In the early 1900’s, 16-inch softball became popular among kids because it could be played in the busy streets of Chicago and all players needed was a ball and a bat. One of the highlights of the Hall of Fame leadership program was working with Mike North and the public school athletic department to start and change softball as a lettered sport in 1999. “Not every kid can hit an 80-mph fastball, but they can hit a 16-inch softball, making this a community sport,” said Al Maag. With the help of the SSA, more tournaments are being played everyday in Chicago, solidifying the spirit of the sport will continue.