16-inch slow-pitch softball gets showcase in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS - Dan Azinger remembers when the only slow-pitch softball style in town was the large 16-inch brand of the game.

The sport that originated in Chicago thrives in Cedar Rapids, but now it faces a decrease in popularity.

The Amateur Softball Association 16-inch men's slow-pitch District III tournament concluded Saturday at Kirkwood Softball Complex, and those involved are hoping to rejuvenate the recreational sport.

"It's not dead," said Azinger, a 1997 Iowa Softball Hall of Fame inductee. "It's stayed at an even keel the last few years."

In its heyday, about 50 teams competed for state berths. This year, 13 teams made up the district field with each team assured of qualifying for one of three state tournaments (open, A and B classifications). One positive is league and district numbers have increased by the slimmest of margins this summer.

"These teams that are young are better and catching on," District III commissioner Steve Stafford said. "If 12-inch started to switch over ... it could catch on."

The game might have to recruit from the ranks of a style that replaced it as the most popular. The offensive style of 12-inch softball has attracted more young players.

Dave Kahler, a member of Tailgators 16-inch team, has played both over the last 20 years, including 16-inch the last decade. He said the style and intricacies of the game may not attract some players.

"People don't like the challenge of the 16-inch game," Kahler said. "In 16-inch, you have to have more finesse."

Azinger has seen the game's landscape change, performing as one of the top players when 16-inch thrived in the 1970s and '80s. The amount of teams and parity were greater.

"A lot of top-tier teams are getting older," said Azinger, whose Stadium Lounge team mostly consists of players in their 20s. "We're trying to get young guys in and learn the game."

Stafford noted the game could be enhanced by attracting teams from Iowa City or Waterloo.

"We need teams to come from other cities," Stafford said.

"Our region is pretty widespread. It hasn't had the exposure."

The sport is trying to avoid a similar fate as fast-pitch softball, which was a top game decades ago and now is all but dead in Cedar Rapids.

"I hope it doesn't die," Azinger said. "In my belief, it's a far better game."