Chicago 16-Inch Softball HOF Celebrates 30th Birthday
By Don DeBat Many marriages don’t last three decades. So, the Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame (HOF) is proud to celebrate its 30th-anniversary, and the birthday of its founding in 1996. The HOF includes 700 plus of the best male and female athletes in the sport since the 1920s, when softball began to take off in Chicago parks and gravel school yards. On October 24th, the HOF also will recognize the Class of 2026 Inductees and Honorees at its 30th annual dinner event
Don DeBat
2 days ago
Remembering Sam Sianis: The Billy Goat Proprietor Who Sponsored Chicago’s Top Softball Dynasty
(Above) Sam Sianis (center) holds the 1974 tournament trophy won by the Chicago Daily News 16-inch softball team he sponsored. The legendary lineup included Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Mike Royko (top row, second from right). The photo was taken at the Hubbard Street Billy Goat Tavern next to the “VIP Room” sign. Photo provided by Don DeBat. By Don DeBat Chicago-style 16-inch softball managers might tell you losing a good sponsor is worse than losing a brother. With the
Don DeBat
May 24
