Our History
Game invented at Farragut Boat Club Chicago. Make-shift “softball” was fashioned from a pair of boxing gloves.
Through the years, the game moved outdoors – the 16 inch size ball was perfect for the small parks and schoolyards of Chicago.
First leagues played in Minneapolis and rules made during winter league.
West Division High School in Chicago first women’s team organized.
- First international teams organized in Toronto, Canada.
- Rawlings make first glove.
- Premier publication on the game Indoor Baseball Guide is created and lasts 10 years.
Spalding publishes first infoor rules; bases 27′ apart.
- Smaller balls travel too far out of playgrounds – 16 inch ball is determined best suited and and no glove needed to play.
- Games are 9 innings with 9 players
Name of Softball agreed upon – described by Walk Hankanson at the YMCA in Denver
Architect of St Valentines Day Massacre “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn sponsor team at his bar Nutt House Cafe
Chicago Herald American Tournament organized. Title games played at Wrigley Field.
- Century Progress first national softball tournaments played in Grant Park.
- The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) is formed.
- Windy City League organized by Harry Hannin
- Clincher ball created by DeBeer
Women’s Professional Baseball league organized with Chicago softball players from Windy City League
Windy City League closes
Brown Bombers 1st Basemem, 6’7″ “Sweetwater” Clifton first black man in NBA NY Knicks
Washington Park and Southside Cocktail League are best leagues on South and West sides
Rules change game to 7 innings and 60′ bases
Hall of Fame organized for short time by journalist Bill Gleason
First National 16 inch softball tournament in Chicago at Thillens Stadium and won by Bobcats… televised on the “Wide World of Sports.”
Melbourne, Australia site of first international women’s softball tournament. (won by Australia)
Melbourne, Australia site of first international women’s softball tournament. (won by Australia)
Forest Park Invitational no gloves nationals begin.
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) is formed.
First time gloves are allowed in ASA 16 inch Nationals by Ferris Reid.
- Windy City Softball magazine published by Tom Bonen, Bob Campbell and Jack Olson.
- Winston sponsors $10,000 in prize money and Sobies win World Series title at Hart Park.
World Series played at Soldier Field and won by Strikers
Windy City League re-organized by Tom Bonen and Bob Campbell.
Women’s Professional Softball League (WPSL) is organized.
Rose & Crown win first of 10 National and Metro titles
Whips capture first of 7 ASA and 5 USSSA National titles.
Mayor Harold Washington starts first Black World Series at Comiskey Park. 11,000 see Wild Bunch win it.
George Bliss introduces the Hotline
Tim Maher starts first radio softball show and writes the softball anthem.
Hynes brother/ Rich Melman and Old Style start Old Style Classic softball tournament for a variety of teams. Finals are on televised by Sports Channel.
- Old Style League organized and played at Forest Park. Games are televised by Sports Channel and hosted by Mike North, Steve Kashul and George Bliss.
- Lettuce wins first of 4 ASA Nationals
- First Onesti Super Show
- Chicago’s Game 16 Inch Softball documentary hosted by Jack Brickhouse released by Tom Tillisch and Al Maag
- First ASA Nationals held at Mt Prospect by Bob Ancona
- Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame holes first exploratory meeting at Hawthorne Park. Led by Al Maag and Tony Reibel. First meeting at Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame in Rolling Meadows.
- Carpet Country Rollers from Iowa win ASA major championship. The first from a non Chicagoland team.
Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame holds first awards dinner at Hawthorne Park – attended by 700 people.
Thanks to Mike North and Hall of Fame the Chicago High School Public League begins in the fall – Schurz H.S. is first title winner.
The 45’s win first of 6 ASA Nationals
First Hall of Fame website created.
First Hall of Fame website created.
Inductee Park is opened at Forest Park, IL
The Slow-Pitch Association (SSA) is organized.
Construction begins on the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame Museum in Forest Park, IL. The museum opened in the summer of 2014.
Social Media starts to be a significant marketing tactic
16″ Softball Hall of Fame Museum Opens
Signature Team
