National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum(23)

Jonathan Elmore
Jul 8
3 min read

Updated: Jul 10

OKLAHOMA CITY

I played baseball a long time. I started playing when I was in the 2nd grade, but there was no other teams my age, so they put me on the 4th, 5th, & 6th grade team. I was a wee lad compared to those older boys, but I was committed. My home for the first year was left field. Then one night I heard the ping of the aluminum bat and saw a ball headed my way. I ran as fast as I could to pick it up. I heaved it with all my strength toward the infield. I had thrown it from left center field all the way to the pitcher. After that night, the coaches started training me to be a pitcher, which I was for many years to come.

During the time I played baseball for school, I also played softball with community and church teams. It was so much fun, mainly because of who was there, but also because it was slow pitch softball. When I first saw a fast pitch game, I was blown away by the speed that the bigger balls were crossing home plate. I imagine if I tried an at bat in one of the games played at the Devon Field, I would go down swinging, but I would have a big problem actually hitting something.

Going to the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum churned up all those memories about being on the field with my friends and teammates. I actually learned a lot about the history and evolution of the sport. Both men's and women's teams are represented at the museum. Their jerseys, gloves, and bats line the exhibit halls in displays that had me smiling at every turn. Seeing some of the nostalgic memorabilia from past, the US Softball teams, and news stories made it feel like it covered everything I would think it needed to. The museum has two levels with stairs and an elevator so you won't have to miss anything if you're like me and your knees don't work as well as they used to because of sliding into home too many times.

The kind woman in the gift shop, where I picked up a few things, told me that it was a good day to be here because the ballpark was open to go look at. There were a few young women's teams playing and she said I could go look around if I wanted. I honestly didn't want to be the older guy walking around a ballpark watching young women play softball. It seems creepy to me, but I went with the idea that I'm allowed to sightsee like anyone else. I got over there and there weren't many people there. A big team was walking out as I was walking in, so I stepped aside to let them pass. I went and check out the empty field that was being prepared for the next game. It was a great ballpark! Just what you want when the Olympics come here in 2028. That's right!! THE OLYMPICS!! I can't wait. OKC is also hosting the slalom canoe events as well, so we have that going for us too.

So if you're a baseball or softball person, come see this museum. It's well worth the time and it's free of charge to see it. What could be better? Maybe a tiny Louisville Slugger on your way out of the gift shop.

2801 NE 50th St., Oklahoma City

405-654-8337

Jonathan Elmore 2025