In the East End of London we’d also play ball in the streets. Because we were in a crowded neighborhood you’d modify the ball games. You’d play football (soccer) in the park, but in the street you’d modify it to kick against a wall, which the other guy had to return. It was kind of like squash, but with a soccer ball. We’d play cricket by painting stumps on the wall, and then hitting only to the front or sides. We even had a game we called “Stickball” in which you’d use a broom handle to hit a tennis ball. We didn’t have bases, it was just for fun.

We’d create all kinds of games against this one wall about 200 yards from my house. A wall, a ball and a parking lot was all we needed for hours of fun.