275 years! Too funny. But, wow...those were the days of jai alai.
I was so young back then...about 18, when I first started going,
so I did not know anything about it, except I immediately loved
it from day one. I did not not even know of other frontons...that's
how new I was. And there were no simulcasts...so you had to be
there to see anything.
You mentioned Mendi...I mean, I don't think I have ever, ever
seen a player who could literally catch anything, all week, and
never miss a ball. Beating him was really, really tough. He wasn't
the most powerful, but it seems back then, most players were not,
because they could catch all day, and they never went for a kill
shot unless they truly had it lined up. I think the artistry and
consistency of the game is gone...probably never to return, because
so many of today's players, like Christophe at Miami, where it's
always a 'go for broke' kind of style. Right now, everything
is working for Christophe...in a week, who knows?
So, Charola was scary? lol. I remember him having piercing look,
though I never met any of the players, except Echano and Calzacorta.
They both used to hang out a a night club in Altamonte...both
very nice, but scarcely spoke English.
I guess the players I can remember the most were, Said, Mendi,
Charola, Eduardo, Urquidi, Durango Kid, Lecue, Angel, Farah,
Uralde, Reyes, Pita, Chimela, Ricardo...wow...the memories.
Thanks for a great story. We need more of that from you!!!! 
