About Us

The Cats and Dogs was founded by the one and only Terry Gruber in 1980.

Cats & Dogs FAQ’s

some for the old timers and lots for the new timers…

Q. Where do we play?
A. We have been assigned to our old home field: Hecksher Ball Fields located near 64th Street in the middle of Central Park. We play on Field #5, NW corner of the Fields.

Q. What time do the games start?
A. Please be there promptly at 4:45PM. We try to let everyone get a few hits in so that they can loosen up a bit. Then the game starts at 5:15pm and we play until it starts to get dark.

Q. How much does it cost to play?
A. We request that each player sponsor a game ball for $30. This $30 helps defray the cost of the permit from the city and the brand new white softballs that we use for each game.

Q. Where can I get one?
A. Game balls will be available at the first few games.

Q. What does sponsorship entitle me to?
A. You get to paint, draw or etch your name on the ball plus you get two do-overs at that game.

Q. How long have the Cats & Dogs been playing?
A. The Cats & Dogs are now a 30 year-old tradition.

Q. Are you associated with a league?
A. Not at all.

Q. Who’s in charge?
A. Terry Gruber is the Captain of the Cats and Andrew Martin is the Captain of the Dogs with substitutions made throughout the summer for vacations, etc.

Q. How often do I have to show up?
A. We encourage you to be a regular but we understand that it is summer and sometimes it’s hard to get back from the weekend in time. Come when you can.

Q. What happens if it rains?
A. Call this number: (212) 628-1036 ext. 807. Punch in the 807 quickly otherwise you’ll get lost in a complicated message system. It will tell you if the fields have been red-flagged or not.

Q. What are the rules of the game?
A. The rules are simple and non-competitive. Anyone of any gender, and/or skill level can play with us. Kids can play too. We’ll look out for them. We encourage those who have never played before to show up because the worst that can happen is that you’ll have a good time. For those of you interested in the down & dirty rules of the game here goes:
• No stealing
• No strike-outs – swing till you hit the ball
• No walks
• No bunting
• No making fun of people who haven’t played before.
• Be encouraging
• Have Fun
• Show good sportsmanship

If you know of someone who would like to be added to the list, please send the information directly to me. I require first and last names and an email address.

See you on the Field.

Terry & Andrew
The Captains

Contact Us via the Contact form if you have any questions.