Rubber covered softball was developed in Japan in 1950. Similar to rubber covered baseball, it was first invented to substitute leather covered softballs. Since then, rubber covered softballs have been widely recognized in Japanese market for its special characteristics such as durability, safety in playing and usability.
In this article, the history of rubber covered softballs in Japan is first described. Then the keys of the development rubber covered softball and the status of the current products are also introduced.
The author would like to believe the great possibility, safety in playing and usability of rubber covered softball, especially for the players of many developing countries.