Stickball is a true metro game. Manhole covers serve as bases, if the ball hits a roof then it’s a home run, and equipment consists of a whittled-down broom handle for a bat and a rubber ball. City kids and adults have been playing since the 1930’s. The New York Emperors Stickball League, which fittingly operates on Stickball Boulevard in the Bronx, is widely regarded as the most popular organization dedicated to the sport. But that doesn’t mean pick up games aren’t played in neighborhoods daily. “We’re competitive, but it’s a family atmosphere. We hang out and barbecue after games,” says Rich Marrero, who has been playing with the Emperors League for 20 years. Marrero watched his father play stickball growing up, and now hopes to inspire future players. “We try to be role models to the younger generation,” he says. “I grew up in the projects. The older players showed me that you have to do the right thing, stay in school and that the bad life wasn’t the right life. Just because you’re born in the inner city doesn’t mean you can’t get out of it.”

Stickball Boulevardruns between Lafayette and Randall Avenues in the Bronx www.stickball.com

Sure, there’s a flood of sports memorabilia on eBay. But there’s nothing like walking into a room full of the real thing, inhaling that fresh baseball card smell, and drooling over Mickey Mantle’s hat, which he (gasp!) signed with his own home-run-hitting hands. Sports Heroes and Legends is every fan’s paradise. They stock licensed gear, home décor, obscure autographed pieces and more. “Kids should look at collecting as a hobby. Sometimes kids take the money value too far,” says co-founder Dan Sherman. “It’s about owning a piece of history.” Stop by to gawk at a signed Ken Griffey, Jr. jersey or an autographed LeBron James basketball.

10 Giffords Lane at Amboy Road in Great Kills Town, Staten Island
www.sportsheroeslegends.tripod.com