The roots of stickball run deep in Choctaw culture. The fiercely competitive game – played long before there was football, baseball and basketball – is played with sticks and a small orange ball. Mississippi Today photographer Eric J. Shelton captured the action from the World Series of Stickball, played annually at the Choctaw Indian Fair, near Philadelphia, in this slideshow.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Trey Ben watches as his team competes in the World Series of Stickball during the Choctaw Indian Fair at Choctaw Central High School Wednesday, July 11, 2018. The commissioner of the World Series of Stickball calls it "the granddaddy of all American Sports."
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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A player is tackled during the World Series of Stickball during the Choctaw Indian Fair at Choctaw Central High School Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Fans watch as teams compete during the Choctaw Indian Fair at Choctaw Central High School Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Pearl River huddles between quarters during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Mario Chickaway, 28, gets help from paramedics after suffering from a broken femur during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Players kneel after Mario Chickaway, 28, was injured during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Teams compete during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Drummers play during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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A player rests on the sideline during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Teenagers compete during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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A player is tackled during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Players reach for the ball during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Players share a laugh during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Teenagers compete during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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A drummer takes a rest between quarters during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Teenagers compete during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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A player is tackled during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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A drum is seen on the sideline during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Teenagers compete during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Canaan Tubby picks up his sticks after competing in the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Adult players attempt to score a goal during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Teams compete during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Pearl River community and Koni Hata community teams congratulate each other during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Pearl River players share a laugh after their victory against Koni Hata during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Pearl River community celebrate their victory against Koni Hata during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
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Pearl River community and Koni Hata community teams congratulate each other during the World Series of Stickball at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Choctaw Wednesday, July 11, 2018.