The game of baseball has long been known as an exclusive boys’ club, and the pitching game is no exception. While girls have been participating in baseball just as long as boys, the opportunity for them to pitch overhand has been a more recent development. In this article, we’ll explore why girls don’t pitch overhand, the impact this has had on the game, and the potential solutions that are being explored to even out the playing field.
Historical Barriers to Overhand Pitching
In the past, there were several historical barriers preventing girls from pitching overhand. The most obvious was the lack of resources and training. Girls didn’t have access to the same resources and training as boys did, which put them at a disadvantage when it came to pitching.
In addition, there was a stigma attached to girls pitching overhand. This was due to the belief that girls weren’t strong enough to throw a fastball, or that it was too dangerous for them to do so. This resulted in most girls being relegated to only softball and not being allowed to play baseball.
The Impact on the Game
The lack of girls pitching overhand has had a significant impact on the game. It has resulted in a lack of female coaches and umpires, as well as a lack of female players. This has had a particularly negative impact on the lower levels of the game, where girls are less likely to be seen playing or coaching.
It has also had an impact on the competitiveness of the game. Without girls pitching overhand, the level of competition is lower, as most teams are unable to field a full team of pitchers. This has resulted in teams being unable to compete with teams that do have girls pitching overhand.
Potential Solutions
Fortunately, there are potential solutions being explored to address the issue of girls not pitching overhand. One of the most popular solutions is to create leagues specifically for girls, where they can learn the basics of overhand pitching in a safe and supportive environment.
Another solution is to modify the rules of the game to make it more accessible to girls. This could include allowing girls to pitch overhand in softball, or allowing them to use a modified pitching technique that requires less strength.
Finally, there are organizations working to create more opportunities for girls to learn how to pitch overhand. These organizations are working to create camps and clinics, as well as providing resources and training for coaches and players.
Conclusion
It’s clear that the lack of girls pitching overhand has had a significant impact on the game of baseball. Fortunately, there are potential solutions being explored to address this issue, and organizations working to create more opportunities for girls to learn how to pitch overhand. With more resources and training available, girls can start to break down the barriers that have prevented them from playing the game at the highest level.