| Ballgame |
| Location: | 196 S. 2nd Street |
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Opened: |
March 1974 still open late-2006 |
| Clientele: |
Male/ female |
View the Images & Articles Gallery page.
View the Images & Articles Gallery page. |
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The Ballgame was opened in May 1974 in a building that some say had previously been home to several other gay bars: the original Nite Beat, Castaways South, and 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. Recollections: The following are recollections of others who have been kind enough to submit their personal memories to the webmaster. You are welcome to do the same! (Recollections collected and organized by Jamie Taylor.) "The very 1st time I went to Ballgame was 1984 for some Thanksgiving celebration. Everyone I knew was doing family events and I had no money to travel north to my parent’s house so I wound up at Ballgame. The place was packed with older gentlemen. I felt out of place at 1st but those old guys quickly made me feel welcome. There was some sort of raffle and I wound up winning an 11lb turkey. I asked them if I could leave it there for a couple of days (I had one of those tiny refrigerators) and they were fine with that. I have since gotten to know Rick the owner who always buys me a cocktail every time I see him. The bar has recently had some staff changes that have caused some long time patrons to abandon the bar. They are popping up all over the place now. With the neighborhood going through so many changes, it should be interesting to see what happens to the Ballgame."
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) Opening advertisement, May 1974 ) 10th Anniversary, March 1984 ) Exterior of bar, mid-2004 ) Exterior of bar, mid-2004 |
Credits: Bulk of information by Don Schwamb,
Recollections collected and organized by Jamie Taylor.
Website concept, design and arrangement by Don Schwamb.
Last updated: August-2009.
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