Expert: Jamie Selko - 5/6/2008

Question
What is the name of the tradition, when we were kids we would see who was home team by tossing bat to opposing team captain. After he caught bat you would alternate with hands until you reach top of bat and call bottlecap or winner. What is the name of this game/tradition?

Answer
Howdy- Boy, what a  great question!  You know, I'm so old that I can't even remember what WE used to call it.  Unfortunately, I've scoured my reference books, and I can find no information about that.  However, I can't find my Dickinson Baseball Dictionary (if any one has an answer, it is he), the last, best hope for a solution to this baffler.  I will put your question in my "Return When I Find An Answer Box", and shall get back to you if (and when) I get an answer.  If you should find out if this ritual of childhood (at least, childhood before video games and skateboards) is called, please, let ME know what you have discovered.
Again, sorry that I was no help whatsoever on this.