Ok, Tiger (and Emphy too! ;-) As you know, the Crew and I are
partial to Singles, however, we have reveled in the excitement
of the Doubles over the years, too. Our favorite combinations
are "blasts from the past"...Here are the teams:
(NOTE: Some of these teams aren't necessarily of the Jai Alai
Elite, but all of them were talented in one form or another.)
1) Jauregi and Cal(a 6 foot 7 inch American giant that held his
own in the WPB 1987 roster): This team got along very well together.
Every time they played together, you could witness clearly the
accurate communication between them. Sometimes they seemed invincible
in a 2-3 week period.
2) Urbi and Félix (1987 WPB): Plain and simple, this combo
of fine athletes were literally unstoppable during the entire
season! Between Urbi's legendary "costado" and Félix's
powerful right-side, they made many fans' pockets overflow with
cold, hard cash (including Gio's for sure!!)!!
3) Aramendi and Félix (WPB 1986): These two played very
well during this season. You might of thought they had mental
telepathy powers when they tore up the cancha!
4) Areitio and Ibar (1987 WPB): This combo, besides the excellent
communication between them, were no doubt the best catchers on
the roster,bar NONE! Areitio especially heralded a magnificent
season with the prestigious title of Most Wins in BOTH Doubles
and Singles! That is quite a feat for any athlete, plus, get this
folks: IT WAS AREITIO'S DEBUT SEASON IN THE STATES! Kudos to him!!
5) Goixarri and Alde (1992 Newport): These two gentlemen played
a lot of partidos together at the amateur level in Spain, which
bode well for their subsequent success in the States. In 1992,
Goixarri captured the title of the Most Wins in Newport...he performed
at optimum level all season long.
6) Osa "LUIS" (currently playing in Miami) and Leo (currently
playing in Dania): These two youngsters had a terrific season
together. With youth on their side and tremendous skills, they
were the team to beat during the Newport 2000 season.
7) Goixarri and Alvarez (Bridgeport 1995): Great communication,
stunning catching skills...made a recipe for a hot, fiery combo
plate!! Seconds, anyone?
8) Chelis and Meabe (Newport 1998): Personally speaking, one of
my favorite teams of that year. A blend of fresh blood and experience
melded to create a regular cash cow!
9) Saez and Mendez (1987 Newport): What can I say? They were lethal!
50 GP and 20 Wins. Enough said.
10) Aitor and Barri (Newport 90's): These two played hundreds
of games together...both possessed demolishing right-side arms
and they always gave more than 100% to the game. Some performances
they just put on a clinic!!
11) Oscar and Fitz (Newport 90's): They really performed well
together; both significant veterans of the sport with a wealth
of experience behind them.
12) Arriaga and Ibar (1994 Newport): Another stunning team to
beat...they put on a show for the fans regularly. I really enjoyed
watching them play!
13) Last but not least, Michael and Ibar (Newport 1993): What
a duo they were! Talk about communication...it was like listening
to the London Symphony Orchestra...Flawless execution!
Well, there you have it...hope I didn't drone on, but I get lost
in the music when I'm tuned in!
Best Regards,
Tony and the Crew