It was a cross between a phys ed class, a birthday party, and a class reunion. Kids were sitting in the audience at 9 am (yes, they were up that early)listening to our newly-acquired, “retired” professional jai-alai player Benny Bueno carrying the coveted title of Player Development Manager, lecturing them on rules, his philosophy of the sport, and safety.

The kids actually listened intently and patiently, but inside they must have been thinking, “just let me get out on that court and throw the darn ball.” And,then, they did. More than 20 of them, most between the ages of 10 to 16, some a little younger, some a little older.

Benny, Dania pros Arregui,Carvalho, and Miami player Fernandez all showing the proper stance, form, position… and, then, whoosh, rubber balls flying toward the side wall. Yes, Benny had it all figured out. He had the group lined up most of the length of the 178′ court throwing toward the mammoth side wall, where all could throw together and safety always paramount.

Then, a truly great moment as you looked near the front wall. Orbea III, the son of the Orbea who was truly one of the all-time greats and ex-player manager at Dania, was showing the next generation of Orbeas, his two young kids how to throw the ball. It was quite a moment, watching the formation and, perhaps, the continuation of a dynasty in this ancient sport we all love so.

The adults, many older amateurs, remembering their “glory days” where they scrambled to play for a few hours here or there on any court they could find, were shaking hands, hugging each other, and just enjoying the moment on the big court.

“I never thought I’d see the day where this would happen, where we would be able to bring our kids or grandkids into one of the major frontons and watch them learn,” said one misty-eyed father.

While stories were being told about the old days, and a lot of pats on the back to anyone close by, it seemed everyone was just relishing the moment. Indeed, it was reality.

The future for Jai-Alai glistened that Saturday morning. We saw not a dying sport, but one that had hope. Our young ones, that “extreme generation” as they are often called, were embracing the sport that we love. All of us on the court that morning could only smile.

orbea