Anybody who grew up in the United States probably remembers playing kickball in elementary school physical education class.
The sport that bridges the gap between baseball, soccer and dodgeball is also being played by Capital District adults these days.
The Premier Kickball League wrapped up its spring season last Tuesday at the New York State Correctional Officers Training Academy in Albany. It’s summer season starts Wednesday at its new home, Albany’s Lincoln Park.
Many players cited the social and physical benefits of playing kickball as the reasons why they joined the league.
I was a summer camp kid, and this [league] is like my summer, said Albany resident Jess Mosbey.
`We’re a whole bunch of friends here. That’s the best part,` said John Franciosa of Clifton Park.
The way adult kickball is played is much like the way it is played in physical education classes around the country.
Games are played to six innings or an hour, whichever comes first
There are three outs to an inning
Outs can be made either by strikeout, foul out, a catch by a fielder, throwing to a base or bouncing the ball off the base runner
A standard 10-inch red rubber ball is used
The ball must bounce at least twice before it crosses the plate
The strike zone is one foot to each side of home plate and one foot high
Four balls equals a walk, while four foul balls equals an out
Every member of the team is allowed to kick, but only 11 players are allowed in the field
If the score is tied after six innings, there is a two-inning overtime
If the score is still tied after the two extra innings, games are decided by a best-of-three, closest-to-second-base kick off.
Franciosa ` a pitcher for the Jet Life team ` said the technique for getting the ball to home plate varies from player to player.
`I just do it with a bowling technique, but I’ve seen some other techniques,` said Franciosa. `One guy threw it overhand, and another guy throws it underhand but puts a curve on it so it starts out way out [one direction] and curves back over the plate.`
As competitive as the games are, there is also a fun spirit to them.The players often smile throughout the games, and such team names as Bear Fights, Grape Crush and Menace to Sobriety keep that spirit going.
`For the most part, everyone is here to have a good time,` said Mosbey.
`I like to play sports that are fun, even if they’re not popular,` added Reid Schauer of North Greenbush. `I like being with people. It’s a good way to meet people.`
There is still time for more adults to participate in the Premier Kick-ball League’s summer session. Players can sign up as individuals or as a group for $62 per person for the eight-game regular season.
For information, visit the league’s Web site at www.premierkickball.com.“