The popping sound of a rubber ball was like music on a Harlem street Sunday. That's why every year, the 111th Street Old Timers get together to play the sport and reminisce.

"It brings back a lot of memories, and that's what it's all about," said Charlie Candelario, the president of the 111th Street Old Timers. "Normally, when you don't see your friends, it's only in the funeral parlor — that's where you see people you haven't seen in years."

Candelario is the president of the group, which has been playing stickball in the area since 1968. 50 years later, visitors still come to play and enjoy the food and fun. It is a tradition that attracts all generations.

"They're fathers with sons, nephews. It just goes down, all the way down," spectator Yvette Ruiz said during the festivities. "It's good, they enjoy themselves."

It doesn't take much to play the classic street game — just the ball and a broom handle as a bat is all you need to have a good time. Even those there to watch can't help but join in.

 

 

 

"I play handball, and handball is not like this. It's nowhere near like this," stickball player Maicol Velez said. "This is more fun and competitive than handball."

When the event first started, it was just 30 friends gathered in front of a stoop, eating sandwiches and sharing stories. Now, it attracts 3,000 people every year.

"Mainly, it's a reunion. It's not just a block party," said Roberto Guilbe, the vice president of the 111th Street Old Timers. "People come, they see each other from Puerto Rico, California, Florida, and all over."

A simple sport that brings New Yorkers back home.