There is always something to do in a small town – like, Dartball!  I know, I know – I had never heard of Dartball, either — that is up until two months ago when somehow I ended up on a team (boy do I bet they regret that move!).

Now, Dartball is kind of like darts, except, instead of lightweight, easy to throw darts, you have darts specifically made for the game, which are heavier, thicker, and, well, I kind of feel like I have to whip them at the board just to make the 15 feet to the other end (men have 20 feet to throw).

Where do you throw them?  Hopefully you can make it to the Dartball board – a ginormous diamond shaped piece of wood that is divided into orange 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bases – and the coveted home run!

The other sections are red, green, or white and labeled single, strike, ball, or out.  Guess which one my dart prefers to land on? Unfortunately, it’s not the homer…yet!

If it lands off the board — break out your silver coins!  You’ve got to pay up and, oh yes, you will be teased! Have I thrown it off the board?  I plead the Fifth.

Teams play six innings and snacks are always provided by the “home” team (you KNOW that whenever church ladies have to do anything with food it’s impossible to resist!)  A game of Dartball takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get through (depending on how good everyone is doing).

All ages play this one – friendly competition is a good thing!  It’s been a lot of fun – and I am so not good at it.  Even so, it definitely helped pass what could have been some long Indiana winter nights (and you know how dark those are!).  Meeting all sorts of new people was just an awesome bonus!

Want to see the practice board?  You can really tell that it’s gotten a lot of (mis)use – and check out those crazy darts!   Interested?  Local churches are the place to start – play ball!

Related posts:

1. Only in a Small Town
2. Indiana Winter…oh, yeah: it’s COLD!
3. The Circus Comes to little Indiana
4. Images From Jasper County Historical Society and Museum in Rensselaer, Indiana
5. Lions Club: Easter Egg Hunt