How far can you hit a 16 inch softball?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 22, 2026
Any softball rules not covered or found in this section will be covered or found in Part I of the current edition of the official NSA Rulebook. The official 16 inch diamond base lines will be sixty (60) feet. The pitching distance will be thirty-eight (38) feet. All batters start with 0-0 count ● No Extra foul balls!
Is 16-inch softball a Chicago thing?
16-inch softball is an official sport in Chicago Public Schools. Only the boys play 16-inch whereas girls play fast-pitch, according to the Chicago Public Schools website. “We got the (public) high schools to start it as a lettered sport about 20 years ago,” said Al Maag, co-founder of the 16-inch softball Hall of Fame ...
Do you wear a glove for 16-inch softball?
no gloves. The ball's 16-inch softball precludes the use of a glove and that makes the game more cost effective. During the Depression the game became popular because it could be played in many places and a team could buy a ball for a dime.
How big is a 16-inch softball?
Game play for 16-inch softball is mostly consistent with standard softball game play. In contrast to standard, or 12-inch (30.48 cm) softball, it is played with a ball 16 inches (40.64 cm) in circumference.
What is unique about 16-inch softball in Chicago?
At that size, players are able to play the game without the need to use gloves. Plus, a 16-inch softball doesn't travel as far as the smaller one when it. This makes playing games a lot easier in the Chicago landscape where there are plenty of smaller parks and playgrounds.
44 related questions foundWho uses the 16-inch softball?
1. The most notable difference between Chicago softball and standard softball is the size of the ball. The Chicago softball is 16 inches in diameter, compared with the 12-inch standard-size softball.
How long are the bases in 16-inch softball?
The official 16 inch diamond base lines will be sixty (60) feet. The pitching distance will be thirty-eight (38) feet. All batters start with 0-0 count ● No Extra foul balls!
What is the standard softball size?
The official softball is a smooth-seam ball 12 inches (30.5 cm) in circumference, weighing between 6.25 and 7 ounces (177 and 198 grams). In softball the ball is delivered by an underhand motion, whereas in baseball the pitch is overhand or sidearm.
Why is the softball so big?
So, the main reason why a softball is bigger than a baseball is that its size makes it easier to hit and safer for everyone. In addition, a bigger ball is heavier and travels less which is important considering the dimensions of a softball field.
Who invented softball?
Softball began in 1887 when George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade, invented "indoor baseball". By the spring of 1888, the game had spread outdoors. It was originally called either mushball, kittenball or indoor baseball, but by the 1920s it had acquired the name of softball.
How is a softball measured?
Softballs have a diameter of 3.82” (9.7 cm) and circumference of 12” (30.5 cm). The mass of a Softball is between 6.25-7 oz (177-198 g). A Softball is the official ball used to play the sport of Softball and is distinguished by its traditional yellow color.
Is bunting allowed in softball?
No Bunting: Bunting is prohibited. S7. No Stealing: Base stealing and leading off are prohibited. The base runner must remain on base until the ball is hit.
How a softball is pitched?
The softball pitch is a relatively simple motion, consisting of a step forward from the mound onto the foot on the non pitching arm side, weight shift onto this foot, and rotation of the shoulders and trunk to a position facing the batter.
Where was over the line softball developed?
Over-the-line was first played in Mission Beach, San Diego, California in the 1950s and continues to thrive in the area.
What core softball goes the farthest?
The balls that perform the best are the COR=44 or COR=47 coupled with a high compression value of 400lbs or 450lbs. It's hard to find softballs today that are 525lbs compression or higher as they are found to be too hot for our senior bats.
What is the largest softball size?
The largest softball approved by the ASA for regulation play is 16 inches in circumference and used in men's 16-inch softball games. The 16-inch softball dates back to the beginning of the sport, when the first balls used to play were 16 inches in diameter.
How far is the throw from 3rd to 1st in softball?
Measure 60 feet toward the third-base area and mark a short arc. Fasten the tape at the center of second base and measure 60 feet toward first and third bases and strike arcs.
How far do 14U softball pitchers throw?
When players reach the 14U level, the pitching mound is moved back to 43 feet and that is where it will stay.
How far apart are softball bases?
Baseline — The baselines in softball are 60 feet. When measuring baselines, the proper way to do it is from the back of home plate to the back white corner of first base. Then, from the back white corner of first base to the center of second base.
Does University of Chicago have a softball team?
Softball - The University of Chicago Athletics Athletics.
How do you play Cabbage ball?
In cabbage ball, the ball is delivered underhand and must make an arch that ranges between 6'- 12' as it travels to the batter. The pitcher must start with 2 Feet on the plate and can only take one step when pitching. The arching pitch gives the pitcher more control and accuracy.
How big is a baseball?
A regulation baseball is 9 to 91⁄4 inches (229 to 235 mm) in circumference (just slightly under 3 inches or 7.5 cm in diameter), with a weight of 5 to 51⁄4 oz. (142 to 149 g). A baseball is bound together by 108 hand-woven stitches through the cowhide leather.