Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame to celebrate 25th anniversary with the greats

The Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame, located in Forest Park, Illinois.
The Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame, located in Forest Park, Illinois. Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Mike Krauser

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame is celebrating its 25th anniversary next month with a day of activities and some of the greats of the game.

“People don’t realize this, but all of softball started in Chicago," said President and Hall of Famer Ron Kubicki. “Sixteen-inch softball is part of the backbone, it’s in the blood.”

The 25th anniversary will be celebrated Sunday, July 18, and will be the first time some players have seen each other in years.

Board member Paul Rowan is also in the hall of fame.

“The anniversary for me is really neat. From our inductee park to this museum, to getting to see the guys you’ve played against in all those years getting out and telling stories," he said.

Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Famers Ron Kubicki and Paul Rowan
Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Famers Ron Kubicki and Paul Rowan Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Mike Krauser

The day includes a legends game, and it is expected that about 100 hall of famers will be here.

“We’ve got the oldest hall of famer that we know of on record. He’s 103. He battled COVID. He beat the COVID and he’s coming on that Sunday, too."

The oldest hall of famer is Don Savage. The Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame, located in Forest Park, wants to have him throw out the first pitch.

Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame
Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Mike Krauser
Featured Image Photo Credit: WBBM Newsradio/Mike Krauser