John Marzano Half Ball Tournament
An Italian Market Tradition
Created in 2009 at the S. 9th Street Italian Market Festival, the John Marzano Half Ball Tournament marks another year with a lineup of the city’s best players at Philly’s favorite street game.
Play begins at 9 a.m. in the schoolyard of Christopher Columbus Charter School, Christian St. between 9th and 10th. Players will enjoy the competition when they’re not sampling the food and entertainment at the festival.
5-Person Teams (fielding 3 players at a time) will play in the tournament and compete in this celebration of community and precision that is the legacy of South Philadelphia’s native son, John Marzano.
https://youtu.be/fBK3de-TQgkhttps://youtu.be/By4p1L2bGC4
Johnny Marz, as he was commonly known, was a major league catcher for more than 8 seasons, and never forgot the game he enjoyed playing while growing up in his rowhouse neighborhood.
The tournament is a great way for families to pass along the tradition of Philadelphia’s greatest street game.
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