Stickball
Stickball is a street game related to baseball, usually formed as a pick-up game played in large cities in the Northeastern United States, especially New York City and Philadelphia. The equipment consists of a broom handle and a rubber ball, typically a spaldeen, pensy pinky, high bouncer or tennis ball. The rules come from baseball and are modified to fit the situation. For example, a manhole cover may be used as a base, or buildings for foul lines. The game is a variation of stick and ball games dating back to at least the 1750s. This game was widely popular among youths during the 20th century until the 1980s.
![](../I/m/Queens_stickball.jpg)
Variants
![](../I/m/Boys_Playing_Stickball%2C_Havana%2C_Cuba%2C_1999.jpg)
Many Native American cultures in what is now the eastern United States played a stickball-like game that is the ancestor of modern-day lacrosse, using hickory sticks and a ball made of deer hair or hide.[1] In fungo, the batter tosses the ball into the air and hits it on the way down or after one or more bounces.[2] Another variant is Vitilla, a popular variation of stickball played primarily in the Dominican Republic and areas in the United States with large Dominican populations.
Films
- Fastpitch Stickball (An Unheard Pastime) (2007) Directed by Jesse Tornabe
- Coverage Of Stickball Opening Day (2008)
- Bragging Rights: Stickball Stories (2006). Directed by Sonia Gonzalez.
- Stickball Night Coverage: Stickball Highlights (2006). Directed by Ross O Fomerand.
See also
References
- "Stickball (a ne jo di)" at cherokee.org; retrieved 09 June 2014.
- "Stickball Basics". Streetplay.com. Retrieved August 24, 2012.