Geoffrey from New York
Heckscher Field/Central Park New York
Broadway show league
In Central Park, within easy walking distance from Columbus Circle, is a famous ball field created for the American game of softball, a version of baseball played on a smaller field, with a bigger ball. On it are five carefully interwoven ‘diamonds’, the word used to describe the shape made by the configuration of the bases set on the green, from the spectators’ view, as a square en pointe. In this case the home bases are strewn to the farthest reaches of the field, forcing the distant outfielders to play face to face, but in separate games.
It makes for amusing fun, as I experienced when I played in the Broadway Show League, long ago. As an outfielder, I found myself standing face to face with a player from a different match. Positioned that way, we could offer each other helpful hints and it made for great camaraderie. I played for different shows including the musical Annie, and Ensemble Studio Theater. In that league, the singer Meat Loaf had a team; he pitched, as he was too heavy to do much else.
The tradition of shows’ union workers (actors and stagehands) mounting teams to play one another continues on Thursday afternoons, when there is usually three games per diamond (11:30, 1:30 and 3:30pm). On other days other leagues play including one featuring television workers and public personalities.
Status of the Show League can be checked here.
Celebrities and stars may be seen.
Take some swings yourself here at this nearby batting cage.
About this spot
Columbus Circle 2
- Daytime daily
US$
free
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
35 Times, Toby Buonagurio
Subway art 10
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Pythian Temple
R&R Shrine
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin
Subway art 13
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Saiguette
Vietnamese counter/takeout
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rucker Park
NBA caliber street basketball
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt
Subway art 3
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Portraits, Chuck Close
Subway art 1
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Music Inn
Instruments, custom & stock
"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Return of Spring, Jack Beal
Subway art 7
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Di Fara, Brooklyn
Pizza 1
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sal & Carmine's, Upper West Side
Pizza 2
"Sal & Carmine's" makes real New York pizza. It's a small place, the pizza boxes are stacked 15 high, the lineup look like locals - all good signs.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
New York in Transit, Jacob Lawrence
Subway art 8
"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
