A Wonderful Book!

Close to four- thousand the number of professional jai-alai players that dedicated their lives to the practice of jai-alai, cesta-punta, in more than 120 years of history. 75 % of them basque sportsmen.
Has anybody thought of the universal dimension of this basque pelota modality?
Jai-Alai players along with Basque missioners and sailors have been, in some way, the first ambassadors of our little Country.
The practice of jai-alai extends from European Countries like Belgium, Spain, France and Italy; American Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Chile, U.S.A., Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela... even in exotic and unknown places for the occidental world like in China, Egypt, Indonesia, Philippines Islands and Marruecos.
Migel Angel Bilbao (author of the book: "Cesta Punta, The Professionals"...

What a surprise to get this book and find out the magnificent work done by Migel Angel Bilbao. This book is a blessing, a tribute to the historical memory of an international sport: Jai-Alai.
I always thought that it was a disgrace that so much histoy, so much information would disappear forever without any trace. Bilbao`s work does not cover entirely the gap because is just impossible, but it helps. He has traced information here and there about near 4.000 people, jai-alai professionals. Years of work collecting information fot the sake of love to a fascinating sport. A lots of fotographs, biographies of players. A collection of amazing information. Bilbao includes everybody, no matter procedence, he does not recall the level of playing, who was a star and who was not. His is a list of people that made a living out of it. The practice of Jai-Alai.
This book helps in creating a sort of a collective consciousness. A way to confirm onself proudly that yes: "I was part of it, and I`m so proud". It`s also a mind exercise, a way to remember past years, like seating in a family living room and start looking at the old fotograp album, and start recalling passages long ago gone.
I paid 33 euros for more than a book, a treasure that does not have a price. I know that it`s been sold in Markina, don`t know where though. I could find out if anybody is interested and if is still available. It goes for the second edition. What I just can tell you is that Bilbao`s book is more than a gift: it is a blessing for all of us that took part in a way of life that was unbeliaveble.
Thank you Migel Angel.