Gulf Breeze softball, Chicago style

A new kind of softball blew into Santa Rosa County this summer with the start of a Chicago-style 16-inch adult softball league.

This variation of the sport varies somewhat from the typical 12-inch softball game. Not only is the ball considerably bigger and more padded, but players on the field use no gloves.

Wally Farej grew up in the Windy City and he played the sport there before moving to Gulf Breeze.

“Sixteen inch softball started in Chicago a long time ago and has always had a rivalry with 12-inch players that wear gloves,” said Farej.

For more on this story, see the August 25 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.