I think I was 11 when I found out that 'softballs' come in sizes smaller than 16". Still not sure why they call them softballs, those 12" things, that is. There are 12" leagues that use a ball very similar to the 16" clincher, as opposed to the ones that are basically bloated baseballs. Really, do those leagues use gloves? I generally refer to the 'bloated baseballs' as 'girl baseballs'. Not to be sexist, just to be accurate as to what they should be used for.