16-Inch Softball (Chicago Softball)
Also known as: sixteen inch softball, chicago softball, chicago 16 inch softball, bare-handed softball, 16 inch softball rules
16-inch softball is a slow-pitch game played with a bigger ball, at least 16 inches around. It was invented in Chicago in 1887 and is still a Chicago tradition, known for fielders playing bare-handed. Under USA Softball rules, men pitch from 38 feet with 60-foot bases. Unlike regular slow pitch, runners may lead off and be picked off.
The 16-inch ball is much bigger than the usual 12-inch ball. USA Softball requires it to measure at least 16 inches around and weigh at least 9 ounces, with a white cover and white stitches. Its official use is men's 16-inch slow pitch.
The game began in Chicago in 1887 and grew popular during the Great Depression, partly because fielders did not need to buy a glove. Bare-handed fielding is still part of its identity. USA Softball's rules, though, let any player wear a glove.
The field is smaller. USA Softball uses 60-foot bases and a 38-foot pitching distance for men, and 55-foot bases for women. Fences run 250 to 300 feet for men.
Pitching and base running differ from 12-inch slow pitch. The pitch must arc at least 6 feet and no more than 12 feet. The pitcher may hesitate and try a pick-off within set limits. Runners may lead off any base, and they risk being picked off by the pitcher or catcher.
Tips by skill level
Ask your league whether fielders wear gloves. Then practice catching the bigger ball with soft hands.
Shorten your swing and drive the ball on a line. Lead off carefully and watch the pitcher's hesitations.
Example
A hitter from a 12-inch league joins a Chicago 16-inch team. He finds the big ball does not carry as far, so he aims for line drives instead of fly balls. He also learns to watch the pitcher for pick-offs when he leads off first.
Why it matters
16-inch softball looks familiar but plays differently. Knowing the ball, field and base-running rules keeps a 12-inch player from getting picked off or overswinging.
Common mistakes
- Expecting the big ball to carry like a 12-inch ball
- Forgetting that runners can be picked off
- Assuming gloves are banned by rule everywhere
- Using 12-inch field distances
Frequently asked questions
What is 16 inch softball?
It is a slow-pitch game played with a 16-inch ball on a smaller field. It started in Chicago, and fielders there have long played bare-handed.
Do you use gloves in 16 inch softball?
Traditionally, many Chicago players field bare-handed. USA Softball's rules allow any player to wear a glove, so check your league's custom.
Sources
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 3 Sec. 3C (16-inch ball: at least 16.0 inches, at least 9.0 ounces, white cover and stitches; used in men's 16-inch slow pitch), p. 33
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 2 Sec. 1, Official Distance Table (16-inch: women 55 ft bases, men 60 ft bases, 38 ft pitching; men's fences 250-300 ft), p. 24
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 6D Sec. 3D (16-inch arc 6 to 12 feet) and Sec. 3G (hesitations and pick-offs), p. 77; Rule 8 Sec. 4K (16-inch runners may lead off with risk of pick-off), p. 94; Rule 3 Sec. 4 (a glove may be worn by any player), p. 37
- NBC Chicago (July 2009), 16-Inch Softball Gets Its Hall of Fame (invented in Chicago in 1887; popular in the Depression because fielders didn't need a glove; barehanded fielding)
Related terms
- Ball SpecificationsStandard slow-pitch softball specifications call for a 12-inch circumference ball with a defined COR and compression rating. Men's and co-ed leagues commonly use a 12-inch ball; some senior and mixed leagues use an 11-inch ball.
- Field Dimensions (Slow-Pitch)Slow-pitch field dimensions cover base paths (commonly 65 feet), pitching distance, and fence distance, which vary by league and division.
- Arc Height RegulationArc height regulation defines the required minimum and maximum height a slow-pitch delivery must reach — 6 to 10 feet under USA Softball rules, and up to 12 feet in senior and international (WBSC) play — to be called a legal pitch.
- Base RunningBase running in slow pitch means reading the ball off the bat and knowing when to push ahead or hold. Smart choices turn singles into extra-base chances.
- USA Softball (ASA) League FormatUSA Softball, formerly the Amateur Softball Association (ASA), publishes a softball rule book and approved-bat list. Leagues may adopt its rules for local and championship play.
Related guides & benchmarks
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