Inaugural John Marzano 9th Street Italian Market Festival Halfball Tournament presented by

Halfball is a street game special to Philadelphians.  Played in close quarters, halfball provides the excitement of baseball without breaking windows of neighboring row houses. 

Teams can enter this single elimination tournament, played at the George W. Nebinger School, 6th & Carpenter, for $100 with the proceeds benefiting the Marzano Family College Fund and the Festival Production Fund.  Bats and balls provided and each player receives a free Tournament Commemorative T-Shirt.  The winning team receives engraved halfball bats honoring their achievement and the braggingrights as the best team in town.  Drop into any Conestoga Bank location or Triple Play Sports in the Italian Market to sign up.  You can also call (215) 545 4543 to enter.

Basic Rules:

• Teams field three players and can have up to five members (up to two (2) subs)

• Hits credited on flys that hit specific areas of wall and aren't caught

• Outs:  Swing and miss, two foul tips, ground ball, or any ball caught (even off wall)

• No catcher or strike zone

• All pitches allowed

• Bats and balls provided (courtesy Triple Play Sports).  No outside equipment permitted

• Teams notified Friday afternoon, May 16 when their game is scheduled (within an hour)

• Deadline Thursday, May 15, 2008.  Late entries allowed at organizer's discretion

• Tournament is single elimination.  Teams that win advance to next round