20 Reasons Why You Should Be Excited For Softball In 2020

By Kayla Lombardo
on January 2, 2020

The holidays have passed, the ball has dropped and a new decade is finally upon us. And now that 2020 is officially here, softball fans have plenty to be excited for, as this year is set to be a banner one at all levels of the sport.

See below for 20 reasons why you should be excited for softball in 2020.

Tokyo Olympics

The event the softball world has been waiting for since 2008 is nearly here. Softball is set to make its reappearance at the Summer Games beginning July 22 in Tokyo. The gold-medal game is scheduled for July 28.

USA Softball's "Stand Beside Her" Tour

Team USA will prepare for the 2020 Olympics with a cross-country tour beginning in February and ending just before the team heads to Tokyo for July's Summer Games.

College Softball Season

Need we say anything else? The truly most wonderful time of the year will be here in just about one month.

New Stadium For 2020 WCWS

USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium is in the midst of a major facelift. The renovations are set to be completed before the start of the 2020 Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.

Danielle Lawrie-Locke's Social Media Inspiration Continues

Perhaps the most inspiring mom on social media, Danielle Lawrie-Locke is getting real with softball fans and taking them through every step of her road to the 2020 Olympics with Team Canada. Follow her amazing journey here.

View this post on Instagram
What are your biggest fears? Failure? Vulnerability? Lack of motivation ? Mom guilt? • • • I’ve learned so much about myself these past 2.5 years, and I wouldn’t be the same person I am right now if hadn’t made the decision to get back into this game.. • • • Yes I could have used every excuse in book, it will be to hard, what if I don’t make the team? what if I embarrass myself? What if I have a similar Olympic experience like 2008? What if my kids are mad when I leave? What if my marriage struggles because of this decision? What if my passion runs out? • • • Life has a funny way of working itself out. In 2014 I retired from this game proudly, I ended on my terms, an NPF championship and surrounded by friends and a traveling Maddie and grandma the whole summer. But one thing I didn’t do was PUSH MYSELF TO THE LIMIT... • • • I’ve worked hard in the past and have appreciated my grind, but nothing has compared to these last 2.5 years. I’m so proud to represent this country again, and so INCREDIBLY proud of MYSELF I could scream it to the roof tops. I’ve learned I can always push myself to the unknown, kids don’t LIMIT my work ethic, or dedication, they make it mean MORE and it’s such a special feeling. • • • Cheers to the holiday season and enjoying time with family and friends. My GOAL... to be SO present these next couple weeks. Time goes so quickly, and we must throughly enjoy what we are doing! Take more time to talk with loved ones, to connect with friends, to hug someone longer, to text a friend, to just be HAPPY 💕 • • • What are some of your favourite holiday traditions? Favourite movies? Christmas treats ? #strongasamother
A post shared by Danielle Lawrie-Locke (@daniellelawrie5) on Dec 14, 2019 at 8:06am PST

California Commotion Debut

The 2020 NPF season will mark the inaugural campaign for the California Commotion, which is The Golden State's first professional softball team since 2005.

Three Olympic Teams Compete In NPF

Before heading to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics, Team Australia, Team Canada and Team Mexico will all compete in the NPF as the Aussie Peppers, Canadian Wild and Cleveland Comets, respectively.

Sierra Romero's Hopeful Return From ACL Injury

After sustaining an ACL injury in 2019, Sierra Romero is hopeful to return to action this year for the newly-independent USSSA Pride.

All The Great Things Lauren Chamberlain Does For Softball

From the instructional lessons she offers, to the speaking engagements and empowerment events she hosts, Lauren Chamberlain has used her influence in softball for the betterment of girls and young women in the game today. Keep an eye out for her upcoming events here.

NFCA Convention In Dallas

This year's version of the "Greatest Softball Show on Earth" is set to host coaches from all levels of the sport in Dallas this coming December.

ESPN's Continued Coverage Of College Softball

ESPN saw record viewership totals across the board for its college softball coverage in 2019. Based on that fact alone, we think it's safe to say that 2020 should bring plenty of college softball to all the screens in your life.

New Venue For Little League Softball World Series

After 26 years at Alpenrose Dairy in Portland, Ore., the Little League Softball World Series will have a new home in 2020. The location has not yet been announced by Little League International.

The Packaged Deal's Clinics

The women of The Packaged Deal have been revolutionizing softball clinics for more than five years now. Their anniversary tour continues through February.

New NPF Schedule Format

The 2020 NPF schedule will feature a new series-event model with a minimum of three teams competing at any one time during league competition. The full 2020 schedule is set to be released by the league in the coming weeks.

Possible USA vs. Japan Rematch

It's the rematch many within the softball community are hoping for at the 2020 Olympics. Japan got the best of Team USA in the gold-medal game during softball's last appearance at the Summer Games in 2008, but will there be a different ending in 2020? We will find out.

USA Softball Hall Of Fame Induction

Softball legends Lovieanne Jung and Natasha Watley are set to be inducted into the USA Softball Hall of Fame later this year.

New Pitching Rules

At both the collegiate and youth levels of softball, new pitching rules will appear in 2020 that are likely more exciting for the game's pitchers than its hitters.

First-Ever U-18 Women's World Cup

The inaugural U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup will take place in August in Lima, Peru and feature 16 countries from around the world.

Mexico's Olympic Debut

Team Mexico will make its first-ever appearance at the Olympics in July.

NCAA Softball Instagram Takeovers

Who doesn't love team takeovers from NCAA Softball's Instagram account? Follow along this year for a look into what life is like as a college softball player.

View this post on Instagram
Thanks for following along with us today! Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram! Spartan Up 👌 @sjsuspartanssb
A post shared by NCAA Softball (@ncaasoftball) on Nov 15, 2019 at 6:20pm PST