Softball saw a "benefit" in the bombing of Darwin and the inclusion of Australia in World War II in terms of bringing in American military personnel who brought softball with them to this state.
[1] Softball was introduced to Tasmania by men during the 1940s by Ken Thomas of Hobart and George Russell of Devonport.
The pair learned to play the game in Melbourne, Victoria while working for the National Fitness Council.
By 1949, Thomas was serving as the Tasmanian Director of the National Fitness Council and used his position to advance the sport in the state.
[2] A Tasmanian delegation was invited to participate in a softball carnival being held in 1949 in Melbourne.
[2] Softball reached Devonport by 1949 with a local association created that year by George Russell, who was supported by the National Fitness Council.