(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Sixteen-inch softball -- the game that's part of Chicago's DNA -- will be played in Grant Park this year after all, despite NASCAR and Lollapalooza.
As 16-inch softball leagues tried to sign up for permits, they said the Park District told them they were out because of a high-profile NASCAR race and summer festivals.
"The shock was that, one, there was no notice. But two, you're bringing NASCAR to Chicago and kicking 16-inch softball -- Chicago's game -- out of the park? It made no sense,” says Paul Rowan, president of the Chicago 16-Inch Softball Hall of Fame.
He said pressure was applied and parks officials relented, up to a point.
"They gave us, I think, about a six-week season, is all it is. Six weeks,” said Rowan, who notes that’s about half a regular season.
Rowan says that's about half of what it should be.
"It's just really too bad. Because we want people in our parks."
Most 16-inch leagues start play in Grant Park in May.
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