I remember we played a game in Primary School called sheby. Someone would toss the ball to us like a baseball pitcher does and, instead of a bat, we used our fist to knock the ball onto the field in order to reach the bases. We rounded the bases, 1st 2nd 3rd and home, just like baseball. The ball was either a tennis ball or some type of "wind" ball. Does anyone know the origin of this game and whether it is still played today?

Oops you are confusing the names though. The game with the ball you are referring to is handball. Shebby is different as it is not played with a ball. The team and opponents have their respective bases and they try to avoid being hit when they are off their bases as if u are hit u go to the stretcher where your team had to run and touch u before your opponent did, then u go back to your base. The opponent also tried to touch the other team's base but i forgot what happens next. The skills required in this exciting game was speed and to avoid being touched while running.

I recall that both were played,but the one you all call 'shebby' was known to me as 'chevvy chase'. Maybe it referred to chasing a speeding chevrolet motor car.
I think if an opponent touches your base before being touched your base is captured and you cant 'refresh' yourself, ie someone who just left his base can touch you and you are out. The trick was keeping tabs on who was 'fresher'. I cant remember any more details, but this game sure kept us fit as kids'

I guess I messed that one up real bad. Chalk it up to old age. Seems I remember handball then, but what you describe as shebby I don't recall. So are the kids still playing those games or are they all on their cell phones?

Chevvy Chase is an amazing game to play as described by Spooky Dude. I was talking to friend recently about Chevvy Chase (CC) and how you have use your wits to out smart your opponents to win the game. The good ole days. Do you realise we did not realize how fit it use keep us back then. Growing up in Jamaica was awesome would not trade it for anything!!!
I think if you ask some children now what CC is they would not be able to tell you at all.

@ Ole Timer, this game was known in my days at school as baseball(Jamaican Style).