State Journal: Striking out; Higher profile

By Lonnie Harp

Kentucky lawmakers say they were way off base earlier this year when they passed a law that has unintentionally led to the demise of girls' slow-pitch softball.

The legislature passed a law allowing schools to offer fast-pitch softball for girls during this year's session. But angry parents and school officials arrived at the state Capitol earlier this month to tell a panel of lawmakers that what they thought was a hit should instead be ruled an error.

The law apparently prohibits schools from fielding a slow-pitch-softball team unless they first have a fast-pitch team. Last year, 269 Kentucky schools sponsored slow-pitch teams, while none played fast-pitch. This year, a survey by the state's high school athletic association shows 209 fast-pitch teams, 51 schools with both, and no...