A Brief History of The Game

For 76 years, Artists and Writers have been gathering in the East End for a lighthearted, energetic, goodwill softball game. Since its inception, the game has evolved into one of the longest running charitable events in the Hamptons. The game, which funds four local East End charities — East End Hospice, The Retreat, Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center and Phoenix House — is a staple in August and has evolved through the years. 

Among the first artists to play included Franz Kline, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Joan Mitchell. Then came writers such as Barney Rosset and art critic Harold Rosenberg. They all gathered in Wilfrid Zogbaum’s front yard. They talked, ate, drank and shared some laughs. 

From that first gathering, the game has become an institution where players flock to the East End to compete, laugh and play. It is a who’s who of the Hamptons that has expanded to include actors, publishers, television personalities, editors, musicians, presidents, mayors, senators and even a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.