The success of the World Fair tournament, that attracted over 70,000 spectators, convinced Fischer and Pauley that softball needed a national governing body. They set up an office at the Morrison Hotel in Chicago and founded the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). Fischer became the President, while Pauley was hired full time (with a $ 2,600 salary, according to Bill Plummer's book The Game America Plays) as the Executive Secretary.

In 1934, 25 States (plus Canada) were represented in ASA membership. The number grew to 35 in 1945 and 41 in 1936.