 I’ve played softball for a couple of years now and i always dream of going to the Olympics and playing softball.My softball team recently went to Portland for Nationals. It was a lot of fun!!We took 7TH place out of 36 teams!!We are very proud of ourself.I back up back softball all the way. GO VISALIA XPLOSION!!!!
Mail Me! Country: US
Posted by:
CMK Date/Time: 8/14/2007 8:13:15 PM
Message:
 Softball is life the rest is just details. There are so many little girls out there that idolize this present players. What is going to happen in the future when these girls have nothing to play for. The boys have the pros to look forward to. Yes other countries have professional softball but over all in the USA we look to our Olympic heros for inspiration. For some of us that is all we have. Don’t kill the drill of little girls everywhere.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Ashley Date/Time: 8/14/2007 8:08:07 PM
Message:
 i have been playing travel softball for 5 years and have dreamed of playing softball in the olympics i support back softball 100%
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Lubuto Siaosi Date/Time: 8/14/2007 7:30:22 PM
Message:
 Just recently started playing Softball, and I’ve found it to be a great Sport. I am now training with the Samoa Men’s National Squad which has just been put together for the South Pacific Games which is to be hosted by our country on August 25th (2007). Definitely support reinstating Softball as an Olypic Sport as I believe it does attract a lot of interest worldwide. Softball has just been reintroduced into Samoa and I hope that it will continue to gain popularity not only in Samoa but also within the Pacific Region. Faafetai Lava
Mail Me! Country: Samoa
Posted by:
Connie Date/Time: 8/7/2007 4:48:57 PM
Message:
 "Back Softball", absolutely! Coming from rural Ontario my childhood acomplishments were deserved on the pitching mound with a lot of hard work, only to end a game with satisfaction. Back then there was little opportunity for growing outside of a inner-county league. My eldest son now pitches. We have travelled to urban areas to participate in the spectatorship of softball. Although more opportunities than in the past to advance competetively, the game is becoming a dying breed. The action of dissolving the game from the olympics has significantly contributed to this. The Olympic Committee should re-evaluate their decision. Or perhaps ask themselves why not softball and why sychronized swimming. The topic is clearly debatable and softball is the grassroot game of baseball in many Countries, cities or towns. For the love of the game, "Back Softball!"
Mail Me! Country: Canada
Posted by:
Gil Date/Time: 8/7/2007 8:24:34 AM
Message:
 To the IOC I have 2 daughters ages 8&11. They started playing softball this year & really got into the sport to the point of watching the college world series & the kfc world cup. My oldest daughter did created a web page in her computer class on softball .They both like Moncia Abbott. It would be a terrible on your part to keep the sport out of the olympics .The ladies who give it there all deserve to show the world what they do and the hard work they do to get to the Olympics . They show young girls like my daughters that they can be there to if they want to. I am a first year coach saying this . You need to do the right thing and bring back softball in the olympics. Gil fom NJ
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Gail Date/Time: 8/6/2007 8:07:42 PM
Message:
 Hello all, With everyone involved, we can bring back this sport to the olypics! It belongs there! Everyone can play, and it’s played everywhere, picnics, parties, etc. We just need to let everyone we know what we all can do to help. This is more popular than the ice sweeping/shuffle board event that they still have in the olympics! Not too many people even know the name of that sport! This is important to the young women too, to have a pro sport comparable to baseball. Let’s keep it alive!!
Mail Me! Country: USA!
Posted by:
Lis Date/Time: 8/6/2007 5:28:30 AM
Message:
 Hi - I urge all you Australian Softball enthusiasts to join this fight to BACKSOFTBALL and get it back into the Olympics - Come on we have been to the three Olympics where softball has been entered and WON THREE MEDALS - thats exceptional for such a small country!!! Dont let them take our sport away from us!!! Start writing to the Olympic Committee. Start posting messages here on this website and email your friends to get their support.
Mail Me! Country: Australia
Posted by:
dave barrett Date/Time: 8/5/2007 7:49:25 PM
Message:
 Dear IOC , I coach for a communty college in N.J. Before this i coached girls softball in little league and recreation leagues for 15 years.All the kids and adults would get so excited about maybe playing softball in the olympics someday and the excitement of watching the U.S.A. play the World. please put womens softball back in the olympics. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS DAVE
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Jeff Thompson Date/Time: 8/5/2007 5:20:13 PM
Message:
 I am the coach of the 95 Maniacs, a girls select team out of TX. I feel girls are just as good and competitive as the boys. After watching girls select ball for the past 5 years, I don’t watch baseball. Not only should softball be kept in the olympics but it should be televised more.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
brooke leport Date/Time: 8/3/2007 1:50:26 PM
Message:
 i am a 14 year old girl who loves to play softball. i know many women who love this sport and the men seem to alway destroy our chances. why men and women should be treated equal I HATE IT. people tell i cant do this or that because i am a girl and i know i can show up most of them up. i love to watch softball on tv my mom has to pull me away from it. so i support the backsoftball 100% in this fight. lets get softball back in this.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Laura Hornbeck Date/Time: 8/3/2007 8:37:22 AM
Message:
 My daughter is 14 and has been playing fast pitch ball for 5 years now, and she is wishing that softball will be brought back to the olympics by the time she is old enough to compete. She currently plays select ball in ASA, NSA, and USSSA leagues. Not having softball in the olympics really dashed her dreams of being an olympian. Please support BACK SOFTBALL and let our girls dream big once again. Thanks!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Kathryn Frazier Date/Time: 8/3/2007 7:42:32 AM
Message:
 I have a daughter who plays high school ball and is on a 16u tournament team. It has been her dream since she was 10 years old to play on the USA National team. It upset her to learn that the Olypics dropped the sport from competition. But it has not broken her spirit. We would love to help in any way possible to bring the sport back to international competition on the Olympic level. She watches all of the games that are televised and when she can’t watch them live she records them. We hope that softball lovers across the world will BACK SOFTBALL to bring it back to the Olympics soon.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jacquelyn Barry Date/Time: 8/2/2007 12:32:11 PM
Message:
 I have been playing softball for as long as I can remember. As a 22 year old WOMEN I now play on a co-ed arc softball team and have been doing so since they made me leave high school!!! I absolutely love watching fast pitch softball on ESPN. I am really looking forward to watching Olympic softball dominate in the years to come. WE CAN DO IT!!!!
Mail Me! Country: U.S
Posted by:
Rochelle van Staden Date/Time: 8/1/2007 6:14:11 AM
Message:
 I’m a softball coach of a u/15 girls team. i also played softball for 6 years and whant to play some more but it does’nt feel like we are going somewhere. but the back softbaal have givin me a will to go for gold so please keep us up to date and try to set up a coaching courses to please. thanks keep up the good work
Mail Me! Country: rsa
Posted by:
Mark Llewellyn Date/Time: 7/30/2007 3:28:39 PM
Message:
 I’ve sent an email to ESPN congratulating them on their coverage of the 2007 KFC World Cup and encouraged them to lend their support to the Back Softball movement. Perhaps they may have some influence with the IOC? Softball should be in the Olympic games!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
kathy allen Date/Time: 7/30/2007 1:30:26 PM
Message:
 Softball is very important!! Sometimes it is the only athletic outlet,for young women in rural areas. The support needs to be there even on the global level!!
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Orland Park Sparks Date/Time: 7/29/2007 2:42:50 PM
Message:
 Softball is my life. It is the best thing ever. Softball is way better than curling. I wish to play on the USA team one day. Plese make that happen.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Dennis Rose Date/Time: 7/25/2007 7:59:08 AM
Message:
 Unfortunately I have been out of the "loop" of coaching softball for the past 6-7 years. But I still do private pitching lessons and work with Salt Lake Community College as a pitching instructor. I have been using the "Olympics" for Softball to all the girls I have contact with, about 300 each year, and tell them the three (3) best things that they can get out of Softball are, 1) the Friendships, they never go away. 2) an Education, college or other types. 3) A chance to go to the Olympics as a position player or a pitcher, if that is their field. NOW i can not use going to the Olympics as an enticement. I tell them of my experiences of "trying" out as a softball coach for the Pan Am team in 1995 and the Jr. Pan AM team twice and what a wonderful experience it was for me. You have to give goals to young men and women and though that is a "lofty" goal for most it still gives a lot of girls and boys some kind of a goal. Please reconsider your position on allowing Fast Pitch Softball back into the Olympics. All of our kids need that goal. And why was it taken from the olympics anyway. NO one call explain. It seems like a fast and exciting sport. A lot more exciting than many others that I could name. Maybe we need better representation than we have received. Even though I have been away from the game for a while does not mean that I do not support the game and what it can do for the youth of our nation. I could go on and on but this is not the format for that. Thank you and good luck all Fast Pitch Softballers.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Terri Socha Date/Time: 7/25/2007 7:13:44 AM
Message:
 If you want to contact corporate sponsors of IOC and the Beijing Olympics specifically there is contact information at www.hrw.org: www.hrw.org/campaigns/china/beijing08/iocsponsors.htm www.hrw.org/campaigns/china/beijing08/08sponsors.htm I would suggest forwarding your email to all your friends asking them to send a similar message to the corporate sponsors.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Terri Socha Date/Time: 7/25/2007 6:51:50 AM
Message:
 Women control/influence the majority of purchases in a family. I do not see why the goal is not to pressure the corporate sponsors of the Olympics to insist on the reinstatement of softball for the 2012 Olympics. Why should young women all over the world who have been preparing to play in 2012 should have their dream shattered. I plan to contact all the major sponsors of the 2008 Olympics to express my outrage at the softball vote and ask them what they are specifically doing to support a reversal for 2012. Efforts beyond that are fine with the IOC, but 2016 is too long to wait.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Cheri Date/Time: 7/24/2007 11:27:02 PM
Message:
 I am loving that we are now bringing over top baseball players from Japan and other countries. The beloved American pastime is spreading all over the world and is being welcomed as we have welcomed soccer. Why on earth would females playing softball be taken out of Olympic sports when it is increasing in popularity all over the globe? Is USA being punished for it’s wins in soccer and ice hockey? My family is guaranteed to tune in to view softball games in the Olympics. Bring back softball!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
jes pierinelli Date/Time: 7/24/2007 6:12:39 PM
Message:
 i an 15 yars old and i have ben playing softball for 10 years. To me softball isnt just a game its practically my whole life. To me there is nothing better than standing on that diamond playing the game i love. I one day dreamed of going to the olympics and playing with my heros. By taking softball out of the olympics you have not only killed my hope of making it to the olympics but you also killed thousadns of girls dreams all over the world. Softball is a very fast growing sport and i think that softball should remain in the olympics. u hope you will reconsider putting softball back in the olympics so girls like me can fulfill their liflong dream to wear the U.S.A. softball jersey.
Mail Me! Country: united states
Posted by:
Ann Simon Date/Time: 7/24/2007 9:29:24 AM
Message:
 Both of my daughters play softball and it is an excellent team sport that builds character for our young people. It is also an amazing sport to watch. It is exciting and entertaining for people of all ages. Our family hopes you consider this sport for the olympics because there are millions of fans that love watching teams play softball on TV especially at an international level.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
jamie Date/Time: 7/23/2007 7:34:55 PM
Message:
 I Have Been Playing softball since i was 5 yrs old and have made goals and dreams at going far with the sport not only because im good at it but because i love it. Taking away softball from the olympics is taking away alot of young girls dreams because what do we have to look forward to if we dont play basketball or run or something like that! People take the game of softball just as serious as they do basketball or any other sport and theres nothing ever said about that.. i think that by taking softball out of the olympics was a huge mistake! Softball is becoming huge sport world wide and its neat to see how people can come together and play a game that we all love. I Think that when the board decided to take softball out of the olympics they forgot to think about not only what they are taking away but they are also taking away dreams from girls all over the world and its something that needs to be brought back up and re-thought about!!
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
shauna Date/Time: 7/23/2007 5:39:05 PM
Message:
 If they take away softball from the olympics then what do girls have to look forward to and dream about they have nothing. I’m 16 years old and i have been dreaming about being in the olympics since i was 7 when and i have worked hard to get where i am at but what kind of modivation is there if u take away this sport in the olympics there is no modivation and there are no dreams.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Shelly Date/Time: 7/23/2007 11:18:42 AM
Message:
 I am a former softball player and now my daughter is playing too! Softball is a sport for young girls to pursue with dreams and goals that one day they can achieve bigger! Having softball in the Olympics let’s the girls "Dream Big and in Color".
Mail Me! Country: U.S
Posted by:
N. SAVELY Date/Time: 7/23/2007 7:55:55 AM
Message:
 No Softball in the olympics? How much time and effort were put into that decision? Have any of the committee members watched a softball game lately? Sold out games,full grandstands,millions of young girls watching and dreaming of playing in the Olympic games someday? And not just in the USA, but many different countries across the world. This is an outrage, what is next to go, basketball,track & field, swimming, baseball? I think not. Maybe the game of softball was getting too popular, maybe the USA was winning too much. But to that, I add that other countries are picking up their game and improving their players. This game is no longer a "cake-walk" for the USA. The committee in charge of this huge mistake need to rethink what they have done. Softball is one of the best and most exciting sports to watch. i fully support reinstating softball to the olympic games!! And the sooner, the better!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jennifer Keller Date/Time: 7/22/2007 8:27:40 PM
Message:
 I lived and breathed softball most of my life. Now that I’m older I’ve really enjoyed being able to follow the college and national teams. I would get up at 3 or 4 am to watch the softball games on t.v. in the 2004 Olympics. Recently watching the US win the World Cup, I realized how awesome it is for today’s young girls to be able to watch and admire these great athletes that play the game. Don’t let softball fall by the wayside in another summer Olympics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Mac S. Date/Time: 7/22/2007 6:24:44 PM
Message:
 I started playing softball when I was like 5 years old. And now I’m a fastpitch pitcher. Girls look up to Women Softball Players, like I look up to Cat Osterman, and Monica Abbott, and Jennie Finch. Other girls look up to other Women! Girls have dreams to play in the Olympics, I would love that! I think all girls dream about winning a gold medal. The people making softball not be in the Olympics are not the ones playing this amazing game. Girls my age might be the ones playing in the 2016 Olympics. NOW YA’LL NEED TO BRING IT BACK!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jeanette Katzenmeyer Date/Time: 7/22/2007 4:39:08 PM
Message:
 I grew up on this amazing game. I think that the game of softball should be keep in the olympics, because it is the best game around and it is also builds young girls into amazing women. This game has taken along time to get to were it is today. Softball carrys the most women legends and women heros, so please don’t take away the few heros that girl’s have today.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Frank Booth Date/Time: 7/22/2007 11:00:18 AM
Message:
 As a former parent,coach,manager,state tournament director, umpire, L.L.softball V.P., Player agent, and 3 term local league president that covered over 30 years, I witnessed first hand how the game of softball developed young ladies into outstanding athletes and adults and that U.S.A. softball MUST be re-instated as an Olympic Sport for the benefit of young women all over the world.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
elizabeth berckes Date/Time: 7/21/2007 12:18:22 PM
Message:
 I grew up playing ball and know the important role it can play in helping young girls to develope confidence.what can we do at a grass roots level to futher promote softball in our small communities?
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Anthony R Strachan Date/Time: 7/21/2007 7:01:25 AM
Message:
 My daughter has played fastpitch softball since she was 7 years old. The great lessons she has learned will benefit her for the rest of her life, sportmanship, fair play, team work, and working hard to achieve a goal. Her association with softball has built enormous self confidence, helped her avoid involvement in drugs and alcohol, and helped her stay in good physical condition. Now, at age 11, her goals include playing on the US Olympic Team! We are very excited because we know she can achieve this goal with had work and dedication. Please do everything possible to get softball reinstated in the Olympics. It would be a great loss to many thousands of girls worldwide to have this dream squashed forever by the IOCC. Respectfully, Anthony R Strachan
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Joanne Z. Chamar Date/Time: 7/20/2007 5:29:57 PM
Message:
 I played for years with the ASA in the 1950’s. I was appalled when I heard they dropped softball from the Olympics. It is a great sport and so many young girls love to play it. I sure did, and we drew many people at our games. My team won the city & regional championships. We went on to play at Williamsport. What a great experiance as a young person. I learned so much and met such wonderful girls. Some of which I’m still in touch with. Those were the days when girls were kind of looked down upon because we played real hard like men. Today these girls are so well suppoorted. I really enjoy watching it on TV as I saw the World Cup. Let me know what I and my friends can do to support this. No way we are going to let this happen! Good Luck and I want to help. Joanne Z. Chamar
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Ashley Helton Date/Time: 7/20/2007 5:29:17 PM
Message:
 Taking softball out of the Olympics has just taken away the dream of so many young women who were training to play in 2012. Do you not realize what you have done? Do you think we would stand by and watch you take a sport like gymnastic or swimming out of the Olympics? It is time we all take a stand!! PUT SOFTBALL BACK INTO THE OLYMPIC GAMES!!! That is only the right thing to do. Don’t take away the dream of so many young women!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Korgie Date/Time: 7/20/2007 3:46:53 PM
Message:
 I love softball. I play for a select 12under team. I was so mad when I found out the olympics were taking out softball. I love watching the USA team! They rock! I hope they bring softball back to the olmypics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Nancy Martinez Date/Time: 7/20/2007 3:09:43 PM
Message:
 My daughters, my granddaughers and myself all watch softball regularly. My granddaugher is a softball player and we will surely miss softball at the olympics. It is a time for my family to get together and have fun together. The men in our family always watch baseball so its nice to have the women in our family get together for a softball game. We will truly miss it. The Martinez Women
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Cheylin Date/Time: 7/20/2007 11:00:48 AM
Message:
 Hi, I am Cheylin. I am almost 13 years old and I have been playing softball since I was 7. I have always had a dream to one day pitch for an Olympic U.S.A team and I am continuing to work towards my major goal. I know it isn’t easy, but i believe that my hard work and efforts will some day pay off. If there is no longer an Olympic Softball team here in the U.S.A, what do girls my age and younger who love the game have to look forward to? We will never have the chance to prove ourselves champions on that Olympic dirt field, and never be able to catch that uncatchable ball in the outfield with an insane dive. Softball is more to me than just a game, it is life. Softball is love. Please take this message, along with the next to heart. There are many girls out there that are so close to reaching this goal that won’t be able to if our game is cut. Thank you for listening. Sincerely, Cheylin
Mail Me! Country: U.S.A
Posted by:
J. Kruger Date/Time: 7/20/2007 10:16:01 AM
Message:
 I suggest that the IOC drop curling, which as axciting as watching paint dry, and reinstate womens softball which is exciting and dynamic and a joy to watch.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
J.C. Kruger Date/Time: 7/20/2007 10:12:50 AM
Message:
 I am greatly disappointed that the IOC has shown so little regard for womens softball that it has removed it from Olympic competition. Baseball is OK, but there is so much of it that it has almost become boring to watch. Womens softball, especially the collegiate level and the international competitions are a marvelous thing to watch. The zeal and enthusiasm displayed by these women althletes is a joy to watch and the high level of sportsmanship displayed on all levels is to be admired. I plead for the IOC to reconsider and reinstate womens softball to Olympic competion where it belongs.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Kaitlyn Foster Date/Time: 7/19/2007 10:00:50 PM
Message:
 I am 16 year old and softball has been my life every since i was 6! I only have two more years left in high school and i plan on playing college softball and hopefully they for the USA Olympic team! I have always dreamed about winning a gold metal, but that cant be possible with the fact that yall took softball out of the Olympics!! By taking it out you are taking away the dreams of so many girls like myself! Softball is important to a lot of people and reinstating it in to 2016 Olympics will let them beable to dream on being a gold metalist!!!! Softball is a way of life
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
kristalie cabral Date/Time: 7/19/2007 8:48:15 PM
Message:
 HEY,I am 14 and softball is my life, I live for this stuff.I being playing softball since I was 5 and softball is the real reason why I sill wake up in the morning and go to school and work hard to get a scholarship because I dream of playing starting shortstop for the USA and UCLA team and I know that I am not the only one with dreams like these cause I read some of the other messages and its really not fair that they take that dream away from me and these other girls and I just wannted to say that I will do everything in my power to get softball back on the olympic games!!!! I promise
Mail Me! Country: Miami,Florida
Posted by:
Tiffany Perez Date/Time: 7/19/2007 7:56:58 PM
Message:
 Softball should remain as a olympic sport, because of the success young women recieved from the sport. Softball for me is the most entertaining and it is enjoyable to play. I look up to the players on the USA team and the other softball players. Softball being in the olympics and then dropped has a major impact on the kids who dream about being in the olympics in the future. The sport should remain because of the young softball athletes playing now and the upcoming young softball athletes for the future. Please reinstate softball as a the olympic sport!
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
allison darling Date/Time: 7/19/2007 7:15:42 PM
Message:
 I feel that softball should be in the olympics so someday I could play for team usa. I am 10 years old and have been playing since I was 4. This year I played on 2 teams and i am trying out for travel softball next week. Please put softball back on the olympic schedule.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Michelle Darling Date/Time: 7/19/2007 7:05:07 PM
Message:
 I am a 35 years old and I have been playing softball since i was seven years old. I have always loved the sport, I passsed that love onto my now 10 year old daughter who has been playing since she was 4. We are deeply saddened that softball was discontinued as an olympic sport. We wont watch as much of the summer olympics without softball. My daughter wants to be an olympic softball player what am I supposed to tell her? Please reinstate softball to the olympics it is very important to millions of young girls everywhere.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
makenzie Date/Time: 7/19/2007 5:12:29 PM
Message:
 I started playing baseball when I was 5 and then started softball at 8 and now I am 14 and it has always been a dream of mine to play in the olympics. Everytime I watch the US team play i think I could be like them one day then think, well I might not get to because some people decided to take it out. It makes me very mad.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Shelley Date/Time: 7/19/2007 3:35:12 PM
Message:
 i love softball i have been playin since like i was 6, and i am 14 now!! please don’t take the sport away from the olympics!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Controversy Date/Time: 7/19/2007 2:51:45 PM
Message:
 Lets Play Ball....
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
eric Date/Time: 7/19/2007 1:54:42 PM
Message:
 I am a 28 year old father of three girls, 2 of which are twins. I always dreamed of having a boy to play football and baseball with. That dream did not come true. So my new dream is for my 3 girls to play softball and make it as far as they are able to go. At the moment the highest to go is Olympic softball, and thats where I want to see them. I believe the sport is big enough to have its own professional league just like the NFL,NBA, and MLB. I know more people that have stopped watching baseball and started watching softball because of its fast-paced play. So please reinstate softball to the 2016 Olympics, and lets make it professional.
Mail Me! Country: US
Posted by:
Rachel P. ,12 Date/Time: 7/19/2007 1:51:40 PM
Message:
 i love softball! they just have to put it back in the olympics. ummmm.... i’m kind of bored without it, so bye. rara
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
ashley eldridge Date/Time: 7/19/2007 11:20:08 AM
Message:
 although i am only 12 years old myself. i have a strong opinion and a i want to voice my opinion about taking softball out of the olympics. my dream has always been to be on the softball olympic team. And by taking softball out. i feel as though you are ruining my dream. so please do not take softball out of the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
ashley eldridge Date/Time: 7/19/2007 11:19:53 AM
Message:
 although i am only 12 years old myself. i have a strong opinion and a i want to voice my opinion about taking softball out of the olympics. my dream has always been to be on the softball olympic team. And by taking softball out. i feel as though you are ruining my dream. so please do not take softball out of the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Wayne Valentino Date/Time: 7/19/2007 7:21:58 AM
Message:
 Being the Dad of 3 young ladies that enjoy Softball and having coached for many years I respectfully request that Softball be re-instated in the Olympic Games. The life lessons, friendships and spirit of competition that this sport offers is a valuable asset to all female atheletes worldwide. To take away these ladies dreams of someday becoming an Olympian is a dis-service to all women.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Melissa McCloskey Date/Time: 7/19/2007 7:10:23 AM
Message:
 As a player and now a Junior College coach I have grown up playing and loving this sport. I was lucky enough to live in an area where softball has been a huge deal for a long time. Growing up I looked up to the Michele Smiths, Lisa Fernandezs’ and Dot Richardsons. Now that the sport has become bigger then ever they decide to pull it out?! That just doesn’t make sense. Taking softball out of the Olympics means no more role models for those girls who aspire to become great athletes. I recommend anyone who believes in team sports and the quality of athletes that that brings, to stand up and not let this happen. The World and the Olympics need this sport!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
David Galuszka Date/Time: 7/18/2007 11:01:29 PM
Message:
 To say it would be a shame that my daughter might not have the opportunity to play olympic softball goes without saying. Rather I would like to point out the increasing popularity of this sport. Softball, in my opinion, is making strides many thought would occur with soccer. It would be an injustice to take away an once in a lifetime opportunity for women around the world. Thank you
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Alexa Date/Time: 7/18/2007 8:37:35 PM
Message:
 I have been playing softball since I was six years old; I am now fourteen. Going to the Olympics to play softball has been one of my dreams since I first saw the USA women play about four years ago. When I found out that the Olympic committee took softball out, it really took away the dreams i had of becoming an Olympic softball athlete. While watching the USA World Series last week, I heard Michelle Smith talk about trying to bring softball back to the Olympic games. Softball is a very important sport to me. I have been playing tournament softball for two years and hope to make my high school’s varsity team this year. I strive to learn more each year so that I can reach my goals of playing in high school, college, tournament teams and the ultimate goal-- the Olympics. Please consider returning women’s softball to the Olympics. Girls/Women athletes deserve to be represented in a sport where a team works together to achieve the gold. Team work requires more effort than single competition. Women deserve the right to stand before the world to say we are just as good at a sport as men are in their competitions. Women deserve the right to represent the United States and the Olympics as champions.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
Michael P. (coach mike) Date/Time: 7/18/2007 7:26:45 PM
Message:
 i’m the father of a softball player. my daughter has been playing softball since she was 8 years old. she has dreamed of being in the olympics since the first time she watched USA play in the olymipics. please don’t take her dreams away from her. please reinstate softball in the olympics. bring it back, softball coach and dad (coach mike) (m.p.)
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Cathy Date/Time: 7/18/2007 7:17:08 PM
Message:
 I grew up playing softball, for the love and fun of it. Growing up, there wasn’t any sports for young girls to participate in, or even thoughts of trying to make a career in the sport or even strive for the olympics. When the IOC made it a sport, that marked the beginning of young girl’s dreams everywhere. It gave them positive role models in Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman, Monica Abbot, Caitlin Lowe and all the others. (I’m 42 and my favorites are Lisa Fernandez and Stacey Nuevman and Crystl Bustos)It gave them the opportunity to set goals and achieve success through softball. Softball is a sport that has changed over the years but the one thing that will always remain the same is the thing called Team Effort. Softball gives young girls the chances and experiences of working as a team, chances at developing social skills, as well as athletic skills. All in all, I sincerly hope the IOC reconsiders the sport of softball and will continue to support the dreams and goals of young girls and women everywhere in the world
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Krissy Date/Time: 7/18/2007 6:53:18 PM
Message:
 Please get softball back into the olympics. If it does not get back in the olympics than some young ladies such as myself may have their olympic dream taken away from them. Even if it does get reinstated for 2016, it may still be too late for those of us that were not old enough to play in the 2004 olympics but may end up being too old to play in 2016. Please Hurry!!!
Mail Me! Country: Canada
Posted by:
robin Date/Time: 7/18/2007 6:42:47 PM
Message:
 i have a daughter who has played softball since she was 5 now 18 and we believe that softball should play in the olympics and it should be one of the sports that should be on world news like all the other ones. and the softball should be on regular stations so everyone can watch the players that come from there state and be able to cheer them on.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
johnnie pettie Date/Time: 7/18/2007 5:22:37 PM
Message:
 Let’s get fast pitch softball back in to the olympics! Let’s do it for the kids that are now 8, 10 12 14 16 and 18 years old. It’s gives then a dream to play the game and a dream to play in college and a dream to compete on a national level. Why was this sport taken out of the olympics Thanks
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
Ashlee Date/Time: 7/18/2007 5:05:21 PM
Message:
 I have played softball for many years and I currently coach softball to 12 and under girls. When growing up I had the dream to continue playing softball until I reached the Olympics. Through spending time coaching I have noticed that the girls today still have the same dream. If the sport is removed from the Olympics it takes away a dream from the hearts of many softball players. A lot of the player’s ambitions come from this dream. Do not cut them off short of reaching it.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
kathleen wray Date/Time: 7/18/2007 5:00:17 PM
Message:
 I play basketball but i really like to watch softball and it is not fair to just take this sport away from so many women who love to play it. and i support softball and all of the people who play in collage and in the pro leauge as well.
Mail Me! Country: US
Posted by:
Jack L. Dalmaso Date/Time: 7/18/2007 4:12:13 PM
Message:
 Dear Sirs: I do not watch major league Baseball as the players are overpaid & only in it for the money!! I really enjoy watching collegiate softball as the young women enjoy what they are doing. Olympic softball is an extension of their sport where they show their enthusiasm and talents to the whole world. I think it would be a black eye on the committee if this sport is no longer a significant part of the Olympic Games. Sincerely, Jack L. Dalmaso
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Rebecca Date/Time: 7/18/2007 2:27:23 PM
Message:
 hi im a 14 year old girl and i dont think that softball should be banned from the olyimpics......why you may ask well i have been playing for about 8 or more years now and i just love the sport so i to dream of maybe playing on the olympic team one day.....but if you take ban it then you will ruin my dreams and then there will be really no reason for me to play softball anymore....softball is a growing sport more and more girls are signing up to play each and every day so why shatter the dreams of the little girls that want to learn and maybe love the sport just as much as the rest of the people that love it......i mean if i have a daughter when i get older i am going to teach her to play softball.......SO PLEASE DONT TAKE SOFTBALL OUT OF THE OLYMPICS!!!!!!!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Ashley Nichols Date/Time: 7/18/2007 12:39:42 PM
Message:
 I think that softball should never be banned from the olimpics. I’m 14 years old, ive played softball since i was 4 and I play for a Travel ASA team. I plan on playing softball through high school into collage. My dream was to play on the USA team and play in the olimpics. But if there won’t be softball in it, theres no point in having that dream. I’m sure thousands of other girls have the same dream too. Softball is getting more popular every day, and more girls fall in love with the sport just like I did. I truly hope that in 2009 when they discuss the sports that will be played in the olimpics softball will be one of them. Ashley
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Savannah Green Date/Time: 7/18/2007 12:16:29 PM
Message:
 Me and my team members are very into the sport. Most of us have the dream of being able to watch and play the sport. I hate that they took softball out of the Olympic games. It was sooooo much fun watching Team USA play Japan. It isn’t fair that they want to get rid of the game. Why don’t they just let us girls have a game of our own? All I have to say now is put the game back in the Olympic games! :)
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Jean Waltemyer Date/Time: 7/18/2007 11:24:35 AM
Message:
 I played softball from the time I was 7 years old until I was 50 years old. I started in a team of Little Lassies which was the same as Little League, I played inhigh school and also played pro softball, it was always a dream come true for me to play in the olympics but they didn’t have it when I was young. I can’t believe they are taking it away from these young girls. It is played all over the world not just in the USA and should be reinstated in the olympics. There are other sports in the olympics that do not draw a large fan audience likr boxing and wrestling but they are still in the olympics.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
nicole jasperson Date/Time: 7/18/2007 11:09:16 AM
Message:
 I love softball and I want to play it as long as I can. I think it is so stupid that it will not be in the 2012 olympics. We have to fight for our sport and keep it going. How can they take softball out of the olympics just for there not being enough fans. I’m sorry but I’m sure if everyone had the money to travel to China to go see the USA softball team they would. I would if I could. I love softball and it should be in the Olympics forever.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Sydney Glover Date/Time: 7/18/2007 10:59:15 AM
Message:
 TO:JENNY FINCH,MONICA ABBOTT, CAT OSTERMAN, AND CATILAN LOWE!!!!!!!! Every since I saw Jenny Finch pitch in the 2004 Olympics, it has been my dream to make it to the Olympics and play for America. I wanted to try out for he Olympics as soon as I could but now that the board has taken it out my dreams have been crushed. I now many of the girls on my softball team, the Patriots, also want to go to the Olympics. So if people like Jenny Finch, Cat Osterman, Catilan Lowe and Monica Abbott (my role models) stand up for the right to play softball, then maybe the board will realize how important it is to us to be allowed to play softball in the Olympics. I may only be twelve years old but I have a big heart and my heart is set on playing softball.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
MARNIE CARRIKER Date/Time: 7/18/2007 9:57:35 AM
Message:
 I HAVE PLAYED SOFTBALL FOR THE LAST 25-30 YEARS AND IT IS A CRING SHAME NOT TO KEEP SOFTBALL IN TACT.....WE HAVE THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL FOR MEN AND FOOTBALL AND ALL THE OTHER SPORTS FOR MEN BUT HOW MANY SPORTS DO WE HAVE FOR THE WOMEN. WE LOVE THE SPORTS AS WELL...SOFTBALL IS OUR GAME AND WE DESERVE THE OPPERTUNITY TO KEEP THE SPORT WE LOVE SO MUCH. IF IT IS TAKEN AWAY WHAT DO WE HAVE. MY DAUGHTER LOVES THE SPORT AS WELL AND WANTS TO PLAY AS LONG AS SHE CAN. WE NEED THE SPORT FOR OTHER REASONS AS WELL, LIKE KEEPING KIDS OUT OF TROUBLE AND OFF DURGS. GIVES THEM SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE TO DO WITH THERE TIME. PLEASE RECONSIDER AND KEEP THIS SPORT ALIVE LIKE YOU DO BASEBALL. THANKS MARNIE SALISBURY, N.C.
Mail Me! Country: US
Posted by:
Kris Date/Time: 7/18/2007 9:39:18 AM
Message:
 My daughter absolutely loves the game of softball, and played on two teams this summer. She looks up to players from all over the world - she was thrilled to have her picture taken with a pitcher from China after she had just thrown a no-hitter against the Chicago Bandits. It’s a real crime to have softball taken out of the Olympics!!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Dwight Wiliams and Rebecca Mader Date/Time: 7/18/2007 9:36:05 AM
Message:
 We would like to see softball played in the olympics, simply because it gives young ladies the chance to see other ladies reach althletics at its highest levels. This will encourge them to do more with their young lives. It is also fun to watch, the excitement level is off the charts.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Lauren Date/Time: 7/18/2007 8:27:26 AM
Message:
 There are so many girls in the world, exactly like me, whose dream has been to become an Olympic Softball Player since they were 9 or 10, by taking softball out of the Olympics there will be 1000’s of girls with crushed dreams. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" "An Olympic Softball Player." "Oh...well good luck, work hard!" We’ve always looked up to players like Michelle and Cat, Lisa and Stacey, Natasha and Lovie, Jennie and Jennie. We’ve always had dreams of becoming just like them, and now, just becuse a few people on a committee never got to experience what it is like to be in love with softball they are just going to get rid of it from the Olympics, just like that!
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
John Taylor Date/Time: 7/18/2007 7:39:59 AM
Message:
 You’re kidding right?? Remove a good sport where skill, dedication and endurance is what Olympic Games all about. Please reconsider this measure or I will be forced to spend my many hours of Olympic Games watching time shortened to the very limited other sports.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Tracy Kirby Date/Time: 7/18/2007 6:15:29 AM
Message:
 I just want to say to keep up the work you are doing. I hope that our voices will be heard and that you can get softball back in the Olympics. I am the mother of two girls that love softball, and it really hurt them to hear of this decision. I hope that the committee that made this decision realizes that they have taken away the dream of thousands of girls all over the world. Please keep up this cause and let the public know if there is more that we can do to help the cause. We are passing your website info on to all of our friends. Thanks, Tracy Kirby
Mail Me! Country: US
Posted by:
THOM YATES Date/Time: 7/18/2007 5:55:01 AM
Message:
 I AM THE FATHER OF AN ASPIRING 13OLD PITCHER WHO HAS PLAYED SOFTBALL SINCE SHE WAS 4YRS OLD, AND HAS BEEN PITCHING SINCE SHE WAS 8. SHE LOVES THIS SPORT AS DO I. IT REALLY TAKES THAT TO PRACTICE AS HARD AS SHE DOES, IN 90 DEGREE HEAT AND HUMIDITY. SOMETIMES PRACTICING 4DAYS A WEEK,JUST TO PLAY ON THE WEEKENDS. WHEN THE NEWS CAME OUT THAT THE IOC TOOK SOFTBALL OUT OF THE 2012 OLYMPICS, SHE WAS CRUSHED, SHE WEPT FOR AND HOUR. SEE, THAT WAS HER OLYMPICS THAT THEY TOOK AWAY. SHE WOULD BE 19 AND A SOPHMORE IN COLLEGE. NOW ALL SHE’S PLAYING FOR IS A SCHOLARSHIP AND MAYBE A CHANCE TO GO PRO. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK THAT COLLEGE’S WILL OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS FOR A SPORT NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO BE IN THE OLYMPICS. IT’S A TRAGEDY WHEN YOU REALLY THINK ABOUT IT. I’VE HEARD THAT THE IOC TIED FASTPITCH AND MEN’S BASEBALL TOGETHER IN THIER DECISION-BECAUSE THEY COULDN’T GET ENOUGH PRO BASEBALL TALENT TO SIGN-UP. REALLY, IOC, WE’RE TALKING ABOUT 2 DIFFERENT SPORTS. WHY DON’T YOU HAVE MEN’S FASTPITCH AND WOMEN’S FASTPITCH TOGETHER. YOUR COMPARING "APPLES AND ORANGES" AS THE SAYING GOES. IF I WERE AN, IOC, OFFICIAL I THINK I WOULD PUT "FASTPITCH" BACK IN THE OLYMPICS, EVEN FOR 2012, AND LET OUR DAUGHTERS PLAY.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Sam Date/Time: 7/18/2007 5:45:51 AM
Message:
 Think of all the people that have dedicatedly trained and worked and dreamed to be able to play in the Olympics of this sport. The people, including myself and a lot of my friends enjoy this sport-how many people do you think you’re depriving their hopes of... Let Softball play in the Olypics!
Mail Me! Country: U.S of America
Posted by:
Courtney Date/Time: 7/17/2007 9:34:11 PM
Message:
 Im 13 years old. And I love playing softball. I have dreamed of playing in the olympics, and if they take that away my dreams would be crushed aswell as many others girls dreams. To me softball is the best sport to play for a girl. You get to hang out with a bunch of other girls, and cheer, and laugh, and most important you get to play ball. I’m a back catcher and I love being able to talk to my pitcher during the game, and I love annoying the ump and the other team. And there is this one diamond around where I live, and I always see 18 year old girls and older playing there. And it is like 10:00pm when I drive by and they have the lights around the diamond lighting it up. It’s perfect, except there is never many fans, not like the boys baseball major league. Just because were girls playing baseball doesnt mean people done want to watch it. So PLEASE KEEP SOFTBALL IN THE OLYMPICS, because thats where the girls softball teams get to shine. They get to show off there talent. People actually get to see what they can do. And girls my age get to see what they could be come if they work really, really hard.
Mail Me! Country: Canada
Posted by:
Cathy Tyler Date/Time: 7/17/2007 9:21:31 PM
Message:
 I am a former player of slow pitch softball,I played for over 30 yrs for various teams and particapated in 10 national church league tournments,we played in several states but I can not explain the feeling that I had when I played in Oklahoma,on the hall of fame field.I was fortunate enough to be inducted in the centeral alambama sotfball Hall of Fame.I have not only been a player but I also umpired and help organize a church league.I never had the opportunity as so many young people have today in softball with scholarships for college,a chance to play in the olympics,it would be ashame if we took away these opportunities.Softball has built friendships,chacter and self esteem it has given kids a chance to suceed and a hope .I am proud that I played the game and could never replace the memories. I support the olympics and all the players who work so hard to get there.
Mail Me! Country: usa
Posted by:
sara Date/Time: 7/17/2007 8:44:02 PM
Message:
 I’m 15 years old and I’ve been playing softball for as long as I can remember and I absolutely love the sport. My whole life revolves around it. I can’t believe that they’re taking it out of the Olympics!! It’s awful!! Everyday I work harder so that someday maybe I could be a great softball player and be in the Olympics. It has always been my dream. I love watching great players like Cat Osterman, Jennie Finch, Natasha Watley, and the entire incredible Olympic team. Myself and many young athletes look up to each and every one of the players. They are role models to us. You can’t take it away, because if you do, you’re not only taking away our dreams, but you are taking away the athletes we look up to each and every day.
Mail Me! Country: USA
Posted by:
Brett Bibb Date/Time: 7/17/2007 8:29:13 PM
Message:
 I think that softball should remain an Olympic sport is because it does open up so many ranges and opportunities for young people today. I am an umpire for the sport here in the U.S. and I have seen the impact that it does bring I’ve seen joy in many faces of young women, and I think that it can open up many opportunities worldwide. There are countries in Europe, Asia, South America and possibly even in Africa that are getting very interested softball. And it does bring joy and satisfaction to me when I umpire a game, there are foreign exchange students coming over here so they can learn more about softball so they can take it back and spread it to their own country. I think it does open up so many positive aspects of life,as well as athletics. So I think it should remain an Olympic sport, not just competition sake, but as a way to open new boundries for other ways intergration, and opportunity,and growth.
Mail Me! Country: United States
Posted by:
marla Date/Time: 7/17/2007 8:28:06 PM
Message:
 I think that softball should stay in longer than they should. Im 15 years old and I have been playing softball ever since I was 4. I love to play this sport, I think that it shows that girls can do alot more than what someone people think we can do. I know growing up that all I wanted to do was going to the Olymics, there are so many girls out there that have dreamed of this day coming, it would be wrong to just take our dream away. We work so hard to become better than what we know at something that some people really don’t respect us doing. Im saying please don’t take softball out of the Olymics, if you did all that would mean is that you are taking all of our dreams away.
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