Long before cable television, internet, and air conditioning occupied our modern world, Chicagoans beat the summer’s heat by walking outside, sitting on the front porch, or watching a new sport that was sweeping Chicago : 16-inch softball. In 1937 North Shore Congregation of Chicago defeated Federal Auto Supply 9 to 2 in the first inter-city 16-inch softball game on record. Judy Rankin of North Shore held Federal Auto Supply to three hits, two of them in the first inning. He also hit a home run to help seal the victory. North Shore Congregation is the church division champion of the Chicago Evening American tournament. They won the playoffs among the title-holders in the various classes.
