Italian Market Festival John Marzano Half Ball Tournament

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 of 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.

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 fathers to pass along the tradition of Philadelphia’s greatest street game to their sons... and daughters!

You may also like the following events from 9th Street Italian Market:

• Next Saturday, 17th May, 12:00 pm, Italian Market Festival Grease Pole Climbing Competition in Philadelphia
• Next Sunday, 18th May, 10:00 am, Procession of Saints at the Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia

Also check out other Sports events in Philadelphia, Festivals in Philadelphia.