Stickball Stories [Paperback]

Harold Hofmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2002

THE GREATEST GENERATION AT PLAY!

In Stickball Stories, the author reveals the world of stickball in the 30s and 40s in New York City. After World War II, five young veterans from Corona (Queens) formed a stickball team that went on to defeat the best teams in the city that they could find. After a memorable final game in the Bronx, in which the stakes were $100-a-man, the team retired, and everybody went to college on the G.I. Bill.

Meet the author, Harold Hofmann, who traded navigating B-25s and C-46s in Africa and the South Pacific, for a stickball bat, a spaldeen, and high-stakes gaming in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

Editorial Reviews

Review

". . . Harold Hofmann recalls some of the unique experiences of his stickball team in the Corona section of Queens." -- Mick Greene, Editor/ streetplay.com

"A wonderful snapshot, all sepia-toned and worn around the edges, of a place and a time and a game. . . -- Rich Hofmann/Sports Columnist/Philadelphia Daily News

"The insights and strategies make for a very enjoyable read. Thanks 'Hof!'" -- Tom Fleischman, Asst. Sports Editor/The Ithaca Journal

Stickball Stories is a unique, informative, fascinating study and very highly recommended reading . . .

Midwest Book Review July 2002 -- Midwest Book Review, July 2002

About the Author

Harold Hofmann is retired from the Experimental Engineering Department of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. He lives in Durham, Connecticut. The streets in his neighborhood are paved with crushed stone set in oil resulting in a rough surface. There are no manhole covers (sewers), no curbs, and alas there is no stickball in Durham.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Hofmann Pr (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970051921
• ISBN-13: 978-0970051929
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,259,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique, informative, fascinating study, July 6, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stickball Stories (Paperback)

Harold Hofmann's Stickball Stories is a straightforward introduction and explanation for origin of a common street sport which began in the darkest days of the Great Depression and which is still enjoyed to this very day. From a detailed explanation of stickball materials and rules to the entertainment the economical sport provided, especially during America's era of heavy unemployment, Stickball Stories is a unique, informative, fascinating study and very highly recommended reading for anyone who wants to learn more about this ubiquitous urban street sports pastime.