Wiffle Ball

Backyard baseball with a perforated plastic ball that curves crazily — no gloves, no base running.

👥3 per team🌤outdoor

What is Wiffle Ball?

Wiffle ball is a backyard variant of baseball invented in 1953 in Fairfield, Connecticut. The lightweight perforated plastic ball curves wildly, letting pitchers throw filthy sliders and rise balls without spinning shoulder tendons. Most games are played three-a-side without base running — bases are imaginary and scored by where the ball lands.

Quick facts

Category

Ball Sports

Type

Team sport

Players

3 per team

Where played

outdoor

Country of origin

🇺🇸 United States

Estimated origin

1953, Fairfield, Connecticut (David N. Mullany)

Olympic

No

Popularity

regional

Sources & provenance

Last verified 2026-08-24.verified