By Setarreh Massihzadegan
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

No doubt about it: Brooksby is big on bocce. A faithful group of players takes to the game year-round, but with summer at its peak, the lure to the community’s outdoor court is undeniable.

“It’s altogether different . . . it’s freer here,” says Anthony Grande, who lives at Brooksby and leads the bocce group along with Martin Grasso. “This is a better game outside.”

Grande and Grasso made an indoor court that the bocce players use to transform Brooksby’s catering room once a week all winter. But as soon as the weather warms up, it’s off to the grass outside Kingsbury Clubhouse, where the players enjoy friendly banter, sunshine, and at least two game days a week with the option to play more often.

More than 20 players show up for the organized weekly games, which often draw a crowd of spectators and the occasional challenge from Brooksby staff members.

Bocce battle
Recently the bocce gang has taken to pitting men against women, which “brings out the competitiveness in us a little more,” says Barbara Crowley, one of the regular players.

As soon as the group begins to divide, Grande quips, “My money’s on the ladies. I’m not kidding; they’re better.”

 An ancient sport, bocce is said to have originated in Rome. Today players begin by throwing the pallino, or “small ball,” down the court. Subsequent  players— usually four to a team—throw larger balls in attempt to win points by landing closest to the pallino.

Watching each ball leave its thrower’s hands, Grande will often knowingly  shout, “That’s the point!”

Amateurs welcome
Players poke fun at one another, and they aren’t the least bit shy about bringing out the tape measure to settle disputes. But Grande, who has played on and off his whole life, encourages anyone to give the game a whirl.

“The majority [of people] have not played this game, but we accept anybody,” Grande says. “[There’s] nothing to it; just get the ball and roll it.”