Both men's and women's softball tournaments were conducted during World Games I. The games were played July 30 - August 2, 1981 at Central Park in Santa Clara, California. Teams from the United States, Canada, the Bahamas and Chinese Taipei participated in the women's event, while in the men's event, the United States, Canada, the Bahamas and Mexico were initially slated to appear. As the time of the Games approached, the Mexican team withdrew for financial reasons and was replaced by a second team from the United States.
All three U.S. teams were intact successful high-level softball teams, well known in the U.S. softball community. The Raybestos Brakettes club from Connecticut was the women's team. United States I, the original selection for the Games, was the Peterbilt team from Seattle, Washington. After Mexico's decision, the Guanella Brothers team from Santa Rosa, California was engaged in the role of United States II.
Kathy Arendsen pitched four shutouts for the U.S. women, culminating in a perfect game in the championship final.
Round-robin phase:
Each team played two games per day for three days, followed by a championship game between the top two teams in the standing.
Thursday, July 30, 1981:
Friday, July 31, 1981:
Saturday, August 1, 1981:
Sunday, August 2, 1981:
Other known individual participants: TPE â Feng-Yuan, Lih-Ju, Sub-Shain
Round-robin phase:
Each team played two games per day for three days, followed by a championship game between the top two teams in the standing.
Thursday, July 30, 1981:
Friday, July 31, 1981:
Saturday, August 1, 1981:
Note: Canada and United States II split the two games between them.
Sunday, August 2, 1981:
Other known individual participants: BAH â Bethel, Butler, Clarke, Ford, Russell, D Smith