Members List:

President:
Michael Fusco
Vice President:
Matthew Karlin

Links and Forums

	MMSC
	SOFTBALLFANS.COM
	ISA MODIFIED PITCH
	MODIFIED PITCH SOFTBALL HISTORY
	SOUTHERN NEW YORK ASA
	MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT
	360 SOFTBALL
	SEASIDE PARK SOFTBALL LEAGUE

National Modified Pitch Softball Alliance

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In 1887 softball was invented as an indoor sport by George Hancock, a reporter. The first games took place inside the Farragut Boat Club in Chicago. In 1895 Lewis Rober, a member of the Minneapolis, Minnesota, fire department, invented outdoor softball. It wasn't till the late 60's that the great game of Modified Pitch came into it's own. It is reported that it's beginnings took place somwhere in the northeastern United States. The creation of the game was by those who enjoyed baseball, wanted to play softball, but lacked the skills needed to play the more popular version of softball called fast pitch. The game began with a "modified" pitch delivery (thus the name). It allowed pitcher's to throw harder than slow pitch and yet not need the same skills of fast pitch. He or she used a modified version of a windmill delivery. Like slow pitch, the defense used 10 fielders. There was no bunting or stealing allowed . The strike zone was similar to baseball (arm pits to the top of the knees) and the ball was permitted to be thrown at a greater amount of speed than slow pitch. The game really took off in the early 1970's in places like New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Southern California and New Jersey. Staten Island, New York became the hotbed and was home to several World Champions and to this day, is the address for many of the country's top teams. Modified has grown in areas like Michigan, Maryland and Florida. Later in the 70's the 9 man version was born. It allowed teams to play a style even closer to fast pitch. The defense was allowed 9 players, baserunners were allowed to leave on the release of the ball, bunting and stealing were permitted and the pitchers used a slightly different version of the delivery to obtain more speed and movement on the ball. As the game grew popular, the different associations began to adopt thier own rules and run National tournaments. By the mid 90's ASA, NSA and USSSA had national modified pitch programs, but by the end of the decade modified showed signs of declining participation. Lack of new young pitchers, the internet and the growth of slow pitch have all been blamed. Eventually NSA and then USSSA saw shrinking numbers and slowly fazed out thier Modified Pitch programs. As the new millenium arrived, a new group out of Maryland (UMSA) was formed and a few years later (2003), the Independent Softball Association began a national program and named a national director. As of 2007 only ASA, ISA and USMA run national modified programs.

You hear that question all the time. The funny thing is, not many Modified players even know the difference. Ask the 3 associations ( ASA, ISA and UMSA) who still sanction the style and they don't even totally agree. When asked about the differences between 9 and 10 man, most players think 10 man is just a style that incorporates an extra defender. Some call it "B" ball. Either way,there definately IS a difference. Basically, 10 Man is the original or "true modified". The pitching delivery has it's restrictions (no sling shot or windmill) , and there are a few minor rule differences, espicially on the defensive side, where 10 defenders are allowed. 9 man has 9 defenders and an allowable "sling shot" type pitching motion. Because of the laxed pitching rules, pitchers can break the ball better and throw it at a faster speed. Now all this would be fine, but the different league and tournament directors don't have the umpires enforce the rules as just explained. Depending on where you play the rules changes and that's a very big negatitive for our game. Until it's enforced universally, there will be a huge grey area. We here at the NMPSA hope someday we can get everyone on the same page. We beleive there is a difference and the game should be played one style or another. Now you need to decide what style your playing. Good Luck!!