We saw a photo of some kids back in the 1890s playing a game that was capped Tip-Cat. We haven’t been able to find out how it was played. Are you saying that no ball was used, just one stick hitting another?
When I lived in Valley Stream, just over the line from Queens in the early fifties, I played a game called Tip-Cat. It had the same “rules” as stick ball. I was very young (seven) when I last played the game. The inherent dangers of the game caused me to retire after I got three stiches in the corner of my eye from a missed Tip-Cat. Actually, my Mom said if I ever played Tip-Cat again, she would kill me herself rather than having me lose an eye! A Tip-Cat was a stick about six inches long and fatter in the middle than both ends. The Tip-Cat was placed on the ground in front of the batter. The batter took his bat (any good broom handle) and would strike downward on the end of the Tip-Cat. The Tip-Cat would then “jump” up into the air and the batter would hit it like any pitched ball. The fielders had to catch this flying stick in the air to get a chance to get up to bat. Runs were scored the same as stick ball. I cannot believe I ever played a game like this, but I was only seven and the other players were older. It really is amazing that anyone playing this game survived with any eyesight.
In the north bronx in the late sixties early seventies, box ball remained a game of hitting a pinky or spaldeen with your hand into your opponents box. He or she, in turn, would need to return the ball to your box before the ball bounced more than once. Points could only be scored on your serve. Depending on the differing skills of the players, additional rules governing the way the ball could be “served” applied, usually requiring that the ball be served with a certain amount of arch on it to allow the receiver a better chance of returning it.
Where and when can I buy the new (old) spaldeens that are being re-made? Also how about a stick ball game -fest at the original Spaldeen factory in Brooklyn? (off Atlantic ave and Flatbush?
spaldeens were definately my favorite. they lasted longer. it seened that the pensy pinkies became dead quicker. also the spaldeen was harder. and easire to control especially when bouncing to the tune of ” ‘A’ my name is Anna”
Pennsie Pinkies were made by Penn. They are the core of a tennis ball. Good pinkies were given a coat & sent to the tennis clubs. Rejects were sent to the cities to be punished. Pennsies were softer, and a little stickier, even though they were a bit smoother than Spaldeens (Spalding). Best for box baseball (easier to pinch & spin), punchball & other bounce sensitive games. Spaldeens were more likely to show up in stickball games (they were 5 cent cheaper). If money was a problem, you went into the corner store & asked for an ‘egg’ ball. These were half-price off-brand (unlabeled) balls that were kinda round, kinda bouncy, and kinda ugly (not always pink).
Here is an unbelievable curb ball story. As i reported earlier we still play this game once a year (30 something gang). About 5 years ago the dept of public works were going around the city replacing the curbs with handicap ramps. We got out city councilman to stop the rennovation on ‘our curb’ so now 1st 2nd and 3rd are handicap ramps while home plate remains a curb .
We preferred the Pensie Pinkie, it had more life. Who made it? Do you have a history? Also, I heard that Spaldeens are back. I’d like to get a few for my son and show him all the street games we used to play. But, I can only find cheap imitations. Does anyone know where I can find them near Los Angeles?
Please allow me to share my views on the subject. IMHO, Spaldeens (as they are pronounced) are the proper tool for games such as stickball, however I have found Pennsy Pinkies more appropriate for Chinese handball and boxball.