There has always been an ongoing debate amongst 16-inch softball players as to whether or not gloves should be used in the game. Gloves were first introduced to the game by national teams outside of Chicago during the early 1960’s. When 12-inch softball players began playing 16-inch, they were used to handling a glove and …
Richard J. Daley on the cover of TIME magazine in 1963. Richard J. Daley served as mayor of the City of Chicago for over 25 years and was a big fan of 16” softball. Mayor Daley felt 16” softball was a major part of the makeup of this great city and it was important to …
42 Days to Go! What is the Richard J. Daley Award? Read More »
Softball is a game that has a vast background, but the sport that has gained such popularity in the Chicago area actually was derived from football. The history of softball dates back to Thanksgiving Day of 1887, when several alumni sat in the Chicago, Illinois Farragut Boat Club, anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Yale versus …
Danny Playing 16 Inch Softball / Field 13 At Grant Park; Between Lake Shore Drive And S. Columbus Drive And The Southern Most Field From E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. The film About Last Night (the original, no remakes here!) was filmed in the streets and neighborhood parks of Chicago. Rob Lowe and Demi Moore, who played young …
Did you miss your friends speech at your last Hall of Fame dinner? No need to worry, all of the Hall of Fame dinners since the first one in 1996 have been recorded and saved! The Hall of Fame will be showing your speeches on television screens for friends, family, and visitors to see. Everyone …
The name Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton is not one that is unfamiliar in the world of sports. Not only is the 6’ 8” multi-sport player one of the most famous 16-inch softball players, but Sweetwater also played for the Chicago American Giants, Harlem Globetrotters, and was one of the first African Americans to join the NBA. …
A 16 inch softball varsity high school team plays a game in Grant Park. 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 …
The Hall of Fame will feature displays dedicated to those famous Chicagoans who have helped shape the sport in the city that they love. Pictures of Richard J. Daley, Tim Weigel, Ron Santo, Michael Jordan, Jim McMahon, Mike Royko, Gary Sinese, Joe Montegna, Chris Chelios, Mike North, Bob Sirott, Supreme Court Justice Kagan, among many …
49 Days To Go! What Famous Chicagoans Do You Know? Read More »
Described as “every man’s game”, 16” inch softball is a sport that has unified Chicago neighborhoods since its rise to popularity in the early 1920’s. Companies such as Commonwealth Edison began forming teams with employees from different positions and backgrounds, allowing players to trade their work boots and slacks for stretch-knit pants and team t-shirts. …
Today Begins the 50 Day Countdown to the Hall of Fame! Read More »
The 18th Annual Softball Hall of Fame Inductee dinner this Saturday kicked off a great celebration for the 2013 inductees and fellow 16 inch softball fans. With anticipation running high for the new Softball Hall of Fame Grand Opening this July, dinner goers were excited to welcome the new inductees and catch up with old friends. …
