This article appeared in the Wausau Daily Herald in July 2013
Dartball is alive and well!
Dartball, a game comprised of a unique mix of throwing steel tipped darts and using baseball rules, is played indoors and enjoyed by many in the past is making a big comeback!
This fun game that started back in the 1930’s was very popular for decades. Recently, there seems to be an increase in the number of players statewide and also right here in the Wausau area as well! The Wisconsin State Dartball committee just held its annual state tournament in Oshkosh where over 1000 players were in competition! They came from all over the state and beyond to play the game and share its good fellowship!
Here in the Greater Wausau Area, the league was started in 1935 with 19 teams, most of which were churches. The first league champion was Immanuel Lutheran Church, known as the Bears.
In 1941 the Peace United Church of Christ team, the Panthers, was founded. It’s the oldest continuing team in the league. In 1951, there were 28 teams in the league representing 15 churches of all denominations. In 1963, there were 38 teams in the Wausau league - this was the largest number of teams in the history of the league.
Today the Wausau League has 14 teams representing 14 churches in the Wausau, Schofield, & Rothschild area. The league plays on Monday nights during the fall, winter and early spring. The Wausau League also holds a mid-winter tournament. The Wausau Daily Herald posts the weekly standings throughout the season.
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Facts:
Leagues and all tournaments in Wisconsin shoot 20’ from the board and all darts are "pitched" underhand.
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Dartball darts are about 7" long, with 3 feathers and a steel tip. The feathers originally used were actual turkey feathers, but now are synthetic and come in many different colors.
Teams play a nine inning game using regular “baseball” rules.
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The purpose of a Dartball League is to promote good fellowship among the players and to provide some wholesome fun and recreation.
The Wausau Dartball league has a website with information and some historic photos: www.wausaudartball.com
The State website is comprehensive and has a Hall of Fame page! www.wisdartball.com
If you would like to join a church team or start one of your own you can contact Mike Hofmann at mtop234@yahoo.com or call 715 571 5671 for the details and get started! (Now is a great time!)
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