Jai-Alai
The World's Fastest Game

Tom Contreras

Language Translation Spanish,French,Basque etc.. Miami Jai-Alai With Tom Contreras, Northern Star Magazine Writer I have been in the Jai Alai World for over 34 years and to this day still love the sport.I began as Director of Group Sales in 1978 and held many positions including GM of Ocala and Asst.GM in Miami and Tampa.I will do my best to promote this sport and it's ever growing gambling opportunities.Feel free to contact me via e-mail at TomContreras47@Yahoo.Com with any ideas of future articles.

Tom Contreras Fort Pierce 2013

Article from NorthernStar Magazine,August 2012 Edition Where Are They Now... A Visit with Five of Miami's Best Joey~Rufino~Kent~Daniel~Francisco Joey Cornblit made his professional debut in 1972 and was 17 years old. He quickly rose to one of the biggest superstars the game has ever seen. A few years later a guy by the name of Scott Scherr was running cars in Valet Parking. Thirty years later they were to meet for the first time at a cigar bar in Weston and struck up conversation. Turns out Scott was a big fan of Joey. He also happened to be the CEO and President of the Ultimate Software Company based in South Florida. They hit it off and Joey is now Public Relations and Business Development executive for the company. Joey has been with the company for two and a half years and states “It is the greatest company to work for in the world.” Joey divides his free time to playing golf and spending time with his three grandaughters. I have seen his golf game quite a few times over the years and much improved. Oddly enough when I was twelve and moved to Florida we were schoomates at Parkway Junior High and have been friends for over 40 years. He lives in Plantation with his lovely wife Linda and enjoys time with son Josh and daughter Nicole. Joey goes on to say that in singles his toughest opponent was Asis and in doubles his nemesis was Uriarte.He went on to say that Juaristi and Zulaica made life tough in the battle for supremacy in quiniela play. Javier Torrealday (a.k.a. as Rufino) is a busy man these days. He is now 62 years old and is partners with ex Tampa pelotari Corky at Pinarama Lanes in South Tampa. He also is licensed in taxes, real estate and as a Stockbroker! He has two daughters that are both Doctors and is proud of all they have accomplished.One is a Doctor in Austin Texas while the other studies in the field of invitro fertalization at Yale University in Connecticut. He played in Miami for 8 years before being transferred to Tampa and found Joey to be one of his toughest opponents. He represented Tampa in many Tournament of Championships and was always among the Wins leaders. He has parlayed his business acumen into quite a success as he and Corky have acquired several rental properties as well as the bowling alley. If you believe that good things happen to good people, then Rufino should be on top as he has always been on of the games true gentlmen. “It has been a real joy to work with Corky for all these years and we plan to continue for some time to come.” Kent played in Miami from 1980 until 1993. He had a brief stint in Mexico City in the eary 90’s before he retired. He soon after moved his wife Jamie and there kids Zack and Danielle to Washington, Missouri where they still reside. Zack went on to play college baseball and Danielle is still in school. Kent is currently owner of his own company as Manufacturers Rep for Promotional Prouducts and travels in most of the midwestern states. He returns to Florida often and when he does, he follows his passion in golf to some of the states best courses. He was another golfer who I saw when he started out and have seen a vast improvement in his ability to score. In the 1980’s he could hit the ball prodigious lengths but is now a more control player. In jai alai, Kent had one of the best remates in the game and had alot of power as well. “Joey was a tough opponent but he left in 86 for Dania, so Michelena became my toughest opponent.” He was named Rookie of the Year in 1981 and had Most Wins in 1982. He was searching thru some old trophies just a few weeks ago and was most proud of a golf trophy he had won with Darrell Steffany, Bernie Dickman and myself in the 1988 Florida Thoroughbred and Breeders and Owners Association tournament at Golden Ocala. “It was my first golf trophy and you never forget your first!" Daniel Love began his jai alai career in 1986 in Miami but was transferred to Tampa in 1988. He had grown up across the bridge in Clearwater, then moved to Palm Beach and attended North Miami Amatuer. After a two season stint playing partidos in Mexico City he finished his career at Miami where he retired in 2005. He won multiple championships in his years and won both the doubles and singles events at the Citrus Invitational in Orlando. His toughest opponent was Zarria, but then along came current backcourt champion Irastorza who he found to be “real tough.” When he retired, he was unsure of what he was going to do. He then decided to follow in his fathers footsteps and pursue a career in Law Enforcement. He entered the academy and upon graduation he began working as a patrolman on the evening shift in North Lauderdale with the Broward Sheriffs Office. I did a ride along one Friday evening and was amazed how professional and thorough he was as a Deputy Sheriff. “Being bilingual after all the years in jai alai helped alot, yet I was motivated to become an even better officer.” stated Daniel. He got his chance several months ago when he was promoted to Detective in West Park where he currently works. “It’s quite different from the road, but I am learning things everyday.” He now has weekends off to pursue his many hobbies. When he is not riding his prized Harley, he might be scuba diving (he is certified to teacher) or perhaps Captaining a boat. He is preparing for a 4 day excursion to dive with former professional hockey player Robbie Neidermayer down in Key West.. A lifelong bachelor, he is still looking for the right woman.”One of these day’s... you never know!” quipped Daniel. “I might just surprise everyone!” Francisco Hormoetxea began his career in 1977 and continued until 1985. He then finished his career on the Tampa/Ocala circuit unti his retirement in 1994. He had an incrediby powerful reverse and a very good remate. He is married to Debbie and has three sons who have all played jai alai professionally. His youngest son Alex just finished a months stint in Ft. Pierce where he had great stats in a short period of time. The common thread of the frontcouters I interviewed was that Joey was the toughest, and Francisco feels the same. “He revolutionized the way points were killed and he always had you guessing.” said Francisco. Today he is a chef at the Asador Almiketxu Restaurant in Bormeo in the Basque country. He sent me a video he did on Basque TV that had his mother by his side as he plied his trade. A lifelong ambition of mine is to travel to the Basque country and enjoy the festivals and culinary treats this province offers. He lives in Bizkaia where he spends time with his five grandsons. “They will pay jai alai too” said Francisco. “The saga WILL continue.”

JaiAlaiUSA.Net Jai-Alai #21 Laurent Interviewed By Tom.Contreras laurent Interview

Article by Tom Contreras of the Northern Star Magazine,July 2012 edition Miami Jai Alai: Tico-Last of American Amateur Breed Robert Barrios (aka Tico) is part of a dying breed. He went through the similar pattern of the American jai alai player. Rigorous training at North Miami Amateur Jai Alai when he was ten years old, followed by numerous trips to Palm Beach Jai Alai to practice under the watchful eye of his father. He had lost his mother the year before and was motivated to be the best he could be and worked very hard to one day play the game he so dearly loved. He continued to train at the North Miami facility and then got to practice at Miami Jai Alai. He also enjoyed playing baseball, football and basketball, but jai alai was his passion. He was now fifteen years old and tragedy struck once again. His father passed away, the man who had sacrificed so much to get where he is today. “We were very close and it was tough at that age to have lost both parents so young.” said Tico. He was devastated but continued to work hard. “I moved in with my sister who practically raised me and was there for me during a very difficult time in my life... I can’t thank her enough!” added Tico. He finally got a break and was offered a contract to play in Dania in 1997. He was 18 years old and was offered the job by then Players Manager Ondarres. He played a few seasons but was eventually was cut from the roster. Some of his fellow players who he trained with had turned pro as well. Cancio,Chiapetta, Mark, Baluja and Yoan were playing at various facilities and Tico got a call to come play in Newport in 1999. He played two years in Newport and while there met the love of his life, whom he married in 2005. They have two boys, ages 5 and 8 months. Her family has relocated to the Port St. Lucie area and makes the trip to the North often to visit. After the 2000 season in Newport, Tico got a call from Stu Neiman to come play in Miami beginning in 2001. He has been there ever since and has not looked back! “Tico is a solid player and a real nice guy” says Players Manager J.R. Arrasate. “Very steady and reliable” added Arra. In 2011 the opportunity of a lifetime came along and Tico got to represent his country along with fellow American Tevin in a major tournament in Hossegor, France. He left Miami at 5 pm and did not arrive until 32 hours later due to missed and delayed flights. This double elimination tournament featured the worlds greatest players and was eventually won by Goikoetxea and Lopez. In the first round Tico and Tevin were knocked out by Dania’s Angel and Ulises, 15-13and 15-10. “After we were eliminated I decided to visit the Basque Country and the experience was incredible” said Tico. He enjoyed the food and the different cultural events that the Basque country offered. The festival in Lequieto known as Dias de Ganso or Day of the Goose was alot of fun. He caught up to Goikoetxea in Zumaya and got to meet arguably the games best ever “Chiquito Bolivar.” He is approaching 60 years old and can still play!” said Tico. With the addition of slots in Miami Jai Alai, it is a good time to be a player. As part of the agreement between players and management, they get a certain percentage of revenue from both the slots and poker. “It was a little scary for a while” added Tico, “But things happen for a reason.” When they played for four months in 2010 at Ft. Pierce there was alot of uncertainty but players stayed positive and are now reaping the rewards. With the closing of many of the amatuer facilities over the years, lets hope that more Americans will find a place to featured the worlds greatest players and was eventually won by Goikoetxea and Lopez. In the first round Tico and Tevin were knocked out by Dania’s Angel and Ulises, 15-13and 15-10. “After we were eliminated I decided to visit the Basque Country and the experience was incredible” said Tico. He enjoyed the food and the different cultural events that the Basque country offered. The festival in Lequieto known as Dias de Ganso or Day of the Goose was alot of fun. He caught up to Goikoetxea in Zumaya and got to meet arguably the games best ever “Chiquito Bolivar.” He is approaching 60 years old and can still play!” said Tico. With the addition of slots in Miami Jai Alai, it is a good time to be a player. As part of the agreement between players and management, they get a certain percentage of revenue from both the slots and poker. “It was a little scary for a while” added Tico, “But things happen for a reason.” When they played for four months in 2010 at Ft. Pierce there was alot of uncertainty but players stayed positive and are now reaping the rewards. With the closing of many of the amatuer facilities over the years, lets hope that more Americans will find a place tofeatured the worlds greatest players and was eventually won by Goikoetxea and Lopez. In the first round Tico and Tevin were knocked out by Dania’s Angel and Ulises, 15-13and 15-10. “After we were eliminated I decided to visit the Basque Country and the experience was incredible” said Tico. He enjoyed the food and the different cultural events that the Basque country offered. The festival in Lequieto known as Dias de Ganso or Day of the Goose was alot of fun. He caught up to Goikoetxea in Zumaya and got to meet arguably the games best ever “Chiquito Bolivar.” He is approaching 60 years old and can still play!” said Tico. With the addition of slots in Miami Jai Alai, it is a good time to be a player. As part of the agreement between players and management, they get a certain percentage of revenue from both the slots and poker. “It was a little scary for a while” added Tico, “But things happen for a reason.” When they played for four months in 2010 at Ft. Pierce there was alot of uncertainty but players stayed positive and are now reaping the rewards. With the closing of many of the amatuer facilities over the years, lets hope that more Americans will find a place to learn this great game. Miami Jai Alai will be dark for the month of July for players vacation and facility upgrades. Both poker and Casino Miami Jai Alai will remain open during the annual cesta siesta.

Article by Tom Contreras Of the Northern Star Magazine,June 2012 edition Ft.Pierce Jai-Alai They had a hard act to follow.The last time Ft.Pierce was open they had the majority of the Miami Jai Alai roster playing.They ran four months straight in 2010 and had not had live jai alai for over a year and a half.The new roster that opened on March 9th featured alot of the Orlando stars that play very well. "With respect to the roster at Ft.Pierce Jai Alai it was one of the greater rosters I have even seen"says Stu Neiman,Assistant General Manager."Dejadas were chased down,caroms were caught and outside serves tried to create defense maneuvers."Neiman goes on to say it was "one heck of a roster made up of good players and great guys." As expected Egi won the Triple Crown which is the Overall Wins,Frontcourt Championship and Singles Champion.It was close in most races,but in the end,Egi prevailed.Though he won the frontcourt championship,it was who finished second that was surprising. Alex Hormaetxea is a 24 year old frontcourter who happens to be the son of an 80's superstar Francisco. He played primarily in Tampa,Ocala and Miami and was very talented.Alot of his court savvy was passed on to his son,who inspite of playing only one month of the season finished second in the frontcourt championship.In all,Hormaetxea played in 115 games with 29 wins and a .252 win percentage.He finished in the money in over half the games he played. This was his first experience playing in quinielas,as he plays mostly partido's in Spain.When asked if he would like to play year around in the States he responded"it would be tough as I have a good job in Bilbao and recently had a son,who is now two months old...but you never know"added Alex. Egi is considered to be one of the top frontcourters playing today and his numbers certainly proved that.He played in 253 games and won 74 times,boasting a roster high .292 win percentage.He also finished in the money nearly 6 out of every ten games he played,boasting an impressive ITM of .589! In the backcourt race,it was tightly contested between Alliez and Fernandez.Fernandez is a 40 year old journeyman who is now a full time judge at Dania,but was given weekends off to play in Ft.Pierce.He led the championship most of the season before Alliez won both the matinee and evenings ninth game to tie Fernandez.With more seconds,Fernandez had to win on the Saturday matinee to prevail,could not get it done with frontcourt partner Azpillaga. "While final statistics are an accurate representation of each players performance,they do not convey the level of each players talents that was seen each day." concludes Neiman." A job well done." SimulcastingFt.Pierce offers a variety of simulcasting including thoroughbreds,dog racing,jai alai and harness.They operate the simulcasts from noon to midnight,seven days a week.They had a very good turnout for both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.Poker Ft.Pierce Jai-Alai and Poker has a beautiful room with a nice bar area,comfortable couches,a mutuels clerk and televisions to show many of the simulcast oggerings.It has many tales that offer Texas Hold Em,Seven Card Stud,as well as Omaha.They also offer daily tournaments as well as high hand payouts every day.For any information on simulcasts or poker you can call the fronton at (772)-464-7500. Ft.Pierce Website

Miami Nips Dania In Challenge Event When the curtain fell on Sunday May 13th,2012 Miami Jai Alai had done the unexpected.Down by an astonishing 29 points to start the day,they rallied and beat rival Dania Jai Alai by one point."It is what champions do," said Benny Collett,President and CEO of Florida Gaming." When Goikoetxea got the opportunity to make a difference,he ran the game out and got the final points necessary to secure victory...Great stuff." added Collect. Here is how the events unfolded.The first round was played in Dania on saturday May 5th.Dania dominated and when the first round was completed Dania had that huge lead.Dania had not only won four of the six games but dominated a majority of all the points.Lejardi and Lopez won the first game straight out of the eight post,but Miami won only once morewhen Laduxte won the backcourt singles.Erik and Enbil led the Dania surge with two victories in the nine point superfecta games. So it was off to Miami eight days later with a tall task at hand."We knew we had to score points fast and the guys never let up" said Players Manager J.R. Arrasate."They battled til the end and I give them all the credit " Arra went on to say. The first game of the toutnament at Miami was huge.In that game Lejardi and Lopez ran the first three points.They were stopped by Jabi and Irastorza who ran a perfect game out of post 5.Since playoff points don't count toward the totals,Miami picked ip ten unansered points and trailed only by 19."That made it a little more manageable" said backcourter Lopez."We felt with homecourt advantage,we might be able to pull it off." He was happy to have played well with his partner Lejardi,who could have won the MVP award if there was one."I was happy to have contributed and enjoyed the competition" said Lejardi. Next up was game 8 and the team of Aritz and Ladutxe won the spectacular 9 games with great shots and alot of agressiveness.They won by four points over Solozabal and Chasio but edged closer once again.In that game Miami scored 16 points to Dania's eight.Getting closer! Game Nine featuring Backcourt Singles went around three times.In the end backcourt sensation Enbil from Dania won but Miami scored 18 points to Dania's 19 and lost one point.Game 10 was won by Lejardi and Lopez as Miami picked up another seven points.Game 11 was once again won by the team of Lejardi and Lopez followed by a second place of Aritz and Ladutxe.Another three points gained and as the twelfth and final game approached Miami had cut it's deficit to two points.The game began with Lejardi winning four points over Angel,Aritz,Erik and Goikoetxea.Solozabal won a point and was beaten by Jabi.Diego was up and went to five points straight and had both game and championship point.He battled with Erik and lost when a right side rebote went to the screen.In Diegos defense the screen is about 8 to 10 feet lower and you can see the anquish on his face. Up next was Goikoetxea who is regarded as the best player on the planet!He had to play Solozabal who is a very worthy opponent.During the point,Solo threw a reverse that Goikoetxea had to jump up to catch on the left side.He not only caught it but returned it slowly." I did not want to give Solozabal a rebote in the middle of the court at the five line,so I just threw the return easy and ended up winning the point." said Go9koetxea By his own admission he was not happy with his total points throughout,but was glad he secured the winning points."I know I had to winthe game for Miami to win the Challenge."Don't give Goikoetxea a second chance,"said Lopez."He is too good!"

Miami Nips Dania In Challenge Event When the curtain fell on Sunday May 13th,2012 Miami Jai Alai had done the unexpected.Down by an astonishing 29 points to start the day,they rallied and beat rival Dania Jai Alai by one point."It is what champions do," said Benny Collett,President and CEO of Florida Gaming." When Goikoetxea got the opportunity to make a difference,he ran the game out and got the final points necessary to secure victory...Great stuff." added Collect. Here is how the events unfolded.The first round was played in Dania on saturday May 5th.Dania dominated and when the first round was completed Dania had that huge lead.Dania had not only won four of the six games but dominated a majority of all the points.Lejardi and Lopez won the first game straight out of the eight post,but Miami won only once morewhen Laduxte won the backcourt singles.Erik and Enbil led the Dania surge with two victories in the nine point superfecta games. So it was off to Miami eight days later with a tall task at hand."We knew we had to score points fast and the guys never let up" said Players Manager J.R. Arrasate."They battled til the end and I give them all the credit " Arra went on to say. The first game of the toutnament at Miami was huge.In that game Lejardi and Lopez ran the first three points.They were stopped by Jabi and Irastorza who ran a perfect game out of post 5.Since playoff points don't count toward the totals,Miami picked ip ten unansered points and trailed only by 19."That made it a little more manageable" said backcourter Lopez."We felt with homecourt advantage,we might be able to pull it off." He was happy to have played well with his partner Lejardi,who could have won the MVP award if there was one."I was happy to have contributed and enjoyed the competition" said Lejardi. Next up was game 8 and the team of Aritz and Ladutxe won the spectacular 9 games with great shots and alot of agressiveness.They won by four points over Solozabal and Chasio but edged closer once again.In that game Miami scored 16 points to Dania's eight.Getting closer! Game Nine featuring Backcourt Singles went around three times.In the end backcourt sensation Enbil from Dania won but Miami scored 18 points to Dania's 19 and lost one point.Game 10 was won by Lejardi and Lopez as Miami picked up another seven points.Game 11 was once again won by the team of Lejardi and Lopez followed by a second place of Aritz and Ladutxe.Another three points gained and as the twelfth and final game approached Miami had cut it's deficit to two points.The game began with Lejardi winning four points over Angel,Aritz,Erik and Goikoetxea.Solozabal won a point and was beaten by Jabi.Diego was up and went to five points straight and had both game and championship point.He battled with Erik and lost when a right side rebote went to the screen.In Diegos defense the screen is about 8 to 10 feet lower and you can see the anquish on his face. Up next was Goikoetxea who is regarded as the best player on the planet!He had to play Solozabal who is a very worthy opponent.During the point,Solo threw a reverse that Goikoetxea had to jump up to catch on the left side.He not only caught it but returned it slowly." I did not want to give Solozabal a rebote in the middle of the court at the five line,so I just threw the return easy and ended up winning the point." said Go9koetxea By his own admission he was not happy with his total points throughout,but was glad he secured the winning points."I know I had to winthe game for Miami to win the Challenge."Don't give Goikoetxea a second chance,"said Lopez."He is too good!"

Lopez:Is He The Best Back Courter Ever? Photo by Jack McGowan I have been very fortunate to have watched some of the greatest jai ajai players in the world over the past forty years.Great backcourters like Gorrono,Laca,Almorza,Soroa,Zarria,Atain and modern day sensations Irastorza,Enbil and Hernandez.All great players,but no one plays the game quite like Imanol "Lopez " "He is a complete player" according to Director of Player Personnel for Florida Gaming Daniel Michelena."He has tremendous control and a great reverse" explains Michelena,and is also a very god singles player!" Michelena goes on to say it is tough to say if he is the best player ever,simply because the game is played a little bit differently now as players tend to hold the ball just a touch longer."He is the best of modern era and certainly could be considered one of the best of all time" said Michelena. Born twenty eight years ago in the basque region of San Sebastian,Lopez turned pro in 2003 with Euskadi Basque group headed by former Tampa and Ocala backcourter Aitor Totorica.He traveled to Dania where he played for two and a half years before goint to Miami Jai Alai where he has been ever since. "I normally go to Spain for four months in the summer but this year I will be there for only July and August."Even though he is only twenty eight,he is smart enough to reaqlize he cannot play forever and is studying business administration at Miami Dade College.If he stayed longer he would miss the fall semester that begins in September. "I want to have choices in life and am preparing for life after jai alai,"say Lopez but has not decided if he will remain here in America or return to the Basque country. He goes on to say his favorite food "is a great piece of fish" but admits to liking ALL food.He likes burgers but is not a fan of fast food."You will never hear me say I don't like this or that...I like it all! At the age of three he began to play both pala and pelota casca.He developed great hand/eye coordination at an early age.He now plays tennis and paddle ball and has just begun to learn how to play golf."I am just a beginner,but I love the game." His family has been the greatest influence in his life but credits his longtime instructor Aduriaggab with him from age nine to eighteen and he helped to develope my skills."said Lopez. Lopez has quite a few Championships over the years he has played including five World Championships with five different frontcourters.He has won with Foronda,Arrasate,Egi,Aritz and most recently with Goikoetxea in Hossegor.He has won many doubles and singles titles at both the Citrus and RB Challenges,but has yet to win a singles title in Spain.Yet! "I actually prefer quinnnnelas to partidos,they are more challenging and more explosive." explains Lopez.His favorite shot is the cortado but at a recent performance I witnessed a perfect remate that broke at the two line! Lopez admitted it is a great time at Miami jai Alai with the recent opening of the casino and feels it secures the future of the sport.He goes on to say that management will take steps to bring new fans to the jai alai area and let people see what a spectacular game this is.He hopes that Dania will one day build a casino and return the glory of this game that once was.