Players of the Hardball were not of a Lost Generation
During the time when I was the Squash Pro at the University Club, I occasionally found myself embroiled in contentious discussions with new-on-the-scene softball players, particularly during the quarrelsome time during the late ‘80’s when hardball was being deliberately supplanted by the softer ball. By all accounts, the Internationalists accorded that the hardball game was merely just an aberration and not the “authentic” game. In my way of thinking, this unforgiving group had this misguided contention that the "real" game of squash was softball - a game which in their minds was superior in most every way.
Invariably, as the discussions droned on, I would feel my mind percolating with aversion and dismay thinking, "Nothing could be further from the truth."
Presently, I have a Hemingwayan sentiment while romantizing back during the days when I was playing hardball squash. Playing hardball was my passion - my Paris.
To hardball devotees, the NorCal squash season was a time-honored season-long ritual with enormous appeal. Without fail, an unwavering seasonal regathering of this large clan of hardcore enthusiasts, came not only from local clubs, but they came from all over the coastal regional associations. One could confidently enter dates in one's calendar using a pen and look forward to playing in time honored, well-attended tournaments.
It was not about which ball that was being played - it was about having communion with this community of devotees. It was about taking part of a bonding experience by passing down knowledge and squash lore.
The following was the seasonal calendar of tournaments:
The Olympic Club C-D Squash Extravaganza - September
The Joe Ginet Invitational, Fresno - September
The Ralfe D. Miller Invitational, Berkeley - October
The University Club Singles Invitational - December
The Olympic Club Singles Invitational - January
Peninsula Club Invitational, San Mateo - February
Squash Club of San Francisco Invitational - February
Northern California Squash Racquets Championships - March
A player was regarded and merited by his/her appearance and performance in these tournaments. For years, without fail, a wide cast of characters from the clubs in NorCal participated in the season-long plot of this storied moveable feast.
In retrospect, this long period of sustained health of the hardball game was the result; a stewardship that proved to be essential - a flowing culture which was being passed on from generation to generations in the waiting.
This ceased when the game was replaced by the softball. And an American squash identity crisis ensued.
John
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