[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by Andy

I understand that playing without gloves is somewhat common in the 16 inch SP game.

Here is a link to an article from a recent 16 inch tournament in AZ where the winning team played some of their games without gloves (except the pitcher).

Gloveless Chicago team Moist wins Donnelly tourney | chicago, team, donnelly - YumaSun

I grew up (in Chicago) playing 16 inch ball.
It wasn't till I was about 12 and played in a scout league (12" ball)that I even heard of using a glove..
Even pitchers didn't wear gloves.
An injury know as a "softball finger" where the finger get's jammed backwards and is sore for a few days.was fairly common.
First base may have been the toughest position as when Clincers are new, they are very hard.
As kids, however, we played with the same ball for so long it became very soft and was know as a "mush" ball.