The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

"500"

THIS GAME INCLUDES FROM THREE PLAYERS AND UP, ONE PLAYER IS
DESIGNATED AS THE THROWER, AND THE REST OF THE PLAYERS GROUP THEM-
SELVES THIRTY TO FIFTY YARDS AWAY. THE THROWER THEN HURLS A
SMALL BALL (USUALLY A TENNIS BALL) IN THE DIRECTION OF THE
GROUP OF PLAYERS. THE OBJECT OF THE GAME IS TO CATCH THE BALL
IN THE AIR, OR AT LEAST BEFORE IT BOUNCES THREE TIMES. IT IS
IN THIS WAY THAT POINTS ARE SCORED. POINTS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN
THIS MANNER: IF YOU CATCH THE BALL IN THE AIR--100 POINTS;
ON ONE BOUNCE--75 POINTS; ON TWO BOUNCES--50 POINTS; ON THREE
BOUNCES--25 POINTS. IF THE BALL BOUNCES MORE THAN THREE TIMES
IT IS DECLARED DEAD. ALL PLAYERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO CATCH THE BALL
ON ANY GIVEN TOSS. WHEN ONE PLAYER REACHES 500 POINTS, THE GAME
IS ENDED, AND THE PLAYER WHO ACCUMULATED 500 POINTS BECOMES THE
NEW THROWER. POINTS DO NOT CARRY OVER FROM GAME TO GAME.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Date learned: 00-00-1972