This Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series No. 229 figure depicts Hardball, the G.I. Joe team’s multi-shot grenadier. Measuring approximately 15 cm, it reimagines the iconic character from the ‘A Real American Hero’ range in the modern style of the Classified Series, featuring detailed sculpting, numerous points of articulation and a set of 11 accessories inspired by his kit and his past as a baseball player.
The design remains closely tied to Hardball’s classic look. He wears a blue cap and a white baseball shirt with blue trim, bearing the number 22 in red. The back of the jersey bears the name ‘Duggleby’, a reference to his real name, whilst his military kit combines an olive-green rucksack and accessories with brown trousers, black gloves and boots. This deliberately unconventional combination directly reflects the character’s transition from the baseball field to G.I. Joe operations.
Hardball comes with a substantial array of equipment, including a rucksack, a baseball bat, a multi-shot grenade launcher, six detachable grenades and two additional weapon accessories. The inclusion of the bat is a direct nod to his former sporting career, whilst the grenade launcher represents his military speciality within the G.I. Joe team. The figure’s multiple points of articulation allow for a variety of poses for display, photography or dioramas.
The Classified Series window box is numbered 229 and showcases the figure with his kit. It also features character profile symbols and an original illustration dedicated to Hardball. This first inclusion of the character in the Classified Series updates his 1988 design whilst retaining the key elements that defined his vintage figure.
Technical specifications
• Manufacturer: Hasbro
• Range / Collection: G.I. Joe Classified Series
• Collection number: 229
• Licence: G.I. Joe
• Character: Hardball
• Real name: Wilmer S. Duggleby
• Speciality: Multi-Shot Grenadier
• Faction: G.I. Joe Team
• Type: collectable articulated figure
• Height: approx. 15 cm / 6 inches
• Material: plastic
• Articulation: multiple points of articulation for dynamic poses
• Number of accessories: 11
• Accessories: rucksack, baseball bat, grenade launcher, 6 detachable grenades and 2 weapon accessories
• Packaging: window box showing the equipment, character sheet symbols and original artwork
• Hasbro product code: G37985X00
• EAN: 5010996451828
Character background and universe (Lore)
Hardball, whose real name is Wilmer S. Duggleby, is a member of the G.I. Joe team specialising as a multi-shot grenadier. Originally from Cooperstown in New York State, he holds the rank of Corporal E-4. His primary military specialism is infantry, whilst his secondary specialism is special services. The character first appeared as a action figure in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero range in 1988.
Before joining the G.I. Joes, Hardball spent five seasons as an outfielder in the minor leagues of baseball. Realising that major league scouts were looking more for media personalities than for his athletic abilities, he eventually changed career paths. His ability to judge distances quickly, his coordination and his team spirit caught the attention of the G.I. Joe team, who were specifically looking for a specialist capable of using a grenade launcher effectively.
His experience as a baseball player thus became directly linked to his military role. The original character profile emphasises his exceptional ability to estimate a trajectory without having to constantly adjust the sights on his grenade launcher. This skill makes him a particularly accurate grenadier and explains why Hasbro still retains references to baseball in his costume and accessories today.
This Classified Series No. 229 therefore modernises the 1988 Hardball figure without abandoning its defining features: the baseball shirt and cap, the number 22, the bat, the rucksack and, above all, the multi-shot grenade launcher. It is the first adaptation of this historic G.I. Joe member into the Classified Series’ 15 cm articulated format.
