Jai Alai Without Betting?

What would jai alai be without betting? Nothing, or not much. The same can be said of the other Basque pelota games. Betting has been the principal revenue generator for companies that exploit industrial frontons. I say this because, in recent years, something has begun moving in a different direction. Not so in the case of American frontons where betting has been the only source of revenue. In other words, if gambling were to disappear from Florida frontons, professional jai alai would disappear. It is that clear cut and dangerous. Therefore, let us hope that betting remains in place, reinforced by the marriage of convenience with Poker and Slot Machines.

The Basques are famous for gambling. There is a saying: “two Basques, one bet”. This reputation is historical. Already in the 17^th century, judge inquisitor Pierre de Lancre accused the Basque of their devotion for their “sporting” rivalries and the outdoor life. And from those games sustained by physical strength came bets and the gambling reputation: “one Basque, one Berret; two Basques, one bet”. Nevertheless, the former Basque jai alai players of Florida have lost the motivation for betting. Instead of betting, they take refuge at the bar and spend their time drinking and talking instead of betting their nickels to save jai alai, this is what we have been told and what DPOE recriminates in its role of modern inquisitor.

In the 19^th century, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, the Basque pelota games were adapting to modern times. They become more formal. Instead of challenges and rivalries between villages, the industrial frontons channel customs around betting and give it a more “serious” labor format. Pelotaris play under contract, the bookies appear, the scoring is adapted to betting, there are judges, continuous programming, etc. In that time, end of the 19^th and beginning of the 20^thcentury, professional jai alai proliferates widely in South America as in the various capitals of Spain. The money generated through betting is what keeps the frontons alive.

To recap, the dynamic of the professional Basque pelota games has been sustained exclusively, until now, by pari-mutuel betting. I say “until now” because in some cases this is not so. It is in the American jai alais.

What is happening in Europe is a different story. Until not long ago, the “points” (gamblers that habitually bet large sums of money) maintained the frontons. Without them, the companies could not survive. In the last 30 years, however, there have been significant sociological changes in Euskadi. The ample offering of cable television, the possibility of other types of betting where anonymity is preserved, the spectacular, the great event in place of daily routine programming are imposing.

The big gamblers, the “points”, are disappearing like birds in danger of extinction. Young people are not interested in betting at the frontons.

In the French-Basque frontons there is no betting because it is prohibited by French legislation. They focus on it in a different way. They offer their festivals in the Summer, tourists are their clients who will pay 20 or 30 Euros to enter the venue. En the Spanish-Basque frontons where betting is permitted, there is hardly any betting anymore. It is not out of the ordinary not to see any bookies. Where are Empresarios generating their revenue? From entry fees that can range between 10 and 30 Euros and that former Pelotaris also have to pay.

Television is one of the principal sources of income in some cases. Unfortunately, jai alai is not benefitting as in the case of other modalities like hand ball. Basque public television EITB is completely devoted to hand ball to the detriment of jai alai. The popularity of Handball has increased even more thanks to the permanent exposition in the aforementioned medium. If it were not for television, betting dependant Handball would also be a modality in clear decline as is happening with other modalities of Basque ball games.

Jai Alai in Euskadi is living an authentic challenge for its survival. How to survive without betting as revenue generator? The answer is complicated. It is as though suddenly gasoline was to disappear and this would force us to find, in a mad rush, other energy sources to operate our automobiles.

I have hopes that “Master Jai Producciones”, the television production company of Master Jai (although I do not think it is a good sign that they did not televise the Citrus tournament). This company has to channel all jai alai television productions. In other words, it has to be a window and the instrument to capture sponsors and points of sale and distribution of our Sport. So that jai alai can function with renewable energies without depending on whether the “points” are in or not, or if people stay in the bar “talking and drinking” and not betting.

And, as I requested of the metaphoric character “Unnamed Man” in my previous post, so that we have sufficient presence of mind and perspective so that in a future not too far off, the WWJA, World Wide Jai Alai, can be the organization that directs a world circuit compatible with what we already have, compatible with betting. A re-adaptation to modern times as was done in the past. Moreover, without having to depend on a few ingrates who take refuge at the bar instead of betting their nickels to save jai alai from extinction.

¿Jai Alai Sin Apuestas?

¿Qué sería del jai alai sin la apuesta? Nada, o muy poca cosa. Lo mismo podemos decir del resto de los juegos vascos de pelota. La apuesta ha sido la principal fuente de recursos para las empresas que explotan frontones industriales. Digo ha sido porque, en los últimos años, algo se ha movido en otra dirección. No en el caso de los jai alai americanos donde la apuesta sigue siendo la única fuente de ingresos. Es decir, si desapareciera el juego en los frontones de Fl. desaparecería el jai alai profesional. Así de claro y así de peligroso. Confiemos por lo tanto en que la apuesta siga en pie, reforzada por ese matrimonio de conveniencia con el poker y los slots machines.

Los vascos tenemos fama de apostadores. Hay un dicho que dice: "dos vascos, una apuesta". La fama viene de atrás. Ya en el siglo XVII el juez inquisidor Pierre de Lancre recriminaba a los vascos su afición por las rivalidades "deportivas" y la vida al aire libre. Y de aquellos juegos sustentados en la fuerza física llegaron las apuestas. Y la fama de apostadores: "un vasco, una txapela; dos vascos, una apuesta. Sin embargo, mira por donde, los vascos ex-jai alai players de la Fla. , han perdido la motivación por la apuesta. En lugar de apostar se refugian en el bar y se dedican a beber y a charlar en lugar de jugarse los cuartos para salvar el jai alai, eso es lo que nos cuenta y nos reprocha DPOE en su papel de moderno inquisidor y salvador del jai alai.

En el siglo XIX, al albor de la Revolución Industrial, los juegos vascos de pelota se adaptan a los tiempos modernos. Se formalizan. En lugar de desafíos y rivalidades entre distintas aldeas, los frontones industriales canalizan las costumbres entorno a la apuesta y le dan un formato laboral más "serio". Los pelotaris juegan por contrato, aparecen los corredores, el tanteo se adapta a la apuesta, los jueces, una programación continua etc. En esa época, finales del XIX comienzos del XX. el jai alai profesional prolifera tanto en Sudamérica como en diferentes capitales de España. El dinero generado a través de la apuesta es lo que mantiene vivo los frontones.

Resumiendo, la dinámica de los juegos profesionales de pelota vasca hasta ahora se ha sustentado exclusivamente gracias a la apuesta. Digo hasta ahora porque en algunos casos no es así. Lo es en los jai alai americanos. Otra historia es lo que está pasando en Europa.

Hasta hace no mucho, los "puntos" (apostadores habituales que se juegan fuertes sumas de dinero) mantenían los frontones. Sin ellos las empresas no se podían mantener. En los últimos 30 años, sin embargo, se han dado grandes cambios sociológicos en Euskadi. La amplia oferta televisión por cable, la posibilidad de otro tipo de apuestas donde se preserva el anonimato, lo espectacular, los grandes eventos en lugar de la programación cotidiana se imponen.

Resumiendo, los fuertes apostadores, los puntos, van desapareciendo como pájaros en peligro de extinción. A los jóvenes no les interesa apostar en los frontones.

En los frontones vasco-franceses no se apuesta porque la legislación francesa lo prohibe. Ellos lo enfocan de otra manera. Ofrecen sus festivales durante el verano, los turistas son sus clientes que pagarán sus 20 o 30 euros por entrada. En los frontones vasco-españoles donde la apuesta está permitida a penas se juega dinero ya. No es extraño no ver tan sólo un corredor de apuestas. ¿De dónde generan sus ingresos los empresarios? de las entradas que pueden rondar entre los 10 y 30 euros y que los ex-pelotaris tienen que pagar también.

La televisión es una de las principales fuentes de ingreso en algunos casos. Desafortunadamente, el jai alai no se está beneficiando como ocurre en otra modalidad como es la pelota a mano. La televisión pública vasca EITB se vuelca con la pelota a mano en detrimento del jai alai. La pelota a mano se ha popularizado aún más gracias a la exposición permanente en el medio citado. Sino fuera por la televisión la pelota a mano dependiente de la apuesta sería una modalidad en claro declive como ocurre con las otras modalidades.

El jai alai en Euskadi vive un auténtico desafío por su supervivencia. ¿Cómo sobrevivir sin la apuesta como generadora de ingresos? Respuesta complicada. Es como si de repente desapareciera la gasolina y habría que encontrar corriendo y de prisa otras fuentes de energía para hacer andar los automóviles.

Yo tengo puestas mis esperanzas en "Master Jai Producciones, la empresa de televisión de Master Jai,( aunque no me parece una buena señal que se ausentaran del Citrus). Esta empresa tiene que canalizar toda la producción de los jai alai. Es decir, que tiene que hacer de escaparate y ser el instrumento de captación de sponsors y medio de venta y propagación de nuestro deporte. Que el jai alai pueda funcionar con energías renovables sin depender si los "puntos" entran o no, o si la gente se queda en el bar "charlando y bebiendo".

Y, como le pedía al personaje metafórico "Unnamed Man", en mi anterior postín, que tengamos la suficiente lucidez y perspectiva para que en un futuro no lejano sea la WWJA, World Wide Jai Alai, el órgano que dirija un circuito mundial, compatible con lo que ya tenemos, compatible con la apuesta. Una readaptación a los tiempos modernos como lo hicieron en épocas pasadas. Sin tener que depender de unos cuantos desagradecidos que ser refugian en el bar en lugar de jugarse los cuartos y salvar el jai alai de su desaparición.

"In Search Of The Unnamed Man"

I love Tiger's title for one of his Chak Talk postings: "In search for the unnamed man". Very appropiate indeed for a thriller movie or a best-seller book. According to a local publication: Unnamed man buys Orlando Jai Alai facility fronton dozens of jobs saved after man buys facility"...  Anyways, who is this Unnamed Man?
Is he the one some of us are waiting for? a jai alai's Messiah perhaps. Is he, the Unnamed Man, a wealthy talented man who is going to change the way things are being done in the Jai Alai industry?
  Is he going to convince Florida's Jai Alai owners and conform a Commitee in order to reorganize the industry based on new solutions for new circumstances?
   What would you suggest, as a jai alai aficionado,  to the uncontaminated Unnamed Man?, new ideas I mean.
  He,  along with hundreds of aficionados, chalkies, former players, bettors... attended the "funerals" of Orlando's facility and he, according to the news, fell in love with the sport. Good.
  The "funerals" at Orlando's facility showed that even the place was full wall to wall, great attendance I mean, the handle was very poor comparing with last years'. In my opinion, this shows that bettors are not interested in jai alai; by the way, same thing is happening in the Basque where betting incomes have become almost nonexistent. On the other hand, real fans, true aficionados, lots of people went to Orlando because jai alai is worth to watch, a real spectacle when top players are on the court. 
   I hope that the Unnamed Man took note of this.
Jai Alai industry in Florida can not get rid of betting, of course; but how about a hybrid solution. I mean keep the convenience marriage with poker and slot machines, and at the same time, inforce a calendar of competitions based on a circuit basis.
  If the Unnamed Man would have the capacity to aglutinate all Jai Alai companies for the creation of a single company: World Wide Jai alai when running a World Wide Jai Alai circuit, that would be fantastic.
  Let`s see. Orlando's Citrus Tournament on February, for instance. Ocala's International on March. Dania's Tournament of Champions on April. Miami's Invitational on June. Let's see for Mexico... oh, yes! Mexico's Torneo de Las Estrellas on June. Same month Acapulco's Copa del Mundo. Summer time, no problem. Opens and Tournaments non stop fron July through October all over the Spanish and French Basque frontons. On and on, enough to keep top players busy.
  The Unnamed Man could use Totorika's Master Jai Producciones television company to cover all events and propagate them world wide via internet.
  This Man could hire Fronton's Christian, an uncontaminated pelota fan, to promote the sport in a way not known yet.
  Jai Alai deserves more than betting revenues. Two days events may function besides the every day activity, as the  "funerals" in Orlando demonstrated. I just hope that the Unnamed Man realized and started working hands on. Amen.

El Juego Limpio

  Carlos Pita, ex-jai-alai player, con el que creo que jugué en Orlando allá por el año 1982, hace un comentario interesante a mi último post en el que escribo sobre Salsamendi, Marcelino etc. Pita dice que los puntistas anteriores, es decir, en la época de su padre, jugaban "catch&throw" , coger y tirar. O sea, el juego limpio. Todo lo contrario, esto lo digo yo,  que en la actualidad en el que algunas de las figuras abusan del "two-three steps&throw", afeando el espectáculo.
  Carlos Pita padre le decía a su hijo lo siguiente: "hijo, yo puedo jugar fácilmente de la manera que tu juegas, apuesto que tú no podrías jugar de la manera que nosotros lo hacíamos".
  ¿Se debería hacer algo para que esas figuras como Goikoetxea, Lopez, Egiguren, Arriaga etc, jugaran más limpio?
  Las figuras son referenciales en cualquier deporte. Si los máximos exponentes juegan de esa manera, ¿qué podemos esperar del resto?
   Yo no digo que haya que volver a la época de Txikito de Oñate con el que jugué en Zaragoza allá por el año 1970. Este pelotari tenía entonces más de 50 años, era una maravilla verle jugar. Auténtico "catch%throw". Pienso que Txikito de Oñate fue el último exponente de esa manera de jugar. Posterior lo que estamos conociendo de todos es sabido. El sistema de la quiniela, con la permisidad y la complicidad de algunos intendentes que no supieron o no quieren atajar el tema, ha contribuido a que veamos ese juego sucio".
  El jai-alai como espectaculo ganaría si se volviera al juego algo más limpio.
  Antes hacía mención a los Pita, padre e hijo. Mirar lo que cuentan de Carlos Pita los libros de historia del Jai-Alai.
Carlos Pita Bellón, "delantero estilista cubano, comenzó a jugar en el Palacio de los Gritos de La Habana en 1946. También jugaba en el Fronton Biscayne de Miami, dividiendo su trabajo entre estos dos frontones.
  Era muy seguro y muy pelotari, aunque algo frío en el juego. De bonito revés, buena derecha, pero de poca pegada; buen rebote de revés, sobre todo colocándolo adentro; no era muy rematador, pero a veces lo hacía muy bien de costado. Sus ataques de carambola, aunque llevaban una velocidad relativa, eran difíciles de encestar. Algunos años más tarde, cuando ya se había consolidado como delantero estelarista, la prensa cubana diría de él que era "de rico manejo de cesta, bonitas posturas y una escuela de seguridad como la de Pistón; en lo tocante a emociones tremendas, era un Petit Pistón".
   Y sobre todo, esto lo digo yo, un pelotari que "jugaba limpio".

Were Jai-Alai Players From The Past Better Than the Actual Ones?

Very often we tend to compare players from other times with players that we see playing actually. In the book about Marcelino's biography there is an interesting thought exposed by some one  who saw playing different generations that I would like to share with you all. The former jai-alai star answers the following question.
  Usually, we disagree when we compare players from the past and the actual players, what's your opinion about it? 
  I disagree with the theory of modern athletes being better than the ones from the past because all kind of records are broken, and because of this we have to think that actual jai-alai players are better than past ones.
  Erdoza, Joe Luis, Zamora, Atano III, Abrego... (all of them great old-times athletes) they would have  been great stars in any epoch. The level of play was excellent before my time, during, and nowadays as well. The different elaboration of jai-alai balls has influenced a lot  the development of jai-alai. Nowadays, back-courters are less agressive, they play more with the reverse, their position on the court is near the back wall avoiding to play the rebote. The front-courters are the ones that play the rebote now, and they use the costadillo, especially in the rest, they do it better than players from the past. Mine is a general judgement. On the other hand, they serve worse, they do it quiniela style. I can assure you one thing. Past players when serving would not allow nowadays front-courters waiting for the rest the way they do it now. Positioning themselves in the  5 line with their butts attached to the left wall. Today you don't see anymore serving from near the left wall, that`s gone. 
   In the past, front-courters, when they served, besides having a repertoire, the initial shot was often executed de lado cortada type, same thing from near the left wall or near the contracancha, this way the opposite player waiting the serve had to separate from the left wall.
  Nowadays, when you see actual players playing they seem to belong to the same school. They are complete, they do everything almost perfectly, but I agree with players from my time when they observe that there is not an emotional transmision to the audience, who remains impasible the same way as if watching just a good movie"...

Salsamendi I, Mugerza I y Marcelino

 Yo no se si es una caracteristica de los vascos, o si ocurre algo parecido en otros lugares con otras culturas, es decir, que no le damos la debida importancia  a la propia riqueza cultural.

  El fenomeno del jai-alai que desde el siglo XIX se ha propagado por diferentes partes del planeta, es un caso de singularidad, de riqueza cultural de la que deberiamos estar orgullosos. Desde entonces hasta ahora, que varios miles de pelotaris puntistas hayamos recorrido el mundo como lo más natural, insisto, me parece un hecho extraordinario.
   Sin embargo, qué poco sabemos. Exceptuando las últimas décadas, si nos remontamos a mediados del siglo pasado, la información se difumina. Tenemos constancia de los tiempos de La Habana, de Mexico, hasta ahora poca cosa. Gracias a la labor inestimable de gente como el marquinés Jose Agustin Larrañaga, que tras jubilarse emprendió la tarea de indagar y recopilar fragmentos de historia del jai-alai, que de lo contrario, desaparecerian para siempre.
  Larrañaga lleva publicados tres libros. Tres biografías de Salsamendi I, de Marcelino y de Muguerza I. Tres joyas. Larrañaga, a falta de vídeos de la época,  recopila crónicas de los cronistas de la época, fotografías, combinaciones de los partidos que disputaron los biografiados... una maravilla. Y todo lo ha hecho costeandose de su propio bolsillo. Por amor al jai-alai, a sus conciudadanos, compañeros suyos de Markina que optaron por coger la cesta y marcharse a recorrer mundo.
   Larrañaga es un apostol del jai-alai. En este momento está preparando otro libro sobre Marcelino (padre), partícipe de la época anterior a los antes citados, es decir, Marcelino padre pertenece a los tiempos de Erdoza menor.
  Si alguien siente interés en adquirir alguno de estos libros, Larrañaga estaría encantado de enviarselos, cada volúmen cuesta 22 euros. Una ganga.
 

Entrevista a Txikito de Bolibar: Conversando Con Un Genio

  En la Bizkaia profunda, en una aldea de 408 habitantes, a tres kilometros de Markina, nació y vive en ella Txikito de Bolibar, uno de los más grandes pelotaris de la historia del jai-alai.
  Bolibar vive con su mujer, Kontxi, y sus dos hijas de 24 y 18 años respectivamente. Juntos regentan una cantina situada a escasos metros del fronton y justo frente a la casa-museo de Simon Bolibar donde radican los origenes de "El Libertador" de Venezuela.
  Bolibar ganó mucho dinero en el jai-alai --en Durango, año 1982, cobraba más de mil dólares por partido-- y supo guardar aquel dinero, bien que lo sabemos. El bar parece más bien un pasatiempos que una fuente de ingresos. A sus 57 años conserva un aspecto magnífico. Desde que se retiró hace 13 años entrena en Markina un par de veces a la semana, lo hace de zaguero.

  ¿Quién no recuerda aquella figura desgarbada de hombros estrechos y brazos sin fin. Aquel caminar simiesco que, de pronto, se transformaba en un depredador implacable con sus adversarios?.
Txikito fue un pelotari completo, el más sucio jugando y el más limpio, depende el momento. Lo mismo buscaba la pelota en el cuadro 2 que subía al cuadro 10 a socorrer a su zaguero. Un genio del jai-alai orgulloso de sus juego y de mal genio a veces y muy ambicioso siempre. En cierta ocasión en Mexico, Bolibar ya veterano, acababa de ganarle una final al joven Pipertxu  Alberdi. Éste lloraba desconsoladamente en los vestuarios. "Lloras eh!", le dijo Txikito. "Más hubieras llorado si te hubiera cogido con 28 años!".
 Orgulloso también. Jugando en Palm Beach, cuando algun modesto le metía tanto a resto de saque, despectivamente desde el banquillo murmuraba: "bah! pelotaris de 1.500 en Durango"...
Ambicioso. En su primer año en Tampa estuvo lesionado unos días. Todas las noches rezaba a la Virgen María no para que se recuperara de su lesión sino para que le ayudara a ser el máximo ganador de quinielas al finalizar  la temporada.
  A Bolibar sigue apasionándole el jai-alai. Lo vive y no pierde ocasión para rememorar sus hazañas con palabras y gestos. Lo que viene a continuación es una entrevista humilde para alguien que se merece mucho más. Soy consciente de que su carrera, sus logros, sus vivencias, dan para más, incluso para un libro completo.
  ¿De todas temporadas que jugaste en USA, con cual te quedarías?
Todas fueron muy buenas. Fui máximo ganador de quinielas en la mayoría. Quizás, la temporada 1979-1980 en Bridgeport fuera la mejor. gané 216 quinielas, 49 singles y 45 veces la última quiniela que se jugaba tanto a tanto.
¿Y tu mejor año en Euskadi?
Mi mejor recuerdo el del año 1982 que jugando con mi hermano ganamos la Copa del Mundo en San Juan de Luz a Castro II-Goiogana.
¿Por qué no jugaste en Miami?
Mira, el año 1969 firmé con Berenson para ir a Miami. Poco después Berenson compró Tampa y allá me llevó. "Por mucho que destaque un pelotari en Tampa nunca jugará en Miami", comentó Berenson. Resulta que en 1974 quiso llevarme a Miami, yo le recordé sus palabras.
 Además, yo estaba muy a gusto en Tampa.
¿Cual fue el cuadro más potente en el que hayas jugado?
El año 1977 nos llevaron a Hartford a medio cuadro de Tampa y a otro medio de Miami. Tal vez sea ese el mejor cuadro. Jugué tres meses y establecí un record de 99 quinielas y 50 singles. Blenner el intendente nos ponía a todos con todos los números. Un chollo para mí que estaba acostumbrado a jugar 5-6-7 sin quitar.
¿Tu cancha preferida en USA?
Tampa
¿Tu cancha favorita en Euskadi?
Markina
¿Cual era tu punto fuerte en tu juego?
Por destacar algo diría que la derecha; con el rebote también me arreglaba bien.
¿Tu punto débil?
Mira, me hubiera gustado manejar el costado mejor, nunca llegué a dominarlo como lo hacían otros como Inclan, Joey o tu hermano Zulaica.
¿Quién fue tu intendente favorito?
Beitia (Tampa); Lasa (Bridgeport).
¿El pelotari más completo que hayas visto?
Ondarres
¿Un zaguero?
Churruca
¿Quién fue tu rival más peligroso en las quinielas?
Inclan, sin duda. Era un contrario terrible. Te entraba al saque de cualquier manera y te tiraba de todo. Te volvía loco. Yo optaba por sacarle en globo para que mediera tiempo a llegar al remate. Jugué 4 temporadas en Milford con él. Solía decirme que prefería quedar el último en el record que seguindo detrás mío, ja, ja.
¿Tu peor contrario en partidos?
Uriarte y Ondarres.
¿El mayor logro de tu carrera?
Lo he ganado todo. Mi carrera ha sido completa. Aquella final que ganamos a Castro II-Goiogana en San Juan de Luz fue algo increíble.
¿Algun tanto memorable?
Sí. Hubo uno en Tampa. Jugabamos un tanto de la single Almorza y yo. Dominaba Big Al y levanté 3 txik-txaks y en esto que paso a dominar. Le metí otros 3 chic-chac y El Caballo (Almorza) los levantó. Acabé el tanto de dejada. Big Al derrumbado en el suelo y yo también. El público puesto de pie nos ovacionó varios minutos. (yo fui testigo de aquel memorable momento)
¿Qué pelotari de la actualidad te gusta?
Goikoetxea. En la zaga Lopez, más que Irastorza.
¿Se juega más sucio hoy en día?
Sí. Cuando Goiko y estos cogen la pelota arrimada y se separan dando varios pasos... eso antes no se hacía.
¿Qué ha cambiado de tus tiempos a los de ahora?
Antes había mayor número de pelotaris de mucha calidad, tanto delanteros como zagueros. En la actualidad hay muy pocos.
¿Recuerdas un pelotari americano que jugaba con el nombre de Rastock? 
(Intenta recordar...) Sé que empezó a jugar en Milford cuando estalló la huelga y después jugamos juntos. No consigo recordar nada en particular.
¿Cuando jugabas en Bridgeport había uno del público que te llamaba "Boooooooli!!!" y tu siempre le contestabas, te acuerdas?
Claro que sí. (se ríe) Venía todos los domingos. Era un cubano que hace un tiempo vino a Markina de visita. Ahora vive en Dania.
¿Volverías a Florida para alguna exhibición?
No. Pero sí me gustaría jugar ese mes y medio en Ocala, me encantaría.

¿Te retiraste siendo el número uno?
Tenía 44 años. Había sido máximo ganador en Milford. Totorika me ofreció contrato pero le dije que no, decidí dejarlo. Todo lo que tenía que haber hecho en el jai-alai lo había conseguido.
    Nos despedimos a las puertas del bar, justo a unos metros del pequeño fronton donde el que se convertiría en máxima figura de la cesta punta dió su primeros pelotazos. Antes de irme me hizo un gesto como queriendo encestar una pelota imaginaria con la derecha mientras me decía: "¡¡Todavía eh!!"...

Interview with Bolibar: Talking with a Genius

   Deep in the province of Bizkaia, there is a village with 408 inhabitants named Bolibar; which is two miles from the town of Markina. It is here that one of the greatest pelotaris in the history of Jai-Alai, Txikito de Bolibar, was born and still resides.
 
   Bolibar lives with Kontxi, his wife, and his two daughters 24 and 28 years of age, respectively. Together, they run a small bar located just a few meters away from the fronton. . Moreover, right in front of the museum-house; this holds the origins of Simon Bolibar, the “Libertador de las Americas.”


Bolibar earned a lot of money playing Jai-Alai – in 1982, in Durango, he earned more than $1,000 USD per partido ---and he knew how to save it, we know that well, the bar appears more a hobby than a source of income. At age 57, he has an excellent physical appearance. Since he retired he has been training twice weekly in Markina – he does this by playing the backcourt.

Who can forget the lanky figure with narrow shoulders and arms that would go on forever? The simian walk that would suddenly turn to predator, merciless with his adversaries. Bolibar was a well-rounded pelotari; his game could be the dirtiest and the cleanest, depending on the moment. He could just as well go down to line 2 or up to line 10 to help his backcourt. He was a genius of Jai-Alai, proud of his game, sometimes angry, and very ambitious. Once in Mexico, Bolivar who was already a veteran had just won a final beating a young Alberdi. Alberdi was in the dressing room crying inconsolably when Bolibar addressed him: “You cry, you cry, eh! ...You would be crying much more if I had gotten you when I was 28 year old.” On another occasion in West Palm Beach, when an average player made a point against his serve, Bolibar would declare from the bench: “Bah! 1,500 peseta players in Durango [a reference to minimum wage caliber]. He was very ambitious. During his first year in Tampa, he was injured for a few days. Every night he would pray to the Virgin Mary, not for his recovery but so that at the end of the season he would have the most wins.

Bolivar is still passionate about Jai-Alai. He lives it and does not miss a chance to relive his feats. What follows is a humble interview for someone who, as Orbea I said of him: “how can anyone play Jai-Alai so well”. I recognize that his career, his achievements, his adventures provide material for much more than just an interview, it could easily fill a whole book

________________________________________________________________________

Interview

• Of all the seasons you played in the US, which one was the best?

“They were all very good. I had the most wins in most of them. Maybe, the 1979-1980 Bridgeport season was the best. I won 216 quinielas, 49 singles, and 45 wins in the last quiniela.”

• And your best year in the Basque Country?

“My best memories are from 1982 when, playing with my brother Agustin, we won the World Championship in St Jean de Luz.”



• What was the most powerful roster that you have played in?

“In 1977, half the Tampa roster was taken to Hartford and the other half came from Miami. Perhaps that was the best roster. I played in that roster several months and established a record 99 quinielas and 50 singles.”



• Why did you not play in Miami?

“In 1969, I signed with Berenson to go play in Miami. Later on, Berenson bought Tampa and took me there. As much as a player stands out in Tampa, he will never play in Miami, Berenson said. As it turns out, in 1974 he wanted to take me to Miami. I declined the offer and reminded him of his words. Plus I was doing well in Tampa.”



• Your favorite US court?

“Tampa”



• Your favorite court in the Basque Country?

“Markina”



• What was the strongest part of your game?

“To point something out, my right hand, the rebote was pretty good as well.”



• What was the weakest part of your game?

“Look, I would have liked to have had a better costado; I was never able to dominate it like Inclan, Joey or your brother Zulaica I.”



• Who was your favorite players’ manager?

“I would say two, Beitia (Tampa) and Lasa (Bridgeport).”



• The most well rounded pelotari you have ever seen.

“Ondarres.”



• A Backcourt?

“Churruca.”



• Who was your most dangerous rival in the quinielas?

“Without any doubt, Inclan. He was a terrifying opponent. He would catch any serve and he would throw costado everywhere. He would drive you crazy. I would opt to lob the serve to buy me time to reach the remate. I played with him four seasons in Milford. He used to tell me that he would rather be at the bottom of the wins record than to be number two behind me.



• Your worst rival in partidos?

“Uriarte and Ondarres.”



• Your greatest Jai-Alai achievement?

“I have won everything. My career is complete. That final in the World Championship when my brother and I won against Castro II and Goiogana, in San Juan de Luz, was something incredible.”



• Any memorable points?

There was one in Tampa. Almorza and I were disputing a singles point. I returned 3 chic-chacs; and then I caught the ball  and pass to dominate. "Big Al" returned 2 incredible chic-chacs; I made the point with a dejada. It was an incredible play, an unusual volley; we were both burnt out when it ended. The crowds gave us a standing ovation, applauding for a couple of minutes. “Big Al” was a tremendous athlete, what a great rebote!” [I witnessed that point, truly memorable, otherworldly]



• What current player do you like?

“Goikoetxea. In the back-court I like Lopez more than Irastorza.”



• Do they play dirtier now?

“Yes. When Goiko and these guys get the ball by the side wall and they get away from the wall by taking some steps…..that was not done before.”



• What has changed from your time to the present?

“In those days, there were more high caliber pelotaris, both front and back court. Presently, there are few.”



• Do you remember an American pelotari who played with the name Rastock?

[He tries to remember…..]. “I know that he began to play in Milford at the inception of the strike and afterwards we played there. I am unable to recall anything else, in particular.”



• When you played in Bridgeport there was someone in the audience who called you Booooooli!!......and you would answer back, remember?

“Yes, of course (and he laughs). He would come every Sunday. He was Cuban and came to visit Markina a while ago. Now he lives in Dania.”



• Would you return to Florida for any exhibition?

“No. But I would like to play that month and a half in Ocala, I would love it.”

• Did you retire being Number One?

“I was 44 years old. I had had the most wins in Milford. Totorika offered me a contract to play in Euzkadi, but I decided to leave it. Everything I had to do in Jai-Alai, I had achieved.”



We said goodbye at the door of the bar, just a few meters from the fronton where he, Txikito de Bolibar, a genius of Jai-Alai, had taken his first pelotazos. Before I left, he made a gesture as if he were to catch the pelota with his reves, as he said, “Still got it, eh!”…….

Humor en el Jai-Alai

El humor siempre ha estado presente en el jai.alai. Gente joven los pelotaris, desenfadada. Antes sobre todo, salían de un entorno rural y se adentraban en un mundo desconocido con problemas de expresión linguistica dado su desconocimiento o limitaciones fuera del euskera, la lengua materna.
 
   "En cierta ocasión varios pelotaris se disponían a entrar a una discoteca en USA. Uno de ellos llevaba unas zapatillas deportivas como calzado. El portero se percata de ello y les dice que está prohibido el acceso con zapatillas. A éste, al de las zapatillas, que no entendía ni papa de inglés, le traducen lo que había dicho el portero. Se le queda mirando fijamente al portero y le dice. "Qué!..., hase barro dentro o qué!".
                                          ................................................................................
   "Hace bastantes años los célebres puntistas Unanue y Urrutia hicieron la mili en Valencia. Los dos medio asustados entran al cuartel. Comienzan a vestirse, y como las polainas son todo botones, se arman un lío terrible, al final, tras darles vueltas y vueltas, salen a la calle con ellas puestas al revés. Un desastre.
  Pasan 4 días, y una tarde, estando tranquilamente en el patio, oyen a un cabo gritar con ronca voz:
  ¡A formar, rápido, que viene el capitán! ¡Vamos, reclutas, daos prisa, y a formar!
   Formaron todos, entró el capitán, que echó un vistazo por el grupo, volvió a pasar, miró y remiró, sobre todo a los dos pelotaris y, con los reclutas saludando marcialmente, se retiró.
  Al día siguiente ahí iban Unanue y Urrutia tan panchos, vestidos de soldados, por la calle Ruzafa, y en esto que se cruzan con el capitán de la víspera, y pasaron por su lado como si pasaran por delante de un farol, ni caso.
  ¡¡Alto ahí!!, les gritó rápidamente hecho una furia el tipo de las estrellas. ¡¡A cuadrarse he dicho!!
 Y zaguero y delantero hicieron lo que les mandaron.
¡¡¿Quién les ha dicho a ustedes que cuando han de pasar ante un jefe no deben saludarlo?!!
    Los dos pelotaris nada, mudos.
¿¡¡Pero cómo es posible que...?!!
Y como la cosa íba a peor y el hombre estaba cada vez más furioso, a Unanue, para calmarlo, no se le ocurrió nada mejor que decirle con la más cándida sinceridad:
 "Hombre, capitán, ¿por qué se enfada? ¿No se acuerda que ya lo saludamos ayer?".
                                 ...................................................................................

No se han dado casos muy repetidos como éste,pero se han dado. Jugando en el Fronton Mexico Jose Ramon Garmendia, un tipo tan alto que parece que tiene una nube en el ojo, en el transcurso de un tanto muy peloteado, por los nervios y la emoción que flotaba en el ambiente, al ir a entrar el zaguero contrario a la pelota que le correspondía devolver, se le adelantó Garmendia, que metió la cesta y que soltó tremendo pelotazo.
   Se armó el alboroto padre; los contrarios pidieron falta y, cuando su compañero le preguntó al grandullón de Garmendia por qué razón había devuelto dos veces seguidas la pelota, el de Villabona, le contestó todo serio:
   ¡"Sí, ya sé, ya sé!...¡Pero es que la tenía tan a la mano y tan bien!!".
                                         ........................................................................

Ansola, un puntista de un caserío de lo más alejado del barrio San Miguel de Elgoibar, fuerte como pocos, con unas patillas enormes en forma de hacha, camisa de flores siempre, que jugó en Florida. En cierta ocasión, en Palm Beach, llevó el coche a repostar a una gasolinera. Al cubano que le atendía le dice: "Échale viento"..., refiriendose a que hinchara las ruedas del vehículo.
 El cubano le contesta: !"Cómo lo quieres chico, viento norte o viento sur!"

A Place Called Tampa

Last Saturday, many of the jai-alai players that played in Tampa during different decades shared a table and break bread in Bolibar, near Markina. This gathering of friends has been taking place for several consecutive years. As far as I know, those of us who played in Tampa are the only ones that get together for this type of celebration. Why is that?
Tampa in the seventies and eighties was a place of privilege for the pelotari. In the mid seventies, the roster was very young and many were unmarried. The players' manager tandem, Arregui and Beitia, were good people, demanding of the players but the pressure was bearable. If we try to compare it to Miami, there is not point of comparison; which is why many players wanted to play in Tampa and some made the move. The general manager, Mr. Gerrity, was a good guy, always in the locker room mingling with the players. The city, back then, was a quiet place, an excellent place to live and raise your children. We had a "private beach": "Jose´s beach", a long and sandy parcel of land on which we took daily walks.
The night scene... I remember this place called "Pat", a bit sinister, sort of a nightclub with "live music" near the fronton, the owner`s name: Pat Matassini, I think it was on Ghandi Boulevard. It was a place we frequented nightly to drink some beers and where a pure jai-alai crowd congregated, with "groupies" included... why not man. Oh! We were young and had all the freedom in the world. We shared a profession and did our best to excel but the environment was, generally, magnificent.
We still have our memories and nostalgia for those days of long ago, we look different and, yes, a bit older -why not say it. But we continue to get together for the simple reason that we are bound by an invincible bond of frienship that we forged and nurtured in a place called Tampa.

Un Lugar Llamado Tampa

Este sabado compartiremos mesa y mantel en Bolibar, cerca de Markina, muchos de los pelotaris que jugamos en Tampa en diferentes épocas. Ya son varios los años que consecutivamente se celebra dicha reunión de amigos. Que yo sepa sólo los que jugamos en Tampa hacemos una celebración de este tipo. ¿Por qué?...
Las décadas de los setenta y ochenta fueron décadas gloriosas para los jai-alais, visto lo que estamos viendo posteriormente, no cabe la menor duda. Tampa fue un lugar privilegiado para el pelotari. A mediados de los setenta el cuadro era muy joven, mucha gente soltera. La intendencia, el tandem Arregi y Beitia, eran buena gente, se exigía pero la presión era llevadera. Si comparamos con Miami no había ni punto de comparación, por eso que más de uno quería jugar en Tampa, algunos lo consiguieron. El general manager, Mr. Gerrity, era un buen tipo, siempre metido en el vestuario saludando a uno y a otro. La ciudad, por aquel entonces, era un lugar tranquilo, un estupendo lugar para residir. Teniamos una playa particular: la "playa de José", un trozo alargado de arena en el que dabamos paseos matutinos.
El ambiente nocturno... recuerdo un lugar el "Patt", un lugar un tanto siniestro, una especie de nightclub con "live music" cerca del fronton, en Ghandi Avenue creo que estaba, un sitio al que ibamos todas las noches a tomar un par de cervezas y donde se juntaba ambiente puro jai-alai, "groupies included"...cómo no, chico. Oh! Eramos jovenes y teníamos toda la libertad del mundo. Compartíamos un trabajo y nos esmerabamos pero el ambiente era, en líneas generales, magnífico. Nos queda el recuerdo, la nostalgia, nos veremos diferentes, algo más viejos, sí, porque no decirlo. Pero seguimos juntandonos por la sencilla razón de que estamos unidos por un lazo invisible que se sostiene en base a una amistad que hicimos y conservamos en un lugar llamado Tampa.

ETB-Basque Sports Television?

¿Cual puede ser la alternativa para la supervivencia de los deportes minoritarios vascos?... (Me refiero en cuanto a vascos a los deportes autóctonos de Euskal Herria: las modalidades de pelota, las traineras y los "herri kirolak").
La alternativa, a mi modo de ver, podría venir de la mano de crear un canal televisivo via satélite y que ofrezca exclusivamente las actividades más importantes de los deportes vascos.
ETB, la Televisión Pública Vasca, debería de ser la creadora de dicho canal.
¿Por qué?
1. La imagen del Pais Vasco, nuestras señas de identidad, se darían a conocer en todo el mundo.
2. La oferta deportiva no sólo tendría un valor etnográfico sino también ofrecería una espectacularidad igual o mayor que la mayoría de los deportes de masa. Es decir, que las expresiones deportivas autóctonas vascas no tienen nada que envidiar a ningun otro deporte.
3. Un obstáculo que puede tener un canal temático puede ser la falta de suficientes productos para darle contenido. En el caso nuestro, la variedad de deportes creo que sería suficiente para darle contenido.
4. La ventaja de ofrecer un "paquete" es obvia:
a) facilitaría la captación de patrocinadores por un lado.
b) creación de una "marca": deportes vascos.
c) garantizaría la supervivencia de los diferentes deportes.
d) fortalecería las señas de identidad culturales como Pais.

Lo ideal sería crear un grupo de presión compuesto por federaciones, empresas etc, para canalizar la necesidad de un canal televisivo. Hacer ver al Govierno Vasco que existe una demanda social y además que la vocación global no entraña más que ventajas en una sociedad moderna donde el deporte es un fenomeno sociologico integrador.
Los responsables de estos deportes no deben de caer en la trampa de mirarse al ombligo y lamentarse de que no existen ayudas. Es un tópico decirlo pero el futuro está en la interdependencia. Pocos y mal avenidos, sólos y dispersos no conlleva a nada. Los retos cara al futuro son tremendos. Hay muchisimos competidores pero también hay más oportunidades que nunca. Una de ellas es la exposición global de lo local. Donde a mi modo de ver se deberían de subir los deportes autóctonos vascos, antes de que sea demasiado tarde.

Generational Relay in Jai-Alai

We all know who the current jai-alai stars are: Goiko, Lopez, Egiguren II... Having said that, let us consider that the average age in the recent World Championship was 32 years. In the next ten or twelve years, who will those celebrities be and, most importantly, where will those generational replacements come from?
We know where the stars have come from until now: from American jai-alai frontons. Nevertheless, with the closing of US frontons, how many young pelotaris have made their debut in Florida in the last 5 years? In the past, quality was derived from abundance of players. It has been that way for decades. The system intrinsically produced super stars. That market tumbled and no longer demands or attracts candidates, but for a few exceptions. Reflection is required:
1. If jai-alai no longer motivates and, therefore, the outflow of players towards Florida is reduced to its most basic expression, where will the future super stars come from?.
2. For the motivated few who wanted to pursue the sport professionally, where will they develop their skills? In the past, development and apprenticeship took place mainly in frontons like Barcelona and Florida. But now where will it happen? Can Dania and Miami serve as farms to pump out the quantity of players necessary to produce quality?
In recent years, how many young players have turned pro in the Basque Country? Master Jai and Jai Alive round out their respective rosters with three or four "American" stars. The remaining roster is made up of "finished product" with low risk. In other words, experienced players that have completed their North American tour and return home where few of them continue playing pro jai-alai, becoming their "part time" occupation.
I understand that the situation is difficult for both companies, which face the difficult task of surviving and issues like mid to long term planning may not be appreciated. Additionally, they have not yet faced the shortage because the US market has addressed the need to create stars and they have only to pick and choose players. I think that this luxury will come to an end in a few years.
Can these two companies do something to prevent the generational vacuum from becoming reality in the mid to long term? Why did Master Jai not organize a Pro-Am this year as it did last year?, when it was so succesful and well received?.
Can jai-alai survive the future without farms that can produce super stars? With the aging of current stars and the jai-alai birth rate declining to a minimum, I am afraid that in the future the Goiko, Lopez, Egiguren and others who are 50 years or so will continue playing and being the best.

¿Relevo Generacional en el Jai-Alai?

Todos sabemos quienes son las figuras del jai-alai en la actualidad: Goiko, Lopez, Irastorza, Egiguren II... Ahora bien, pongámonos a pensar que si tenemos en cuenta que la edad media en el pasado Torneo Mundial fue de más de 32 años, de aquí a 10, 12 años ¿qiénes?, pero sobre todo, ¿de dónde saldrán las piezas de recambio para ese relevo generacional?.
Hasta ahora ya sabemos de dónde han surgido las figuras en los últimos tiempos: de los jai-alai americanos. Sin embargo, con el cierre de frontones ¿cuántos jóvenes puntistas han debutado en Florida en los últimos 5 años?. En el pasado de la cantidad salía la calidad, así desde hace décadas. El propio sistema se encargaba de fabricar figuras.Ése mercado se ha desmoronado. Ni demanda ni atrae posibles aspirantes, salvo algunas excepciones. La reflexión obligada es:
1. Si el jai-alai ya no motiva y, por lo tanto, el flujo hacia Florida se ve reducido a su mínima expresión, ¿de dónde van ha surgir las figuras del futuro?.
2. Los pocos motivados que puedan plantearse el profesionalismo ¿dónde se van a formar?. En el pasado esa formación, aprendizaje del oficio, se daba en frontones como Barcelona, en Florida sobre todo. Pero, en la actualidad, ¿dónde?. Dania y Miami pueden hacer labor de cantera en suficiente cantidad como para que pueda darse la calidad?.
En Euskadi en los últimos años ¿cuántos jóvenes han debutado? Veamos, Master Jai y Jai-Alive conforman sus cuadros con 3 o 4 figuras "americanas", el resto lo completan con "producto terminado" sin riesgo, es decir, pelotaris contrastados que tras concluir el periplo americano regresan a casa donde el jai-alai se convierte en una ocupación "part-time".
Entiendo que la situación es difícil para ambas empresas que bastante hacen con sobrevivir y cuestiones como la planificación a medio y largo plazo no se aprecien. Además, tampoco se han visto necesitadas todavía, si el tirón del propio mercado americano se ha encargado de fabricar las figuras y no han tenido más que coger las pinzas y seleccionar al pelotari. Esto, desgraciadamente, se habrá acabado en pocos años, pienso yo.
¿Pueden estas 2 empresas hacer algo para que ese vacío generacional no sea una realidad a medio y largo plazo? ¿Por qué Master Jai no ha organizado este año el Pro-Am que organizó el pasado año y tan buena acogida tuvo?.
¿Puede el jai-alai del futuro sobrevivir sin una cantera que produzca figuras?
Con la población de estrellas envejecida y el índice de "natalidad" bajo mínimos, mucho me temo que en el futuro los Goiko, Lopez, Egiguren etc, con 50 años sigan jugando y siendo los mejores.

One Vs. 2 Players Partidos?...

Throughout the history of jai-alai very few players have played in solitarily against 2 players. Following you have a list of most of them.

Pelotari: Salsamendi I (2 times)
1.Fronton: Habana-Madrid
Year: 1956
Players: Salsamendi I vs.Constante-Illeta
Score: Salsamendi won the match
.....
2.Fronton: Habana-Madrid
Year: 1956
Players: Salsamendi I vs. Tejero-Illeta
Score: (?)
-----------------------
Pelotari: "Txino" Bengoa
Fronton: Ezkurdi-Durango
Year: 1965
Players: Bengoa (23) vs. Egia-Arrieta (25)
-------------------------
Pelotari: Elorza
Fronton: Olabe-Vitoria
Year. (?)
Players: Elorza (25) vs. Ibarra Brothers (?)
--------------------------
Pelotari: "Txikito" Bolibar (4 times)
1.Fronton: Durango
Year: 1982
Players: Bolibar (25) vs. Goitia Brothers (13)
2.Fronton: Durango
Year: 1983
Players: Bolibar (25) vs. Alex-Ubilla (15)
3.Fronton: Durango
Year: 1984
Players: Bolibar (25) vs.Alberdi II-Roman (16)
4.Fronton: Durango
Year: 1985
Players: Bolibar (25) vs. Murelaga-Retolaza (20)
------------------------------
Pelotari: Felix (3 times)
1.Fronton: Durango
Players: Felix (23) vs. Elgeta-Loibe (25)
2.Fronton: Markina
Players: Felix (?) vs. Barandika-Bilbao (25)
3.Fronton:
Players: Felix (25) vs. Inziarte-Alain (24)
-------------------------------
Pelotari: R.Alberdi (2 times)
1. Fronton: Mexico
Year: 1995
Players: Alberdi (24) vs. Urkiaga-Urkidi (25)
2. Fronton: Mexico
Year: 1995
Players: Alberdi (19) vs. Urkiaga-Urkidi (25)
-------------------------------------
Pelotari: Inclan
Fronton: Mexico
Year: 1995
Players: Inclan (25) vs. Lauzirika-Corrado (?)
--------------------------------------
Pelotari: Goikoetxea (5 times)
1. Fronton: Durango
Year: 2005
Players: Goiko (25) vs. Berraondo-Kevin (23)
2. Fronton: Gernika
Year: 2005
Players: Goiko (19) vs. Berraondo-Iriondo (25)
3. Fronton: Munitibar
Year: 2007
Players: Goiko (23) vs. Aimar-Joakin (25)
4. Fronton: Berriatua
Year: 2008
Players: Goiko (18) vs. Aimar-Mugartegi (25)
5. Fronton: Markina
Year: 2009
Players: Goiko (25) vs. Meabe-Joakin (19)

_

o

Garate's Mexican Shoes

Garate is one of the finest jai-alai player in the amateur field. He is 19 years old and 6 foot 6 inches tall,a back-courter obviously. You see him and reminds you physically and his playing style in some way to a 7 years ago Lopez. Garate's left-hand swing is so loose that he reaches the back wall easily, better than most of the pros. His right-hand posture has to improve but he is got the potential. He is not a consistent catcher yet when comparing with professional players. Beñat Garate (his father played in Dania and Milford) is in Mexico D.F. playing the "Lorenzo Berho" tournament, a competition where two Mexican amateurs, Valdez brothers, two Basque aficionados, Zulaika and Garate play mixed with 4 professionals, Egiguren, Foronda, Arriaga and Hernandez. Garate, the young giant from Markina is doing well on the court, but outside he had apeculiar problem because his physical sizes.

Last Friday when the expedition from the Basque arrived to Mexico city, they were informed that a welcome dinner party was organized to honore them. The thing is that according to protocol people invited had to attend all dress up, a suit and formal shoes required. The two aficionados of the expedition, Zulaika and Garate faced a problem, nobody told them anything about dinner parties, so tennis shoes, shorts and a sport playing uniforms, that's all they had for dressing. Zulaika, 5 feet, 9 inches high and a 10 shoe size, did manage wearing Hernandez's jacket and pants, and Arriaga's shoes. The problem was with Garate. Where in all Mexico do you find a 13 shoe size? when just a few hours remain for dinner?...

Don't ask me who or how they got them or what kind of shoes he wore, the thing is that the giant from Bolibar-Markina appeared for dinner fulfilling all requirements. Young players have a lot to learn, inside the court and outside, especially when travelling.

Mexico City Tournament

Last Friday 4 professional jai-alai players: Egiguren II, Foronda, J. Arriaga, Hernandez (Jai-Alive) and 2 amateurs: Zulaika and Garate (Basque Selection) travelled to Mexico city to participate in the Lorenzo Berho Tournament.

According to jai-alive.com last saturday night at Elorduy's fronton, in a full house of a 700 people audience, Egiguren II and the Mexican amateur Valdes III beated 35-22 to Zulaika and Hernandez. In another partido Valdes II and Arriaga defeated Foronda and Garate, 35-20. Yesterday, Egi and Valdes III defeated Valdes II and Arriaga, 35-22. Tonight Foronda and 19 year old Garate(amateur) will play against 18 years old Zulaika (amateur) and Hernandez. I'll keep you informed...

I think that it is a great idea to organize such tournaments in unusual places. Although there's a great jai-alai tradition in Mexico city we haven't seen lately this type of championships over there. I hope that it is a new beginning. In my opinion it's a good idea to include top amateur players mixing them with the pros. Is this type of worldwide tournaments what jai-alai needs? Can you imagine a worlwide circuit like in tennis, all the top players playing in different places? Miami, Orlando, Mexico, Barcelona, the Basque...

For Whom The Bell Tolls

They toll for us my friends, for all of us who love jai-alai. The Orlando fronton is already dead. One more jai-alai coffin and, above all, one more proof that jai-alai depending exclusively on betting does not have any future in the U.S. A thought comes to my mind. Realizing how many people loves jai-alai in the U.S. as a consequence of almost one century of presence in that country, was not possible, for instance, a group of people hiring and running the Orlando fronton and transforming it in the great U.S. Amateur Fronton? where all kind of aficionados could travel from Connecticut and Florida and practice. Organize different clinics all year around. Include Benny Bueno's program in it. Organize as well professional tournaments as the Citrus Tournament collaborating with Dania, Miami and the two Basque companies. Place in the fronton a permanent site of the Jai-Alai Hall of Fame. As I read in a forum "Disneylize" jai-alai offering families different events where adults and children can attend alike. Do we have to wait untill we see two more coffins, the last ones, to see any reaction from the so many american jai-alai lovers? I can't believe that if jai-alai as an industry vanishes in Florida, all the corpus created around this sport will go down the tub. The collective of jai-alai fans has a tremendous energy and a great potential but it is conditioned by the betting mentality. The Connecticut and Florida aficionados cannot depend on Dania and Miami to justify their existence. Orlando may be too late, before is too late something should be done in another place and reinforce the amateur activity around a great U.S. Amateur Fronton. The right people is needed. "Remember, Tiger, in my last posting, "Confusion", the kid that went outside the summer camp and brought with him the biggest object he could it find? the one about the huge trayler?... You answered me that Miami Jai-Alai should sign up this kid". Well, let me correct you. We are missing the target. Jai-alai in the U.S. is at risk, not just Miami. The entire collective of the jai-alai universe should sign up this kid and put him working. As a matter of fact, you can find him anywhere. Carl, Mark, Hov, Mike, Tom, Dan, Jose, Tiger, Christian....

Confusion

You talk to jai-alai players, ex-players, with management, you follow different web sites and I get the idea that jai-alai does not know where is heading, sort of confusion invades all. In Florida nobody knows about the outcome of the negotiations among the State, the Seminoles and the Pari-Mutuel industry. Jai-alai as an industry is an endangered species that nobody knows if it will survive for years or will disappear in a couple of months. Not that bad here in the Basque. Although the presence of two companies, Master jai and Jai-Alive, may be seen as a sign of a good health. I'm not that sure. They depend too much on the Basque Public Television as the main income, beginning next years' January 1st both companies will get the same share, until then as it happened till now Master Jai is the only beneficiary. What is going to be Master Jai's strategy in the future? Will they produce and then sell the product to any tv network, Basque Television included? If this is the case, the other company may be relegated to a weak dependable situation. I have the feeling that there is not place for two companies here in the Basque. Will the French Government finally allow betting in the frontons next year, as expected? What is happening with young amateur players? the few motivated to become pro, that their only chance to make a debut is doing it in Florida? What players from Florida will come over the Basque next year for the summer season? Definitively, new blood is needed. New ideas, action is neded. Here is a nice story. A teacher was working with kids in a summer camp. One afternoon the educator proposed the kids to go outside and come back in a half hour with the biggest object they could find. What a surprise after the half hour passed: a well over 20 meters trayler entered into the camp touching the claxon. One kid had gone to a nearby highway stopping different trucks untill he convinced one. This way he got into the camp with the biggest object he could it found: a twenty meter long truck. When we know what to do in life wondeful things happen.
Please, give me some comments. Si alguien estuviera interesado en leer lo que escribo en español, que me lo comente, o bien en este blog o en el "Fronton de Christian".

Ultimo Lunes de Octubre

¿La felicidad?... La felicidad es derpertarse el último lunes de Octubre y saber que tienes un plan con tus amigos para ir a Gernika, visitar la feria por la mañana, comer en un restaurante abarrotado, hablar hasta por los codos de pelota en la sobremesa, y después, cómo no, al Jai-Alai a ver jugar a los Goiko, Lopez, Irastorza... Oh, la felicidad!
Mi felicidad el lunes fue parcial. No acudí desde por la mañana a Gernika. Acudí directamente al Jai-Alai, al Taj Majal de los frontones. Incomparable escenario que a pesar de haberlo visitado en numerosas ocasiones sigue impresionandome. El color oscuro del mármol, ese brillo del suelo de la cancha donde la danza de los jugadores se reproduce como en un espejo. El Jai-Alai bien merece una visita. Suspendió Goiko y los intendentes modificaron la programación. En el primer estelar Egiguren II y Hernandez batieron a Olha y Enbil. Un bonito partido donde los delanteros remataron con alegría y los zagueros se enfrascaron en una pelea total. El más destacado fue Egi, es una delicia verle jugar cuando no está en juego alguna final como puede ser la pasada edición del Torneo Mundial. Valiente en el remate, agresivo con ele rebote. Antes de iniciarse el segundo estelar saltaron a la cancha Lopez, Irastorza y Enbil con el ánimo de romper el record estableccido por Areitio, 302 km/h. en Newport allá por el año 1979. Tras lanzar varios pelotazos y sin que los allí presentes nos enteraramos de lo que había pasado, se retiraron los candidatos. El máximo de velocidad lo logró Lopez con 221 km/h. Muy por debajo del record logrado por Areitio, muy cerca de la sensación extendida de que aquella noche en Newport la cerveza corrió a discreción, "free beer all night long". Un ambiente propicio para establecer records de cualquier índole.
Foronda y Lopez, los recientes ganadores del Torneo organizado por el Consejo Mundial, perdieron en el siguiente estelar contra Lander e Irastorza. A priori parecía que íbamos a asistir a un gran encuentro. Lander, últimamente, en gran forma. Irastorza en una cancha ideal para su juego, mucho hueco y pelotas vivas. Lander estuvo bien, sacando a relucir su repertorio de remates de costado. Irastorza luchando mucho, seguro, en su línea de gran zaguero. Y Lopez... Desde el inicio puso el diesel en marcha y no pasó de las 3.000 revoluciones en todo el partido. Daba la impresión de estar jugando al 50% de sus posibilidades.. Ni se le ocurrió meter el turbo en ningún momento. Una gran figura, el zaguero llamado a reinar en la zaga en la próxima década, debe de jugar con otra actitud. Gane o pierda, el público allí presente y los que seguían el partido a través de ETB, que no queden indiferentes. El lúnes pasado Lopez me defraudó por su acitud. Un Campeón tiene que sacar más arranque, intentar dar espectáculo para que se sumen adeptos al jai-alai, el lúnes pasado se perdió una oportunidad. Su actitud me recordaba a los días anteriores a finalizar la temporada en Florida, el chip compeitivo perdido ante el inminente fin de temporada y nuestra mente estaba ya en otro lugar. El lúnes pasado Lopez acababa su temporada estival, pero le faltó la rúbrica, el colofón final a una gran temporada. El lúnes Lopez nos dejó indiferentes. Como me comentaba un ex-puntista tras el partido. "No quiero entrar en comparaciones, pero veía jugar a Churruca o a Bolibar y ganaran o perdieran mostraban cosas con las que te marchabas feliz a casa"... El lúnes pasado mi felicidad fue incompleta.

Happinnes?

What is happiness?... Happiness is to wake up the last Monday of October and realize that you have a plan to go to Gernika with close friends, visit the years' most important Fair in the morning (more than 100.000 people attend), have a lunch in a nice crowded restaurant and spend the time before you go to the fronton discussing about jai-alai. Then you go to the Gernika Jai-Alai to see playing Lopez, Irastorza, Goiko, Egiguren... Oh, la felicitá!...
Yesterday my happiness was partial. I did not go in the morning to visit the magnificent expositions of fruits and vegetables, have a drink or two, enjoy the sunny day... Instead I went directly to the fronton. The Gernika Jai-Alai, the Taj Majal of jai-alai. Even though I've been there in many ocassions I feel subyugated by the magnificent scenario. The dark marble walls, the shining of the floor where the images of the players dancing reflects causing such a visual pleasure. It`s worth the visit. Goikoetxea scratched and the matchmakers changed the program. In the first estelar Egi and Hernandez beated Olha and Enbil. Nice partido to watch. Both front-courters shot all kind remates, especially Egi. This player when he is not in a final is an outstanding player, his game is extraordinary, aggressive with the costado, attacking with the rebote... a joy to see him playing. Before the second estelar, Lopez, Irastorza and Enbil jumped into the court. Ready to break Areitio's World Record. After a couple of shots the tree players and the technicians left the court. Areitio`s record was safe. Lopez did not overpass the 221 km/h, far away from Areitio's. Very close to the spreaded believe in the audience that at that night, 1979 Newport, "free beer all night long" run free. A lot of excepticism created by the abysmal distance from Lopez to Areitio.
Foronda and Lopez, the recently winners of the World Tournament, faced Lander and Irastorza. It seemed that we were going to watch a great match. Lander is in a great shape, playing lately his best jai-alai. Gernika's court suits very well for Irastorza. The partido went tied till the end. Lander using his costado again and again and causing a lot of damage. Irastorza fighting like a brave, catching almost anything. Foronda having problems with his serve along the whole game. Lopez... Oh, my god! Since the beginning of the match he put his diesel engine working, 3.000 revolutions, no more. I was convinced that in any moment he would connect his turbo and start setting a faster pace. Wrong. During the whole partido Lopez played at 50% of his possibilities. A true champion, the back-courter that should dominate the next decade ought to play with a different attitude. Win or loose the 1.000 people audience and the people following the game trough television had to notify that they were watching play the best, a super star. I was so upset with Lopez's attitude. It made remember the days previous to the end of the season when our mind was disconnected from competition after a long season. Yesterday Lopez was playing his last partido of the summer season. Just for that he had to give his best, more than usual. First of all to put an end to a magnificent campaign. Second, because jai-alai needs the best performances to get new adepts, especially when good crowds and the television cameras are functioning. After the partido, an explayer told me "I don't want to get in that comparison steril discussions, but when I saw playing Churruca or Bolibar, even winning or loosing I used to leave the fronton fulfilled because I had seen things that pleased me so much"... Yesterday, my happiness was partial.

"Picadas"...

Last Friday evening more than 100 former jai-alai players got together at Chino Bengoa's restaurant in Markina for the 15th edition of the annual dinner party. A chance to meet again old friends and a way to keep the good memories alive. Among the former players was also Miguel A. Bilbao, the author of the book "Jai-Alai, The Professionals", a magnificent book where almost 4.000 players' biographies are collected. He promised to find a way for those overseas fans interested in purchasing the book. I'll keep you informed. An ex-player that is obviously included in Bilbao's book was also present. Jose Ramon Areitio in 1979 at the Palm Beach fronton set a world record that is included in World Guinnes Book od Records. Areitio threew the ball over 300 km/h, about 188 miles per hour. Today at the Gernika Jai-Alai, Lopez, Irastorza and Goikoetxea will attempt to break Areitio's record. None of them will be able to break it, I guess. Areitio's record is an impressive one.

A group of six people coming all the way from Mallorca attended dinner as well. Two former Tampa players, Ortiz and Matias, Paco Aguiló, the owner of the Mallorca fronton back in the sixtees, and three more jai-alai aficionados. According to the players that played at the Mallorca fronton, Aguiló was one of various romantic jai-alai empresarios that the sport has known. Always predisposed to help young players and keep the business alive even though the attendance was minimal. A good honest man. Once he called to his office to a veteran player to notify him that he was so sorry but it was time to retire and leave his place to a younger player. Chiquito de Urrestilla, also known as Auntxa, got the news and felt desolated. He was an enthusiastic humble early games player, one of the few that did not expect to play overseas, he had a job as a furniture salesman, jai-alai was his passion. "Señor Aguiló, I, I...beg you. Don't fire me. I'll pay for playing!"... Defenitively, those were some of the romantic days of jai-alai. Yesterday morning, while watching at the University some partidos among aficionados, the Mallorca group tributed a humble homage to Aguiló, a very emotive moment when he stepped into the cancha in a wheelchair, some of the players that played at the time in Mallorca were present, Capella, Corta, Olaizola...

Last Friday night, after dinner, most of us went to the fronton to see the last partido of the evening between Goiko against Meabe and Joakin. Since the beginning of the match, Goiko put in action a missile-ball and smashed his opponents. The pair did not know how to play against one, both, especially the back-courter comitted too many unforced errors, Goiko won the partido by five points. Pretty soon I'll write about different partidos played by a single player against two player, I'm recollecting information.

Interview with Super Lopez

Yesterday, Lopez, the great back-court, was interviewed by BERRIA, the only newspaper in the basque language. Here are some pieces of the interview.

Last year too you won the World Championship; however, this years' was more pleasant to you, may be because player from both companies took part?

No, last years' was more pleasant because it was my first one.

Why did you won the World Championship?

The two more regular teams got to the final. The team that better adjusted each other finally won the partido. We knew what we had to do, and we did it troughout the whole Championship.

What is your opinion about the Championship?

The level has been good. The best players of the moment took par in it; only Bereikua missed it. Both companies tried to balance the pairing. Not all the teams adjusted on the court. You have to work hard for that, to have a name is not enough.

Frontons got big audiences. That's something.

Yes. Above all people enjoyed. In semifinals, against Olha and Irastorza, at Durango, I saw something that I haven't seen before; people standing clapping and cheering. Full house too the night of the final at Markina. People of all kind of ages.

It's jai-alai coming out from hell?

The fact that both two companies are getting together that is good. The summer time tournaments have been good, they got together, and television got involved itself. Last year was much worse. It is good for us the players and the audience.

Television is a must if jai-alai wants to go ahead?

For everything you need tv. Television means money. The easiest way to promote jai-alai. Behind tv the rest of media follows. As a matter of fact, it is a chain. Companies too must do a good job, and us the players have to show the best jai-alai. Schools also have to be promoted. It is a sum of different factors.

As far as jai-alai schools concern, is jai-alai healthy?

In the Basque are doing well, I myself have been working with young players in Tolosa and Hondarribia. I gave clinics for two weeks. We have done it, however, it's convenient to promote younger players.

Is it good the existence of two companies?

Always better than just a single one only. In our case, there was only one in the past, and we were under, so to speak. Now we have more than one choice, and that's great. Conditions are better, good for all. Monopoly is good for the companies, no for the players.

Looking towards the future, are you optimist?

We are doing better and better. The best times wont come back, however, I think that it would be possible to play the whole year in the Basque. I would love it.

Are you sattisfied for the summer time season?

I'm pleased. To win the Individuals that's the only lack, however, if you want to beat Goikoetxea, you have to play perfect, and wait for his bad day. Even so, my goal is the doubles. I feel proud being a back-courter and being able to score 26 points against Goiko.

In Miami you are doing real well?

Yes, I'm doing fine. Last year Goiko won the most wins, singles and doubles. I did second in the first two, and I was the best back-courter. I wanted more and this year I got the most wins title, and the best back-courte in doubles.

How is one regular day for you at Miami?

I get up at nine and go to the beach for a walk. I do some shopping, lunch after that, and at 14:45 I have to saty at the fronton. I leave at 17:30. Get the car and back home. I go to the gimnasium as well. Dinner after that, and get together with friends... Arrasate is my roommate.

A Couple Of Chulas

Do you know that the players' age average in the past Jai-Alai World Championship was 32 years old?

31 age average for Jai-Alive players; 33,4 for the Master Jai players.



Jai-Alive Master Jai

Arriaga 36 years old; Felix 47 years old

Garcia 35 " ; Baronio 38 "

Egiguren 32 " ; Alberdi II 35 "

Foronda 30 " ; Irastorza 33 "

Hernandez 28 " ;Alberdi III 32 "

Lopez 25 " ; Enbil 32 "

Alliez 31 "

Lander 30 "

Olha 29 "

Goikoetxea 27 "



A few thoughts come to my mind...

I. Top jai-alai players are within the best age for the practice of jai-alai.

2. If there is not a future substitution in the near future, players will be "too old" for the health of the sport.

3. The two best players, Goiko and Lopez, are the youngest of all.

4. Considering that only Dania and Miami frontons remain open, and that the quantity of professional players has drastically decreased in the last years, which top players will substitute in ten years from now the actual ones? Don`t you think that the future of jai-alai may be at risk because of the lack of top quality players?

Which players from Dania and Miami would you include for the next years World Championship, considering that some of the players that took part in the last tournament should not been participating?

Would it be appropiate for the health of the sport to organize a future World Championship at Dania or Miami? If so, in what format, quinielas or partidos?