Adapted sports: Wheelchair softball

Wheelchair softball first began in 1970 in Sioux Falls, SD. “Sioux Wheelers” was the team’s name, and I can only imagine how much fun this early ’70s wheelchair softball team had. Since then, hundreds of teams have formed in the US, and even cooler, it’s growing around the world. The sport overall is quite similar to the AB-version except one difference – wheelchair softball is played on a paved diamond (better watch out for road rash).

If you’ve always wanted to give wheelchair softball a go but have kept putting it off, the time is now – spring is here and there are loads of awesome people involved. Read on for four of our favorite wheelchair softball videos!

Our first video profiles some of the best wheelchair softball players in Japan, showing the top players playing against US players. It’s no secret baseball is huge in Japan, so it should come as no surprise that wheelchair softball is one of the biggest adapted sports in this country. Watch this video as it profiles top Japanese players, showing clips of their best moves

The next video shows the 36th National Wheelchair Softball Tournament in Chicago, Illinois last year. And it shows the rolling White Sox team playing against the rolling Minnesota Twins; two of the best teams in the US. The video also includes some awesome soundbites from passionate players talking about why they love the sport (as well as why they prefer the Chicago 16 inch softball). Check out an overview of this tournament

And for a real taste of wheelchair softball, you gotta watch this video of a chilly evening practice in Pasadena, California. In the video, you get a taste of the sweat and adrenaline from the game (I want to play!). They’re all in street clothes and the competition is fierce. Check them out

And out last video shows the lighter side of the sport – the inevitable wheelchair softball bloopers (oh you know it happens). From falling over backwards while racing to homebase and getting the ball underneath your wheels to throwing the ball out into the street (I think all of us have done this at some point), behold the mighty wheelchair softball blooper video

You gotta love this sport. All you need is a paved area – heck even a parking lot will do – and you can play. For more information on the sport, check out the official page for the National Wheelchair Softball Association.

Have you tried softball on wheels yet? What did you think?

Watch the videos!

– Wheelchair softball in Japan

– Annual nat’l tournament in Chicago each year (the best of the best)

– Cool kids practicing in Cali

– Wheelchair softball bloopers