With base runners on second and third and two outs, Willie felt the intense pressure as he stood on the chalk square denoting home plate in the middle of the street. Staring at the eight defensive players scattered strategically across the asphalt surface further down the roadway, he imagined the rubber ball screaming by the outreached hands of the shortstop. With the rules permitting only one swing of the stickball bat, timing and concentration was crucial. Willie focused on the task at hand.

This game was governed by Bronx rules, which required the batter to pitch to himself by tossing the rubber ball into the air, letting it bounce and then hitting it with a 44 inch long broomstick handle. With the skill evident from years of competition, Willie gracefully lobbed the ball into the air, patiently followed the gentle curved path of the ball as it bounced on the street and swung his bat with the measured precision of a craftsman.

San Diego is home to more than ten stickball teams, many with players just like Willie. During the 16th Annual Little Italy Festa, the finest four teams on the West Coast will battle the entire day for the right to be crowned the Festa Stickball Champion. The competition will be fierce. The best of the best will be there showcasing their skills. Stickball is an exciting and fast-paced game. Whether you are a potential player or simply want to checkout grown men playing a kid's street game, stop by the stickball field. Feel free to ask any player a question....maybe even take a hack at the ball using an official stickball bat.

See you there.