Stoopball

Stoopball is a street game played primarily in urban areas, particularly in New York City. It is a bat-and-ball game played with a tennis ball and a broom handle or similar stick. The objective is to hit the ball off a stoop or the bottom step of a building and hit it into fair territory.

The game is typically played by two or more players, with one player acting as the pitcher and the others as fielders. The pitcher throws the ball against the stoop, and the batter attempts to hit it. The stoop acts as a makeshift pitcher's mound and backstop. Fair territory is usually defined by sidewalks and streets, with specific boundaries often agreed upon by the players.

Scoring in stoopball can vary depending on the rules established by the players. Points are typically awarded for hitting the ball into specific areas or for the number of bases a batter reaches. Outs are recorded when fielders catch a batted ball in the air or make other plays to retire the batter.

Stoopball is known for its simplicity and the use of readily available materials, making it accessible to children and adults alike. It encourages hand-eye coordination, agility, and strategic thinking. The game's popularity has seen its ups and downs over the decades, but it remains a nostalgic and active pastime for many.