History of ESF

The European Softball Federation (ESF) was established in Rome, Italy, in 1976 by the representatives of six national Baseball and Softball Federations (Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Spain,) of the European continent, with the objectives of promoting and developing Softball in Europe.

The ESF organised its first Senior Women Championship in 1979 in Rovereto, Italy, where 6 countries participated (Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Great Britain).

Throughout the years, the ESF grew to count thirty-three national Federations or Associations in the European continent. The ESF organised over sixty European Championships and more than one hundred European Cups for Clubs in all gender and age categories.

The ESF also established many training programs for coaches, players and umpires with hundreds of  international Umpires graduates.

The Federations affiliated to the ESF meet each year during the General Congress and is managed by an Executive Council of nine members, elected by that Congress.

In 2018, the historic merger of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB) and the European Softball Federation (ESF) allowed the establishment of World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe (WBSC Europe).

Presidents

2017 - 2022: Gabriel Waage (CZE)
2009 - 2017: André Van Overbeek (NED)
2003 - 2009: Mike Jennings (GBR)
1995 - 2003: Jos Gieskensi (NED)
1994 - 1995: Enrico Bertirotti (ITA)
1993 - 1994: Anny Reinenbergh-Heusschen (BEL)
1991 - 1993: Enrico Bertirotti (ITA)
1985 - 1991: Theo Vleeshhouwer (NED)
1977 - 1985: Bruno Bene (ITA)