I just want to elaborate a little more about Churruca. When
I was just about 20 years old I use to drive a elderly gentleman
who was about 45 or 50 years my senior, to Miami Jai-Alai as
he hated to drive at night. I had never even heard of the game,
I wasn't really into the game in the beginning, I was just doing
a friend a favor. I don't remember exactly when I did become interested,
but I do remember Churruca very very well. Watching him play the
game got me hooked, I kept coming back to see him night after
night for about 4 years, until I went away, (Military) and followed
back up until the strike of 1968.
Several of my friends and I use to pile into a fan and go out
for the last few games, bet together, drink some beer, and all
the while we were standing,I don't ever remember getting a seat
as the place was jammed packed every night. I use to lure them
out by telling them what a great athlete Churruca was,and saying
wait until you see this guy play,he's unbelieveable.
Miami of course was involved heavily in the schools both in
Spain & France and had their (so to speak) the pick of the
liter. Everyone on the Miami Roster was a Champion, Orbea was
the best singles player at that time.
Mike, my elderly friend told me they use to have contests as
to who was the strongest player, he said Churruca had won it and
so did Chimela who was about 19 at the time. Mike always played
the 1/2 as he wanted that first point.
Churruca was the most graceful and at the same time strong
and it was simply beautiful to watch him play, he was among champions
but in a class by himself.
In those days the Miami Herald had about 8 handicappers making
selections and they even had a morning line. Churruca's name was
constantly in bold black type, meaning the Best Bet of the night.
I think it would be very interesting to Interview Orbea who
played on the same roster and hear what he had to say.
