Wednesday, November 5, 2014

"Half Ball?" Acrylic Canvas Board 9" x 12"



This painting is of a game called "half ball!" The game was very popular in my hometown, East Boston, Massachusetts, USA in the late 1940's up until late 1960s!

We played the game using an old  hollow beat up "pimple" rubber ball that we cut in half.   We cut them in half to play half ball  mainly because they lost most of the "air" inside and they were no good to play stick ball. Soon we started to cut them in half even when they were new because we enjoyed playing half ball more than stick ball!  We used and old sawed off broom stick for a bat!  So very challenging to hit, pitch, and catch the half ball.    Best to have at least two players on a team.  Pitcher and catcher so the batter doesn't have to throw the ball back to the pitcher if swung and missed.  We had singles, doubles, triples, and home runs! No running of bases.  Hits were determined by many varying factors!  Usually the height  and the distance the half ball traveled when hit! Outs were made by simply catching the ball in flight or catching as it rolled quickly on the ground. We used parked cars, telephone poles, windows in buildings and so much more to determine the type of hit!  
The rules of the game varied from city to city and street corner to street corner!

If interested in the reactions to this painting from my East Boston buddies who played the game please "friend me" at my face book page "Michael East Boston!"




12 comments:

  1. Michael, I love the painting and the story that accompanies the painting!! It may be "Half Ball" but it is a painting Full of Joy.

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    1. Hello Susan! I so love you visiting my blog! Thank you! Also thank you very much for your wonderful and very creative comment! "Half Ball but Full of Joy!"
      Love it! Thank you Susan!
      Michael "Full Of Happiness!"

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  2. Wow, Michael! You really knocked it out of the park with this one! Reading your description brought back so many memories of my father, who grew up in Philadelphia, telling me stories about playing stick ball. Half ball is so similar and your painting made it all come to life for me - thank you, my art buddy! And I must tell you how excited I am that you may be able to attend the Boston International Art Fair - I can hardly wait to hear your thoughts afterwards! I am on pins and needles!

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    1. Hello My Soon To Have Her Wonderful Art On Display In Boston Art Buddy Susan! Thank you very much for visiting and leaving such a wonderful compliment and very, moving and interesting story about your Dad! So very nice! Now I like Philadelphia even more so! So glad this little painting brought back a nice memory for you! Same thing is happening to many on my old East Boston Friends on Face Book! I am so looking forward to seeing your fantastic art in Boston! Many photos and comments to come! ASAP!
      Thanks again Susan!
      Your Philadelphia Half Ball Loving Art Buddy!
      Michael

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  3. Such an interesting post, Michael!!! This painting is wonderful!!!! LOVE all the details and love his expression...looks like he's concentrating very hard on the hit! and your brickwork is terrific!! overall...amazing work, my friend!!!

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    1. Hello My Art Friend Hilda! I am so glad you like this one! I wasn't sure I was even going to post it! Glad I did! I am glad you noticed the concentration on the batter's face. I tried so hard to show that concentration but not make it too pronounced! I also tried the same with the brick work! Thanks buddy! Your comments always make my day! Now off to write something special about your latest great art on your wonderful blog!
      Your Hilda's Portraits Loving Art Buddy!
      Michael

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  4. Well, I learned something...I never heard of half ball before. Love the painting that goes with the description!

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    1. Hi Celeste! I am always so very happy to have you comment on my art! I have so much respect for you and your fantastic art! I am glad that this little painting has introduced you to the game of half ball. Now the next thing I want to hear from you is that you and some of your art buddies have tried playing the game! Happy you like both the painting and the game's description! Take Celeste!
      Your Dear Art Buddy!
      Michael

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  5. I guess your "half ball" game never made in to Jamaica, Queens. I think it would have worked well there because I lived on a main street and the ball would always roll too far into traffic. lol Love the colors in the players and how the batter has his eye focused on the ball. Great job!

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  6. I am certain you would have loved the game. My wife's family is from Queens! I am so happy you visit my blog Joan! Thank you so much! Your wonderful comments always make my day! Take care Joan!
    Michael

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  7. Michael I so loved hearing about this game - I love how these special things develop so organically. Your painting is amazing, it really captures the feel of camaraderie that would have been felt in the neighbourhood. I REALLY love the brickwork - such great colours. Love the expressions too! A fabulous painting and story all round!
    Your art cobber Wendy

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  8. Good morning Wendy! (Maybe good evening?)
    I am so happy you enjoyed hearing about our little game of "half ball!" Great game! Certainly "invented" by kids! Funny growing up in the city I don't ever recall being bored! You are so correct about neighborhood camaraderie! Probably many reasons for that! Maybe so many people living together is such close quarters is one reason! I am thrilled you like my art work! This art blog thing is so very good for the soul! Nice to have so many artists sharing so much! Thanks again Wendy!
    Maybe you could "introduce" playing half ball to your Australian mates! So much fun thinking of an old East Boston city game being played so far away!!!
    Your Art Cobber Michael

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