Great question Tiger and great responses all.
There are so many great folks I've met through my 10+ years of
amateur play and fan-ship, to name them all and recount the whole
story would take pages. I tried and decided it'd be way too long
a post, so here's the short(er) version...
Cachin II gave me the contact info for Luis Hernandez in 2001,
who, along with his son Benji, taught me to catch & throw in Tijuana.
Haven't seen them since it closed in 2002; hope they're all doing
well.
Met the late, great Kellyaga in Tijuana in early 2002, made several
trips to Orlando to practice with him and others between then
and 2006, of course met Elorri and many pros/amateurs/fans; also
saw the pro game for the first time. Had I not met Kellyaga, I
likely would have never played/watched the game after Tijuana
closed - what a great ambassador to the game he was.
Trip to the Basque country in 2006 with Elorri and Kellyaga was
the single best jai alai experience one could have ever had. Played
seven courts in ten days, met so many great people, saw some pro
jai alai and learned about the Basques. Eskerrik asko, Elorri.
Returned to Euskadi in 2008 with my wife - many thanks to those
in Amorebieta and Bayonne for their hospitality and help along
the way - saw some pro jai alai and downed more wine and pintxos
than you could imagine.
Citrus tournaments from 2008 until now - great to meet Perry,
Mark K, Foxboro Al, Steve G, Gary, Tony... and most of all thanks
to Tiger for organizing. Looking forward to seeing you all again
and hoping to get some court time.
In all, I've found that the relatively small size of our group
of jai alai players/fans is more than made up for by the passion
of its members - and frankly I'd rather be a part of that kind
of organization than one that is more common but less enthusiastic.
It makes us unique and also helps to ensure the sport will continue
to survive as best it can.
High cesta and my best to you all. Hope to see you at the Citrus
or wherever we may cross paths soon!
Cheers,
CR
