Tampa Jai-alai 25th Commemorative Anniversary Gift
ampa Jai-alai 25th Commemorative Anniversary Gift
I just got a very nice donation from Gary Morton – aka “Bennett” on Tigers site.
As you can see, it is the Tampa Jai-alai Silver Anniversary Commemorative Coin Collection that was given out to fans in 1978 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Tampa Jai-alai.
The set features 8 coins of players from the roster back then.
Bolivar – Triple Crown Winner 1977
Echeva – Rookie of the Year 1975
Almorza – All time winner at Tampa
Aramayo – Ocala Overall Champion – 1977
Gorrono – Tournament of Champions Winner- 1976
Irigo – Backcourt Champion – 1977
Pablo – Singles and Overall Champion Tampa 1969-1970
Arambarri – Tournament of Champions 1977
That was a great year – the place was packed with an excellent roster led by those 8 players and many, many more. Aramayo and Arambarri have both attended the museum and were well greeted at that incredible reunion party we had. Unfortunately, Arambarri has passed away since then, but his name has frequently been brought up at our court and at gatherings over the past couple of years. Of course, when you talk about the greatest players of all time, Boliver and Gorrono are on that list.
Thanks for the donation, Bennett, who has always been one of my favorite posters on Tigers site for the past 20 years or so. And sorry, he is not the same Gary Morton that was married to Lucille Ball (after her divorce with Desi Arnaz) and was producer of her second hit TV series after “I Love Lucy”.
