A local tavern, Della Pippa's, became a center for bocce in Northern California in the 1920's and 30's hosting many large-money tournaments over the years. By the 1950's however, interest in the sport had declined and the courts were paved over into a parking lot. Though Della Pippa's remained, there was no bocce in Martinez.

In 1972, Martinez resident and former County Supervisor, Nancy Fahden organized a group of citizens to develop the Granger's Wharf into a city park. Keeping in mind the Italian heritage of the area, Ms. Fahden obtained the help of the Martinez Lion's Club to build two bocce courts in the park. The following year she persuaded the Martinez Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a bocce tournament at the park which was held on Memorial Day, 1973. Local enthusiasm was such that another tournament was sponsored by the Chamber on the 4th of July of the same year. Annual Independence Day Tournaments continue with great success to this day.

In 1974 the MBF was formed by a small band of Martinez citizens and the late "Mac" McMoran was elected as its first "Commish". In 1975 formal summer league play began with 16 teams playing on the original two courts at Granger's Wharf. The following year four additional courts were built as more teams entered the league. In 1981 the MBF, with the cooperation of the City of Martinez moved to its current location at the Martinez Waterfront Park and built 8 new courts. That same year the MBF hosted the United States Championships. Again in 1996 the MBF hosted the National Championships which proved to be the largest attended national event ever (and still holds that claim).

The MBF has grown each year since it's inception, and today consists of over 1400 members playing open and international rules with 161 teams on 15 permanent courts. League play occurs on Sunday through Friday from April until October.

Annually, the MBF hosts a number of regional tournaments including the Northern California "Open" Championships, which it has sponsored since 1979. It also sponsors a daytime Senior League and hosts several charity or fundraising events including the annual Special Olympics Tournament.

The MBF takes pride in Martinez's place in bocce history and proudly proclaims that it is the largest bocce league in America.

Provided by:

Ken Dothée
A Martinez Bocce Federation Founder,
Charter Martinez Bocce Federation Director,
Former Martinez Bocce Federation Comish and
Past President of the United States Bocce Federation