Percy Coleman says 16-inch softball has 'been a peacemaker in Chicago'

Percy Coleman is grateful for the evolution of 16-inch softball as it continues to bring the community together. 

He tells the Suburban Marquee that the 15-year-old local sport has “been a peacemaker in Chicago for years.” 

“It was always more than just a game in our neighborhood, there was a public safety issue,” Coleman said. “It brought a lot of peace to a lot of communities and groups of people who interacted in the game.”

Coleman, also known as “Bobo,” coached the Flamingoes team, which won three championships under his leadership, as well as the 1978 ASA Wisconsin World Series at Racine, Wisconsin, the 1979 ASA World Series Metro Championship at Lou Boudreau Stadium and the 1990 USSSA World Series at Orland Park.

The Flamingoes later played in the first Black World City at Comiskey Park in front of 5,000 fans. The former coach and player promised his fellow memorable player, Drake Jones, whom he brought on to play with the Flamingoes following Jones's tenure with the Mau Maus, that the team "would be the best-dressed team in any tournament." 

The team had so much success, it was banned from participating in the well-known South Side Cocktail League.

As recognition for his contribution to 16-inch softball, Coleman was inducted into the sport’s hall of fame in 2015.  

"Under the expert coaching and organizing of Percy Coleman, the Flamingos became such a force in softball on the South and West Sides of Chicago that they were barred from playing in many local leagues and tournaments, including the popular Southside Cocktail 'Money' League,” the 16-inch Hall of Fame site reads. 

The sport was established when a Catholic priest gathered a group to start the game, which grew after a Chicago school teacher, Jon Hall, called out troubled kids in the neighborhood to play on grass and asphalt fields in an attempt to diminish local criminal activity. 

“It was a great tool to make peace and harmony in a lot of communities in the housing area,” Coleman said. “It was always a good format for starting conversations and end disruptions.”

Now, entire families attend the games, which often continue past 10 PM. According to Coleman, the tournaments spread across different communities, motivating younger generations to follow in the footsteps of family members and contribute to the sport. The sport is also played in many Chicagoland public schools.

Highlighting his take on the top three greatest Black 16-inch softball teams – the Safari tigers, Senators and the popular Flamingos – Coleman is actively working on establishing a Hall of Fame specifically for players from Chicago housing areas. 

“It’s a great game and I hope it goes on forever for the young guys that are playing it,” Coleman said.