BEIJING, CHINA – International Softball Federation President Don Porter was in attendance at many of the Olympic softball games. And he liked what he was seeing. “I’m elated at what has been taking place at our venue,” the ISF president said. “We have had IOC Members out here to see our games, as well as representatives from National Olympic Committees and some sports ministers. And the competition they’re seeing on the field has certainly been exciting and representative of the increased level of play that has been developed at this level.”

Porter along with ISF BackSoftball Task Force Co-Chairs Donna de Varona and Dale McMann helped promote their cause with various activities and meetings in the Chinese capital during the Olympic Games.

The attendance total for the softball games held at Fengtai Softball Field shattered totals for the Games held just four years ago in Athens proving its popularity with spectators. Changes made over the past several years have helped keep games times down, under the two hour limit, that television networks want. Changes include using the tiebreaker rule in the top of the eighth inning, a 20-second clock to enforce the amount of time a pitcher has to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates Play Ball and not having to throw four pitches for an intentional walk.