Ricky Solaun & Company Make Museum Visit
The JLaca Museum had three special visitors yesterday from the jai-alai world. Ricky Solaun, best known as the player manager of Tampa Jai alai and Miami Jai-alai and a former longtime professional plyer, made his debut to the Museum along with his son Ricardo, Jr. who played in Ft.. Pierce and the Philippines. Joining them was Pelota Press senior bogger Marty Fleischman.
The near two-hour visit did not disappoint.. They were blown away with what they saw and so gad they came. Solaun Sr. will be heading back home to Durango Spain in another week.
Ricky debuted at the Fronton Canarias in the Canary Islands at the age of 18 in 1968 and got his first U.S. contract in 1970 to play in Tampa. He got married to a Tampa girl Marian Fernandez and was ab le to stay in America. He also played in Harford when it first opened, as Marty Fleischman was the announcer of Game 1 on its grand opening night. Our buddy Four Decade Pro Randy, throw out the ser serve ever.
His son played under the name of Solaun II and had a great time in the museum, often playing the Jai-alai pinball machine!
It was great to see them, and discussions were under way for another jai-alai reunion party like we had about 6 years ago with an attempt to the likes of Bolivar to visit.
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