Most jai-alai players are super nice and very approachable. Unfortunately, gone are the days where dozens of fans (mostly women) waited outside the fronton after a performance to meet the players but with the exception of Miami Jai-alai, where the players exit directly to their cars and drive by, a great majority of today's professional players are happy to stop and chat with their fans. A few are a bit shy but still very, very nice once you get to know them.
Cancio is the nicest and most approachable player I know but I admit that is because he is more like a brother to me. He dated my sister for a long time (a long time ago). He does enjoy meeting, chatting, and getting to know his fans. Miss seeing you Manny!
Of all the players I have had the pleasure of meeting over the years, I would say Elordieta is the nicest and kindest player I have ever met. He was actually the first player I met and it was through his beautiful wife, Gina, who I happened to meet during a matinee performance in 1991 at Ocala Jai-alai. I was cheering on my favorite player at that time and she happened to be seated behind me. She touched my shoulder and told me what that player's nickname was. I was 16 years old then and very much interested in that particular player (who was not her husband thank goodness) so needless to say, we became quick friends. I haven't seen Elordieta since closing night at Ocala Jai-alai in 2007 but he has never failed to spot me and wave at me in the audience or to stop and chat with me outside the fronton after a performance.
A player I have not met but hope to someday meet is Eric Irastorza (my favorite player of this era) who in my opinion comes across as a very friendly and approachable person but I have missed a few opportunities to meet him during past 'Meet the Players' sessions. I have seen and read many of his interviews and he just seems so nice and willing to chat with his fans.
If you watch the World Championship today, check out the shirts being worn by the players and referees. The sponsor/provider of the shirts is a company named TTILIKA, which was founded by Eric Irastorza and a couple of his friends in the Basque Country over ten years ago.
Check out their website and their new collection of jai-alai/cesta punta shirts!
