Not sure what happened to fastpitch softball. When I was growing up several of my friends' dads played and we went to countless games (and taverns afterwards). By the time I was old enough to play, in the early 80's there were no leagues left to speak of. You could fine 100 slowpitch games on any given night and dozens of slowpitch tournaments every weekend. I played in many...

I recall going to the games and watching Junior Hemsath mow down batter after batter with pitches that did things you just couldn't hit. The 3rd baseman would end up 15' from the plate because half the guys knew a bunt was their best bet and Jr. would hum a fastball that no human could pull down the 3rd base line. Those were some competitive guys and some damn competitive games. I never saw any fights but plenty of jawing and plenty of threats. And once they finished and went to the tavern, we were given sodas and all the quarters needed to play shuffleboard and pinball until their pitchers were dry and we took a wobbly ride home...

Now my kids are all grown and they tell stories of how their dad took them to slowpitch games and then to the picnic tables at the park for pitchers of beer or to the K of C hall for the same... I gave them a soda and told them to stay in sight at the playground or just don't get lost because your mother will be furious if I don't bring you home...

Oh the memories...