I remember the day very well. I was playing in Melbourne FLA with
a young talented roster. We all got along very well both Basque, American
French and Mexican. Every night was a good time. Then there were
talks of a meeting to form a Union. For the most part being as
young as we all were we really didn't know what a strike really
consisted of? I remember the great Riki Lasa came down to discuss
a walk out. We all thaught ok big deal we won't play for a couple
of days. We were guaranteed 2 weeks at the most!! As the days
and weeks went by we all became angry and doubtful. We were ordered
by the president to get violent to the incoming patrons and that
became very ugly very fast. Many players got arrested for something
as simple as touching a cone that kept us back fron oncoming cars.
And then it began, player by player started to cross and go back
to play mostly Americans. At this point we were 4 months into
the strike and had no money and were sleeping 7 to 8 people in
one apartment. I later crossed and played for 13 more years never
really understanding what really happened. I have met and played
with many wonderful people of all nationalities and really have
no regrets but one. 'The Strike of 88'. Just my story
and I know there are many more out three.
Player
