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.
Take it easy big fella. You are putting way too much into this. Alot of speculation going on but living in Florida its not too difficult to see that getting a poker room thats almost guaranteed to immediately be profitable is most likely the reason behind the UNNAMED MAN.
ReplyDeleteI take offense to this comment of yours.....
"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"
There isn't a bigger fan of the sport than me and I dont mind supporting the sport by betting a dollar or two. In case you don't realize this, thats how our great frontons here in Florida survive right now...or try to survive! You might think its great to go...pay 3 dollars....sit in your seat and marvel how Lopez never misses.....then maybe having a couple of drinks and talking with others from the homeland at the bar for hours....but the business at Orlando Jai Alai really doesn't benefit very much from your patronage. Actually you are helping to destroy it by not betting. Thats the way it is right now like it or leave it. So until the entrance fee is 20 dollars a person, take the couple of dollars out of your pocket and bet.
If you are going to spend the whole night at the bar drinking and talking, get out of my way please....I want the sport to survive!
"I dont mind supporting the sport by betting a dollar or two"... What a joke! The Jai-Alai business wont make it with a dollar or two! The fronton probably made more money off the drinks of the people from the homeland than your "dollar or two" Is it not the purpose to put "fannies in seats"! If anybody should take offense, should be the writer of this blog by the hypocresy of your comments.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather give away 20 dollars upon entering the fronton and then marvel the game than spend them on betting.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with discussing alternative futures for jai alai dpeo?
Believe me when I say that my contribution is more than a dollar or two. Everyone has their own limit, its about the effort and understanding how they can properly support the sport. I just don't see it with the former Basque players.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with discussing alternative ways to present the sport but dont try and tell me thats its beneficial right now NOT to bet. Presently that is how you and I can help the sport to survive....thats the way it is. Until things change, get away from the bar that you spend hours at, and make a bet. The sport was good to you, why not give something back to it?
It certainly seems that what few fans are left care more about the sport than the players that enjoyed it.
After reading your comments quoted below...
ReplyDelete“I dont mind supporting the sport by betting a dollar or two. In case you don't realize this, thats how our great frontons here in Florida survive right now...”
“its about the effort and understanding how they can properly support the sport. I just don't see it with the former Basque players.”
I find it hilarious that you are trying to lecture the owner of this blog on what’s needed for the survival of the sport and then, have the audacity to try single out former Basque players as somehow being responsible for the lower Citrus handle, not to mention this uncalled and disrespectful stab...
“get away from the bar that you spend hours at, and make a bet.”
Mr. Pocius, I have a feeling that the former Basque players you are referring to, are not going to appreciate your classless comments.
I'm not trying to lecture ANYONE!!! Ever attend a Citrus?....I would like to further debate the subject more with you Mr. Anonymous. Is that possible? I would like the sport to survive, would you?
ReplyDeleteMr. David Pocius, alias (DPOE, DPO, Captain Caveman):
ReplyDeleteI have no interest in debating “the subject” with you. You have lost all credibility with me by the content of your posts in this and other forums.
You might want the sport to survive, but you are going about it the wrong way. Start by posting with facts, objectivity, look at both sides of the story, and most of all, respect towards others in the Jai-Alai community.