I can't remember what I might have said, but it was likely
a post talking about jai-alai in CT from the 70's and 80's. I
went to jai-alai for the first time in November of 1978 and I
was literally addicted. I was a freshman in college but I was
a commuter student, so I got a job sweeping the floors at Bridgeport
and cutting grass at Milford just so I could be around the game.
I got to watch thousands of games each year. As I think back,
I spent so much time watching, betting, playing and working at
jai-alai that it's a wonder that I did well in college. There
was nothing like watching jai-alai in those days. I distinctly
remember Bolivar's first day of playing at Bridgeport. His first
season there was unbelievable. From 1978 until the player's strike,
Jai-Alai in CT was outstanding. I could have never guessed it
would go from being that popular to dying in CT in that short
a time period.
I still have the love of the game in me and while I don't post
too often, I always come by here every few days to read about
what's going on. I thank Tiger and the die-hards for hanging in
there despite all odds.
I can't say too much about the current crop of players, but if
you want to talk about the old days in CT, I can speak about virtually
any player and discuss his entire game.
I will leave you with this anecdote. I spent so many nights (and
some matinees) at Bridgeport Jai Alai in that first year I went
in 78-79 that I can still hear Jeff Brand saying "Ladies
and Gentlemen, plan on being on hand for a very special evening
on Friday, March 30, when Chimela, the Tiger of Spain, makes his
long-awaited return to the Bridgeport fronton." I heard this
in my head and I thought to myself, could I really remember every
word of this accurately? So I went back and looked at the calendar
from 1979, and sure enough, March 30 was a Friday night. I do
remember that night. Chimela played in 2 games, and the place
was packed. Those were the days.
