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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:
!!_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