The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, from April 6 to 15, 1896, and were revived by Coubertin, the founder of the International Olympic Committee. A total of 241 athletes from 14 countries participated in the Olympic Games, with nine major events including track and field, swimming, weightlifting and wrestling.

The Olympic history of baseball and softball

Although both did not appear at the inaugural Olympic Games, they have undergone unique developments in subsequent Olympic history:

1. Baseball

Debut: Baseball became an official sport at Barcelona 1992 with only men's events.

Withdrawal and return: Baseball was removed after London 2012 due to conflicts between professional leagues (such as MLB) and Olympic schedules, as well as uneven global popularity, and returned as a host addition at Tokyo 2020 (2021), and will return to Los Angeles 2028.

Rules: Smaller hard balls, pitchers use top-hand throwing, larger field (home plate to outfield fence about 90-120 meters), slower pace of play, focus on tactical coordination.

2. Softball

Olympic debut: Softball became a women's sport at Atlanta 1996 and is gender-neutral with baseball.

Cancelled after 2012 along with baseball, it briefly returned to Tokyo 2020 but did not qualify for Paris 2024 and will return to Los Angeles 2028.

Rule differences: Larger, softer balls, pitchers use their lower hands to throw the ball around their arms, smaller fields (about 60-70 meters from home plate to outfield), faster pace of play, emphasis on explosiveness and reaction speed.

The Olympic significance of both sports

Cultural symbols: Baseball represents the national sport of the United States, Japan, South Korea and other countries, while softball highlights the competitive charm of women's sports.

Controversy and Challenges: The conflict between professionalism and amateur Olympic traditions, and the uneven global participation (dominated by Europe, America and Asia) are the main reasons for its exclusion from the Olympics.

Looking ahead: Los Angeles 2028 will be re-included as the host country, or by simplifying the rules (e.g. shortening the schedule) to enhance spectatorship and seek long-term retention.

Baseball and softball were not included in the first Athens Olympic Games, but these two sports, with their unique charm and regional influence, have left a footprint of "intermittent participation" in the 100-year history of the Olympic Games, reflecting the dynamic balance between the Olympic program and the era and regional culture.