Picture a wrapped boxing glove. That’s how it all began. Right here at the 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame in Forest Park. This isn’t just a museum. It’s a testament to a uniquely Chicago sport. A sport born from ingenuity and played with passion.
The 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame opened in July 1996. It celebrates a game unlike any other. Imagine two Harvard and Yale students in 1887. Waiting for football results they improvised. They used a wrapped boxing glove and a broomstick. Voila. A new sport was born. 16-inch softball is unique to Chicago. It spread throughout the city’s parks. It became a beloved pastime.
The larger ball didn’t fly far. That made it ideal for crowded city parks. It also meant everyone could play barehanded. Gloves were a luxury many couldn’t afford during the Great Depression. The game fostered camaraderie. Teams often had quirky uniforms sponsored by local businesses. The 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame displays many of these uniforms.
The museum tells a rich story. It’s not just about players. It features coaches sports writers and even celebrities who helped promote the sport. Mike Royko a famous Chicago newspaper columnist was a fan. So was Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan. She played while teaching at the University of Chicago Law School. Even the movie About Last Night showcased the game.
Outside the museum is Inductee Plaza. Individual cards celebrate those enshrined in the Hall of Fame. This place is a window into Chicago’s history. It shows how the city developed over the years. It showcases the development of this beloved sport. The Hall of Fame is more than a museum. It’s a vibrant part of Chicago’s cultural heritage.
The passionate volunteers who run the museum are a key part of its magic. They love the game and are eager to share its story. So come on in. Discover the heart of 16-inch softball. Experience a true piece of Chicago history. This is where the gloves come off and the fun begins. The 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame awaits.