“It’s only the ball that’s soft” (softball saying)

Softball may have a softer ball than baseball, but it’s played hard. “It’s only the ball that’s soft” is a softball saying that has been cited in print since at least 2012.
 
     
Moorpark (CA) Acorn
2012-01-27 / Front Page
‘It’s only the ball that’s soft’
GIRLS GOT GAME—At left, Ruby Segovia, 8, of Moorpark, rounds first base during Moorpark Girls’ Softball tryouts on Jan. 22. Above, Jennifer Bill, 7, fields a ground ball. The league’s opening day is Feb. 25.
 
Twitter
RC Cola‏
@Renee_Choquette
Replying to @meg_polly
@meg_polly It’s only the ball that’s soft #softball
8:13 AM - 9 Jun 2012
 
Twitter
Jazzy J‏
@MizzGemini10
& let me inform you on a little secret:: When it comes to softball, it’s only the ball that’s soft 😝😜😝
6:25 PM - 29 Jun 2012
 
Twitter
Chris Noble‏
@noblezilla
A great player once said: “It’s only the ball that’s soft”—Brew Jays season opener TONIGHT
1:02 PM - 23 Apr 2013
 
Brandon[Gaille]
List of 50 Great Softball Team Slogans
Sep 6, 2013
(...)
Its only the ball that’s soft.
 
Twitter
Youth Sports Fan‏
@youthsportsfan
Its only the ball that’s soft. http://fb.me/3ixQTBXkj
8:15 AM - 26 May 2015