The Ballgame was opened in May 1974 in a building that some say had previously been home to several other gay bars: the Nite Beat, Castaways South, and the New Jamies.

New owners Gene O'Brien and Rick completely redecorated the bar, and opened it saying "it's a whole new ball game", and using the motto "where you'll never strike out".

The August 1976 issue of the local "GLIB Guide" describes the bar as follows: "Comfortable cocktail bar social, established crowd. Potpourri decor."

It became a tradition to celebrate the bar's anniversary on St. Patrick's Day. Unfortunately, co-owner Gene O'Brien died the day after the bar celebrated its 11th anniversary, on March 18, 1985, from complications of a liver ailment.

Over the years the BallGame has always hosted a variety of shows: in the early years, ECOM (Entertainers Club of Milwaukee) hosted performances of "Hello Dolly" and other takeoffs, as well as shows for occasions suich as Valentine's Day, Easter, etc. There have also been many many drag shows, pageants (such as for Miss BallGame, etc.) and other stage shows. As as the bar's name would indicate, the BallGame has always hosted softball teams and other sport teams, as well as a variety of other community activities.

In December 2006, Rick still owns the bar, which retains much of the character from its early years. The bar is always lavishly but tastefully decorated for the season, whether that is the 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas- with the annual St. Patricks Day anniversary still most lovingly observed.