So, I was recently asked the question, “Why softball?” This, of course, is in reference to the ministry side of sports. To me, it’s simple—why not?

For starters, softball is a game that can be played by many: young or old, short or tall, fit or out of shape—it doesn’t matter. Right out of the gate, your audience is larger. This inclusivity allows for a more friendly atmosphere while still being competitive.

Next, the teams are bigger. In most recreational or pick-up sports, basketball is the most common, with 5 players per team. Two or three teams give you a group of 15 people gathering. In softball, however, there are 10 players on a team, so now your sharing audience has grown to 20–30 people. When it comes to prison ball, this mindset helps us reach the most people. At the end of the day, it’s about planting seeds with as many people as possible.

In conference or professional ball, the impact is even greater. At a softball tournament, there are typically 18–34 teams, which means anywhere from 200–400 players. Including family members and coaches, you’re looking at close to 800–1,000 people at a tournament over the weekend. We usually play 5–7 games per weekend, so at a minimum, we have the opportunity to share with 150–200 people. And that doesn’t even include the people we encounter off the field!

Now, let’s look at it from our perspective. We have a team with 15 players and a couple of coaches. This gives us the opportunity to grow close in discipleship and fellowship, week in and week out. Softball is one of the greatest tools in sports ministry. It can be played, coached, and watched by many, allowing us to plant seeds that can potentially lead to a larger harvest.

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