October 15, 2007

Play ball

Everybody can stake a claim for the creation of half ball, but Philadelphians may not be too off the mark. Though its origins are murky, the street game — most certainly a local tradition — has enthralled all ages for decades. Impromptu match-ups still can be found in narrow streets or on playgrounds, with swings at flying rubber saucers the key to victory. Showing off his veteran skills at Eighth and Earp streets is game organizer Fred Pompei, whose hit landed him a home run — which meant the ball went over the house — on a pitch from Robert Brown. The substitution of the sliced spheres for whole balls made the game convenient in cramped spaces, but its accessibility has made it a favorite pastime the world over.

Posted by john on October 15, 2007 03:44 PM

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