The big news at home was the actual construction of the newest Jai-Alai fronton in the U.S., our facility in Ocala. I even tried to learn some of the Basque language, which was completely unique and had no relationship to any Romance language. Few Americanos had ever really immersed themselves in the sport like I had, spent time in their small villages, played on their home courts. Also, I was truly looking for the players’ respect. I figured, though only 23 years old, the media could not ask me a question that I couldn’t answer.

Also, being an avid amateur player, I thought I had a true perspective of the sport. Jean-de-Luz, and visited the Basque Country seeing the historic frontons from Guernica to Mallorca, I felt like I had gotten my Masters or PHD in the sport of Jai-Alai. Having seen the World Amateur Tournament in St. But, it is now time to prepare for the 1972-73 Tampa Jai-Alai season, my second full season. Our friendship survived, as do the memories. If any happen to be reading this, I thank them for their patience with my Jai-Alai addiction and only wish them the best.Īfter nearly 3 months of travel throughout the entire continent of Europe, Neil Einhorn and I somehow made it back home. These ladies, now probably grandmothers, were an important part of my early years. I will omit discussing them, not to minimize their importance to me, but because it is off the topic of my history with the sport itself. Undoubtedly, there were some important female relationships that occurred along the way during the 70s, prior to encountering the most important one, meeting my wife, Sue. Note to Reader: I was asked to recount my memories of my long 40-plus year career with the sport of Jai-Alai. Middle of nowhere, it was a big gamble on whether it would be a Future home of the Ocala Jai-Alai Fronton.

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