| Paddleball - History | |||||
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The beginning of ONE WALL PADDLEBALL started in up state New York by a handball player name Mr. Beale. The winter of 1940 was brutally cold and Mr. Beale's hands became too brittle & painful too continue playing handball. Mr. Beale substituted a Wooden Paddle with no holes and a taped handle to start the game of ONE WALL PADDLEBALL.
The game was played on one wall handball courts in New York City alongside handball players. The Sport of Paddleball gained popularity in 1950 - 1954. The top players were, Harold Salomon, John Bruchi, Chris Leacakes, and Howie Hammer. They dominated the game in singles and in doubles. They were the outstanding champions. The black seamco ball was in use and was the official ball of Paddleball. Howie Hammer and John Bruchi were the top duo team. As 1960 approached, Bobby Schwarz and Andy Krosnik emerged, so did Steve Rothfield and Barry Sheiber, Marcel (Hoppy) Hopkins, Donnie Ciafone, Arroyo (Shotgun) Louie. The game of Paddleball gain more popularity and many new faces were attracted to Paddleball. Eddie Acevedo, Ray David, Mike Melendez, Craig Ruiz, Anthony Fiorino, Robert Chiell, Ralph Capograso and Bobby Fiorentino. These were the players that became champions in the Late 60's and 70's. In The late 70's and mid 80's, Wellington Cabrera, Freddy Diaz, Eddie (flaco) and Mike Petry were at the top of their games and they were the players to beat. Also during this time the 17 once paddle was substituted by 15 and 15.5 once paddles which made the swing quicker. Also the new Spaldin green ball emerge which has a true bounce and for some strange reason no other company can match it. The green ball is the official ball of paddleball. In the late 80's, New faces emerged, (the kid) Robert Sostre, Sammy Cesareo, Jesus Barretto and the twins, John and Arty Randon. But The kid out shine them all. The kid became the #1 player in no time. He has been on that horse ever since, and no body has bean able to take him off to the present time. The kid is known as Robert (The Ice man) Sostre Written by Maury the K President: One Wall Paddleball Assoc. |