16-INCH SOFTBALL

CALUMET CITY | Like the coelacanth and horseshoe crab, 16-inch softball players have managed to continue to exist in pretty much the same form as they have since their population was at its height.

Once the dominant form of softball in the Chicagoland area, the game is now clinging to life in small pockets around the Region. One of the locations where the sport is still thriving is Calumet City.

The Calumet Memorial Park District has been hosting a 16-inch league every summer for decades. Running from mid-spring to late summer, the league has become a place where enthusiasts of the game can come and celebrate was once an area tradition.

The 16-inch version is said to be invented in Chicago. In the CMPD league, it's played without gloves.

"I believe we are one of only two leagues in the area of the south suburbs," said Bob Layne, Calumet Memorial Park District Athletic Supervisor. "This summer we have 14 teams. It's down from last year. Back in the 70s we would have something like 30 teams for the men and 20 teams for the women. It used to be really big for both of them."

In spite of having fewer teams, Layne believes the sport has a bright future, with younger players showing an interest and a move a few years back by the Chicago public schools to make 16-inch softball a varsity sport.

"We're getting younger players," Layne said. "A lot of them used to see their dad's play when growing up.

"It's a great sport because all you need is a bat and ball."

One of the younger players that have recently come to the sport is Chicago's Tommy Davision, who plays for Roseland's Finest.

"It's fun and it's something to do that you can play with your family and friends and because the ball is not as hard," Davision said. "You don't need a glove or anything."

The Calumet Memorial Park season ended in late July. Currently, the playoffs are underway with the championship to be determined later this month.