By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Aug 31, 2012 at 12:05 PM

The Ball Game, believed to be Milwaukee's longest running gay bar, closed its doors earlier this month. Owner Rick Kowal decided to retire after 40 years of service.

Unfortunately, according to the Facebook page, the bar – located at 196 S. 2nd St. – had multiple items stolen in its final days of operations and consequently, Kowal's retirement party was canceled.