The program initially premiered on Sistema TV network in 2012 before moving on to Univision Puerto Rico (later, Teleonce) in 2017 after the passing of Hurricane Maria left WMTJ unable to broadcast the show.

After serving 2 terms as a legislator for the PPD and a failed candidacy for the mayoral seat of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ferdinand Perez launched Jugando Pelota Dura (Playing Hard Ball) on WMTJ (Sistema TV).

The original version of the show featured Perez alongside a panel of journalists and political analysts which included Yolanda Velez Arcelay, Alex Delgado, Millie Mendez and Zoe Laboy.

Laboy, Arcelay and Aldridge all left in 2022 to join WKAQ-TV in the show Rayos X after their exit JPD added to the panel Victor Hernandez and Cyd Marie Flemming, a long anchor of Las Noticias who returned to WLII-DT after an 8-year absence.

The show works as a town hall meeting where a live audience is welcomed and encouraged to ask questions on social problems and a panel of experts and local politicians is present to respond to these issues and offer solutions.