TOY STORIES: The game of WIFFLE BALL on Day 196 of 365 Days of Literacy for Kids

Each TOY or GAME has a STORY to share with kids.

Today, it’s the Game of WIFFLE BALL’s turn to tell its story (with a little help from Grandma Sharon)…

 

4 grandsons for a Game of Wiffle Ball

WHAT is the Game of Wiffle Ball:  The Game of Wiffle Ball, a variation of the game of Baseball, is played with a Wiffle Ball… where a hard ball is not particularly welcomed (back yards, driveways, lots, streets, etc.).

A Wiffle Ball is a plastic baseball-shaped ball with an 8-oblong slotted-hole design on one side of the ball.

WHO invented the Wiffle Ball and WHEN:   David N. Mullany, a one-time college and semi-pro pitcher of Fairfield, CN, invented the Wiffle Ball in 1953.

WHERE and WHY was the Wiffle Ball invented:  As the story goes, Mullany was watching his son, also named David, play baseball in their back yard with a plastic golf ball and a broom handle.  David was trying unsuccessfully to throw a curve ball with the golf ball… and that’s when his Dad had an idea.

The idea was a plastic ball that was the size of a baseball, but designed to curve, as in a curve ball.

Soon after, Mullany got his hands on a plastic ball gift box for Coty perfume from a friend… and worked on his ball design with razor blades and tape.  Mullany wanted the ball designed with 2 hemispheres of unequal weight, and determined that one side of the ball needed a hole-design.  The 8-oblong slotted-hole design was born.

The ball was named after what a missed ball is called… a wiff… in a game of back yard baseball.  Ah, ha!  The Wiffle Ball.

HOW is the Game of Wiffle Ball played:  The Game of Wiffle Ball is officially loosely structured, meant to be enjoyed by kids of all ages and abilities, but the official rules are there for you if needed on the Wiffle Ball website.

Let your kids and grandkids in on the wonders of the Wiffle Ball.  Maybe bring yourself back to the days you played Wiffle Ball to your heart’s content!

There is nothing more awesome to Grandma Sharon than a summer afternoon of Wiffle Ball to bring me back to my childhood.  See for yourself!

Here’s 6-year old William…

5-year old Alex…

4-year old Ben, who hit the camera-Grandma… !

and eye-on-the-ball 3-year old Henry…

Wiffle Ball, Summer, Yard, Grandkids = Perfection

Join me here each day in July for TOY STORIES on 365 Days of Literacy for Kids! A little fun, a little learning and a little “ta-dah!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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1 Comments

  1. 7.15.11

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