Stoop ball

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stoop ball (also spelled "stoopball") is a game that is played by throwing a ball against a stoop (stairs leading up to a building) on the pavement in front of a building. Historically, it has been most popular in Brooklyn and other inner cities. It first became popular after World War II.[1]

[edit] Rules

There can be as few as one player per side. Sometimes there are 3 players (one infielder, two outfielders) on each side.

The "batter" throws a pink rubber ball (either a "spaldeen" or "pensie pinkie") at the stoop. The ball flies back towards the fielders, who are also facing the stoop.

Outs can be strikeouts (if the ball misses the edge of a step), but are more likely to be fielder outs (a caught fly ball or a grounder). Hits are determined by distance of ball flight, or whether it hit the ground without being caught.

Alternatively, the person throwing the ball catches it on the fly or on a bounce. Each time a ball hits the stoop and is caught is worth 10 points. A "pointer" is a ball that hits the edge of a step and comes back as a hard line drive that could "take your eye out." Catching a pointer on the fly is worth 100 points. Usually the winning score is 1,000 points, but it could be anything agreed upon.