Abstract: A ball, inflatable with a gas using an inflation needle, has a substantially hollow gas-impervious skin with an aperture to allow passage of inflation air. A valve member is selectively seatable in the aperture for retaining the gas and allowing insertion of the inflation needle threrethrough and removable from the aperture to allow rapid release of the inflation gas. A radial flange formed at one end of the valve member allows for easy insertion and removal of the valve member from the aperture.