Freddie Santana Injured in Puryear Park Debut

August 22, 2025:  Former Pro player Freddie Santana had just recently moved from the Miami area to Seffner Florida, a Tampa suburb.  The “high cost of breathing air in Miami” was his clever reply when asked by the Pelota Press on why he moved to the area.  He was making his debut last night at Puryear Park in St. Pete – America’s first and only public jai-alai cancha.  The last time he had strapped on a cesta was as a player at Calder the two seasons there over 4 years ago.  

Thirty-five years ago, he had started playing pro at the Tampa, Ocala, Ft. Pierce, and Miami frontons.  Recently he was a referee at Dania Jai-alai.   

“Cool Hand” had immediately stepped on to the court and was doing excellent, winning his first game with Rastock and was in his second game when a  “pop” went off.  He had just severely strained or torn his bicep.  I guess he was going at it too hard on his first appearance on the court with 9 other players.  It a tough break for a guy who was enjoying the court , the Matt Ball being used and everything else.      

Let’s wish him well and we will keep you updated with any updates.  Likely timeframe would be around 4-6 months, if serious enough.   He just needs to wait to see what the X-rays show.  A large icebag was applied immediately after the injury, but you can tell he was in pain.  Many will recall that former Pro “Don” experienced the same injury last year on the St. Pete cancha in a big tournament.  Many will also recall when “Coya”  made his debut out there several years ago.  While attempting to catch the first serve of his inaugural game as a backcourter, he pulled a muscle in his leg and went down.  He has never returned.

UPDATE: Bicep seems to be healing and may return to action soon.