In our continuing series, Kevin M. Neibauer sits down with a member of the lacrosse family. He goes one on one with Jerome Ball. Jerome Ball started playing lacrosse much later than most people. A former United States Marine, Ball was a High School Football player who switched sports a bit later. Jerome is currently playing in the Interstate Box Lacrosse Association or, as it’s better known, the IBLA.
Let’s Go One on One with Jerome Ball
KMN- Vernon Township High School in New Jersey, you played football, did they have a lacrosse program?
JB- Yes, there was lacrosse at our High School. But, I didn’t play, I played football and Ice Hockey.
KMN- Anna Marie College, why that school?
JB- I chose Anna Naria for their Fire Science Program and, they had a lacrosse team.
KMN- You were in the Marines, and we all thank you for that, stationed in Hawaii, talk about that experience.
JB- The experience was awesome, and I was playing with the Hawaii Men’s Lacrosse Club where I really started my career playing Lacrosse.
Hawaii Lacrosse
KMN- Hawaii Lacrosse, who did you play?
JB- The Hawaii Men’s Lacrosse Club, every year we would host a tournament where we would invite other teams to come and play which gave me the experience of playing against professional players from the Wimmer section.
KMN- When did you start playing?
JB- I knew about the game of lacrosse pretty much going into High School but, really wasn’t interested in playing because I was playing other sports.
Current Lacrosse
KMN- Are you currently playing anywhere?
JB- Yes, I currently play in the IBLA. It’s my first year ever playing organized box and I absolutely love it! I scored a goal the last game, one-handed and the guys started calling me Gary Gait!
KMN- This is your first year playing for an organized team in an organized league?
JB- I have played before but for fun when I was in college and some pick-up leagues but, this is my first time playing on a professional level and taking it seriously.
KMN- with all the attention on expansion, do you see yourself playing professionally?
JB- I would love to play professionally if the opportunity presents itself, sure, who wouldn’t?
More Lacrosse
KMN- What else do you have going on?
JB- I will be coaching for True Lacrosse starting in the fall and currently a coach with Mad Dawg Lacosse in addition to doing private lessons. I love growing the game and making kids better and telling them my story of starting to play at a later age and becoming good.
I tried out for Team Jamaica for the 2018 FIL but was rejected because, being adopted, I have no Jamaica roots. But, I will be trying out for South Africa,
KMN-Finally, Is there a player or players you pattern yourself after?
JB-I will say Myles Jones because I am a big boy, but, yet again, I have a big quick shot and I like to think I play like a lot of professional players.
Thank You, Jerome and we wish you nothing but the Best! That was ono on one with Jerome Ball.
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
