In the heart of Chicago, there’s a sport that brings neighborhoods together, fills summer evenings with cheers, and proudly carries a century of tradition: 16-inch softball. Unlike its 12-inch cousin played across the country, Chicago’s version is bigger, rougher, and often played without gloves. To locals, it’s not just a pastime—it’s a symbol of community, grit, and deep-rooted pride.
A Game Born in the Windy City
The origins of 16-inch softball date back to Thanksgiving Day, 1887, when a group of Chicagoans, looking for an indoor sport, improvised a game using a boxing glove tied into a ball and a broomstick. As the sport moved outdoors and the ball evolved into a 16-inch size, it quickly became a staple in parks, streets, and schoolyards.
What made it stick? Accessibility. With no need for gloves or expensive gear, 16-inch softball became the game of the people—especially in working-class neighborhoods where factory workers would gather after shifts for friendly (and competitive) games.
What Makes 16-Inch Different?
To outsiders, 16-inch softball looks familiar—but it plays very differently:
No gloves: The larger, softer ball makes gloves optional. But catching that bare-handed can leave a mark—literally.
Slower pace, sharper strategy: It's not just about power hitting. With larger balls and shorter bases, placement and defense are everything.
Tougher players: Long-time players pride themselves on the pain tolerance and hustle the game demands.
Chicagoans wear their broken and dislocated fingers from catching liners barehanded as badges of honor.
Community, Culture, and Competition
Throughout the 20th century, leagues popped up across the city—in parks like Clarendon, Kelly, and Grant, and in suburbs like Oak Lawn and Tinley Park. The sport broke social barriers: people of different races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds came together on the diamond. Companies, churches, and taverns all fielded teams.
One of the sport’s iconic hotspots is Mount Prospect, which now houses the 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame. This museum celebrates the sport’s rich history, legendary players, and its indelible mark on Chicago's identity.
A Living Tradition
Today, 16-inch softball is still alive and well in Chicago. Summer leagues fill the city’s parks, while tournaments draw teams from suburbs and other cities. Whether you’re in Humboldt Park, Lincoln Park, Mount Greenwood or Beverly, chances are you’ll hear the crack of a bat on a warm summer evening.
Players range from kids learning the ropes to retirees who’ve played for decades. It’s not uncommon to find teams made up of multiple generations of families.
Why It Matters
In an age of high-tech sports and fast-paced entertainment, 16-inch softball is a refreshing throwback. It’s not about showboating or fame—it’s about teamwork, tradition, and toughness.
To Chicagoans, 16-inch softball isn't just a sport. It’s a shared memory. It’s summer. It’s home.
Click here to view our collection of 16-inch softball t-shirts.
Click here to order custom jerseys for your team.