I had to meet Bobby Riggs Aspen Airways flight due at 2:30 pm, July 27, 1976. Aspen Airways was a small connector airline from Denver to Aspen. With only one track on foot and from 7500 to 8000 meters, only small corporate and private planes were allowed to disembark. Aspen Airways fly small twin-engine turboprop puddle jumpers inside and continuously or continuously as time permitted. On stormy days, they usually circled above the tops of the mountains until they found ahole in the clouds, then descended rapidly spiral down on the ground. It is generally a traumatic event for newcomers, but commonplace in the local population. Even on clear days the mountain air would create a stir.
Fortunately today was a bright and sunny summer, not a cloud, just a light breeze on the runway. It would probably be a slightly bumpy landing for passengers. As the commercial flight touches down and approaches the terminal where it will unload passengers,I go out onto the tarmac to greet the man. Several couples young and happy to come out first, then a place rather small, disheveled man mid-fifty, who looks more like a hippie old as an icon of tennis legend, appears at the door. It seems a bit wobbly and was helped down the stairs with a fairly good size, good-looking, buxom woman of thirty-something. He is wearing a bright yellow "Sugar Daddy" T-shirt is perhaps one size, but it is two sizes too small. A paunch appearswhere his belt should be. I was stunned. This was my big event?
"Mr. Riggs, I'm Marv Moore Tennis Club. We are also honored to have you here, I sucked, hoping that my disappointment is not clear." I hope that the flight has you do not completely in. It's very beautiful drive through the Rockies, but they can be a bit rough at times.
"Nice to be here," he said, holding out his hand. "This is Nurse Nancy. She takes care of me. We look forward to this trip. Wenever been to Aspen before. Thank you for inviting me. We have a lot of fun. "Fun!" My God, this could be a fiasco!
"Nancy has concerns about my game at that altitude, at my age, but I'm sure that with a few days to get acclimated before Sunday, I'm fine." Nurse Nancy smiled.
This is not at all what I expected. My heart sank again when he added fuel to my fears: "You know, I played a small exhibition in Los Angeles last week and my elbow is still painful. Perhaps you could provideme with the name of a good doctor when I could get a cortisone shot. "
"Sure, Bobby." So, what should be my "big event" to open the club. My stomach churned. How one man's fall into such disrepair in a short time? Only a few years as it was at the peak of his playing tennis against Billie Jean Senior.
My, oh, yes! Thus the third battle of the sexes began.
Aspen airport is about four miles north of the city and we drive through trying to Aspenmove my concerns by giving Bobby and Nancy the nurse, a little history lesson.
"Aspen is a town of old silver mines in the 1800s and most of the buildings are original buildings, but they have been meticulously restored to their charming Victorian state. I have accommodation for you in our best condos Tennis Club, overlooking the Roaring Fork River. But we're going to eat every night with some of the most influential people here to build the kind of excitement for Sundaygame. "Bobby does not look too happy about it. I talk about" It's the old Wheeler Opera House ... Hotel Jerome ... red onion ... the Ute City Bank. .. This is not really a bank but a good restaurant ... This town has only 3,000 permanent residences now, but in the 1880s it was much grander. It was wild and Honkytonk minors. We're going to hit more these spots, a different one each night, with a different group, if you're up to. "I did not know he was going to do something, but Idid not give him one so that I plowed, "Everybody in town can not wait to meet you. First National Bank is co-sponsoring the event and people come from all corners of the state to watch the game. Many are already here for the city is in turmoil.
At this moment we passed under one of the banners in the streets used to promote the event: "Bobby Riggs vs. Sally Huss, Sunday, July 31 in a battle of the sexes. "Nice touch, Marv," said Bobby, smiling graciously, as he rubbed his elbow. I can seeto check everything out. Nurse Nancy sitting in the back seat, to give here any support he needed, I suppose.
"The tennis club is on the south side of the city leading to Independence Pass and the Continental Divide at 12,000 feet," I would say anything to keep my mind off my troubles.
Several laps later, we entered the gates leichenstone the new tennis club with our logo beautiful bronze in announcing his name above an aspen leaf, all embedded in the wood. The trees to the right. Mirror Laketo the left and behind the fork crazy.
"Here we are. A unit of three rooms of luxury that has never been slept in yet. He looks to the club on the river and has a nice spa and sauna in the master bathroom. I would like to take about 6 to join our mayor and the organizers of events for cocktails and dinner at the famous Crystal Palace. This is a landmark and the best Aspen has to offer. Everyone is dying to meet you. "
"Marv, if I could ask for discounts on the first night. I would really appreciateit. I could really use the rest. "Nurse Nancy agrees.
I felt at that time of Sunday's game was a wash and all the mileage I could get out of our investment should be had before the event. I do not want to tax the guy, but I had people lined up. "I really hate to ask you to do so, Bobby, but even if we could just make a brief appearance with the group he put things off to a good start. They are our biggest supporters. I'll come back as soon as I can ".
"OK,but I can not last long. I feel very low. By the way, here is an envelope. I would like you to handle this. It's a bit of money I want to bet on the side. Even the money, if you think Sally can beat me. "
I hated to take money from the man. It was obvious he was struggling to simply make an appearance, much less win a game of tennis. I was totally confused. Now I am become a bookie!
"One more thing, Marv, could you find me a partner to hit with warm around 9? I reallyneed to see how the altitude will affect me and see how my arm feels. Remember the doctor. Do not worry, by Sunday, I'm fine! "
Do not worry? " That's all I could do.
Andy Stern firm has been housed on the second floor of a beautifully restored old building overlooking the Victorian Main Street. Libraries full of law books and furniture black leather filled the space. A Tiffany lamp or two added to the relaxed elegance. Andy, a very dapper Jerry Seinfeld type inmid-thirties and son of a retired Czech Davis Cup was a fine player himself and was eager for our project to succeed. He has played a role in the overall development of the tennis club, fights through the agenda of the council and legal affairs of all shapes and sizes. It was a bright star in Aspen and I turned to him when the darkness on our way. Today, I need some light.
I slip into the leather sofa in front of his desk and drew a deep sigh: "Well, Iwas picked up and dropped at the condo club. Frankly, I am very worried that he will be able to do for us. He looks overweight, out of shape and unhealthy. He can barely breathe at this altitude or to hold a tennis racquet because of a sore elbow. He needs rest, a cortisone injection and a bookmaker! He gave me this envelope of money to cover the Paris side if anyone thinks that Sally can actually beat him. I do not know what to do all this. I can not be his bookie, too! "
"Marv,relax, give me the envelope, I'll take care of her. Let's see what's inside. "
Andy sliced open the envelope and allows the discharge of materials in his office. He shakes his head in disbelief. About a hundred hundred dollar bills, $ 10,000 in all. Then he smiled and me too
"Marv, what is remarkable. This 58 year old man to come here in this altitude, thinking he can beat Sally! Who did she play in recent weeks? Yes, all pro men in the city and she beat all. With heavyback of the court and serving great, he has no chance. What is she, some years older than Billie Jean? But it is in great shape. It will be a great hero. Some of our premises will benefit from taking his money. Let me handle this. He will get money for her appearance $ 3,500, plus a chance to carrot cash prizes of $ 1,000. What a Master!
It's a small price to pay if it is presentable. It's the "if" makes me uneasy. "Andy, he asked me to find a partner to hit every day to get usedaltitude. I think you should be one. In this way, we know exactly what to expect. We may have to get Sally to ease him on Sunday. "
"It's a good idea." I feel a little better than my leave Andy.
Sally herself is preparing for the evening, when I get home turf-roofed ranch. I want to share my concerns, but I do not want to frighten him. It is sensitive enough. "Hi, honey. It is finally here. I think you might actually have to bring to the gameinteresting. It is in very poor physical health. I am a bit worried that he can play well enough to give the spectators their money - even if the event is free! Everyone knows in Colorado about this thing and many came by bus. "
"Do not worry, honey," she said, smiling brightly. "It'll be fun!"
'Worry' and 'fun' in my mind are mutually exclusive and I certainly can not get rid of "anxiety". Thus, 'fun' is out of question. I'm the one who got this wholething started, the money invested in the stands and advertising, and even talked to my friend the bank co-sponsoring the event.
"He even tried to dodge the first social event with the mayor tonight, but then agreed to make a brief appearance."
"It'll be fun," said Sally again. Sally was always fun, but I do not need a flop to open the club.
The Crystal Palace goes back to the golden age of the silver mines of Aspen. It is one of the original buildings of brick two-storeywhich is a work of art restoration inside. To honor his name, he has large crystal chandeliers bouncing light everywhere. There are long, narrow tables, a large stage for entertainment follies-type and large kitchen. We have invited all the local dignitaries to be the first to meet the great Bobby Riggs.
The palace is blocked that night every night. The news spread as we enter that man is here. Everyone stands and applauds. Bobby was charming, stops to chat or sign autographsAs we move towards our reserved table. It is difficult to believe that a tennis player old-time could give rise to such admiration, but he established his reputation in his moment of glory as he went down in flames to Billie Jean King. He played the role of the jester, so nice. What kind of party is he playing now? I think, "Alright! Is a good start!"
The phone rings in my office the next morning. My secretary Julie responses and indicates that it is for me.
"Hey, Andy, hownot hit with Bobby go? What is the verdict? "My concern had not yet disappeared.
"Marv, you were right. He could only hit for 20 minutes and had to sit. He was short of breath. It does not work very well and he was spraying the ball everywhere. He could not even manage my own pace. It was a real struggle to keep a rally in progress. He apologized profusely and said that his nurse would take him to the doctor to get some relief for his elbow. He just wanted to take it easy the rest of theday. I agree with you that we might have a problem with him making a decent showing. It has got to get much better by Sunday. I am struck again with him tomorrow. Let's see if it improves. He said that he and Nancy will be our dinner tonight at the Ute City Bank. I'll see you there. "That's all. My fears were confirmed. The event could really be a disaster. So we had to do our best with the people that entertain us every night to ensure they loved us and liked whatwe were in a position where the club was involved.
The Ute City Bank still looks like the repository of old silver mines of yesteryear on the outside, but as the Crystal Palace, the interior has been beautifully restored into a fine restaurant, including a vault cellar wine. The streets are out of tourists and many of them here for the big game. As we tear stains in the restaurant crowd Bobby and they start screaming, "Bobby" Bobby "Bobby!" and as he disembarked from the van hewas stormed. Everyone wants to speak to her child to be a chauvinist pig, why he lost to Billie Jean or how he would beat Sally. Inside the restaurant, he received the same attention, a standing ovation and some jeers from the woman in the room.
At the table he is sitting next to Sally. This is the first time they met. His eyes twinkle behind his glasses and his smile indicates a spark inside, "So, you're my date for Sunday! I heard a lot about you,Sally, from your old car Tennis Club in Los Angeles, George Toley. And too many Billie Jean. She said she was 15 years old when you won the U.S. Junior and Wimbledon. You were his idol. The number one junior player in the world, and a semifinalist at Wimbledon the following year, only losing to Brazil's Maria Bueno. Now I hear you just beat the number four player on the Tour Slim's, Wendy Overton. Well done. Well done. I am very impressed, Sally. We should have lots of fun!
Sally smilesgently to maintain his balance. She was cautious in receiving compliments.
The slides of mayor in the seat next to Bobby on the other side and they engage in a conversation about golf. Andy and I sat opposite him and watching with great interest. Andy leans toward me and whispers, "Marv, you'll be pleased to know that supporters of different 5 Sally have already covered half the money to Bobby. We should have it all down by Friday. They are easy money. Gotta thinkthey are right. If I were a game, I take a piece of myself. "
Bobby leans over and asks me, "Marv, Mayor Stevens asked you here if you do nothing for me on Friday afternoon, some friends want me to join them for nine holes of golf over Snowmass. He said that readers of flying time at this altitude, 300 meters or more. What I want to see. could help me get acclimated a bit faster too. "
"Sure, Bobby, just do not hurt you. You are ourattraction. "
"No problem, Marv. Another thing I wanted you last night. I would be happy to put on a doubles tennis exhibition to help generate interest on Saturday for Sunday. Maybe a couple the set, with whomever you want. You would be my partner on things. Perhaps to make it interesting, each player can put up to $ 250. winner-take-all. I'll cover you. could be fun . Everyone wants to say they have taken money out of me. could even fill the stands on Saturday, a premiumevent. What say you? "
I was a pretty decent player, but his chances of winning with me as a partner against the best players in the city should be thin. Why am I worried again? It has only been here two days and it could cost him his appearance money and capital. I do not understand. But I loved the idea!
"I'm not sure what to make of this guy, please tell me Sally, we go home. "For a semi-ill, old worn, it certainly still attracts a crowd. Andy told me that itunderstanding that the Friends of Golf mayor are "big players" in Las Vegas. This does not feel too comfortable. Like flies to honey.
Nevertheless, the city buzzes and our event is really growing power. I am very pumped about this game. "
Sally smiled a knowing smile, "Marv, do not underestimate. I have known her for years upsets - playing with a stove or an ashtray instead of a racket. Reading the left hand. Attach a chair leg and when the bet was on, it couldstill beat the guy. He is legendary for such antics Tennis Club in Los Angeles. Whatever its condition, it is still a very fine tennis player. I go into it like it is a very tough opponent and it's a very difficult match. Do not get me involved with him more than necessary until the end of the game, please. " "
Andy and I usually meet for strudel and coffee every Friday. To get to Gretel, you have to take the chairlift up to Ajax in the summer. During the winter, we would always goon the chairlift and the first Day of the page and ski, snow, breaking and stopping halfway to the mountain chalet Gretel for some of his famous tasty pastries. Here we would like to summarize the progress of construction Tennis Club of the week. That's life of a businessman in Aspen. Today was different.
"Well Andy, you have struck again with him this morning? Has he recovered from his flight and activities last night? Is he hitting better? "
"Marv, I'd say a littlemore acclimated. He is hitting the ball a little harder, but well below anything that you give Sally a real game. But I think it will look good enough for the crowd. It is still not able to manage my pace, but it will be able to go two sets, certainly not three. "I feel a sense of relief. Then he continued:" Right as we finished warm-ups, the mayor and his friends ran Vegas. They took him to Snowmass for a round of golf. It seems the "fresh meat" for the sharks to me. It is clear thatfeel better. He did not beg off. By the way I have good news. Tom from bank reports that we'll have a full house on Sunday. The branches across the state report more than 1,000 new savings accounts already. At $ 5,000 each, totaling more than $ 5,000,000. You can bet the bank very happy and we have 2000 ticket holders on the way-. Not bad. Not bad at all! They come from Denver, Colorado Springs, even as far away as Fort Collins. Congratulations, Marv. The event is alreadyhuge success. Stop worrying! "
I still just shake my head. Bad news! Good news! What's next?
Sally and I lead Bobby and Nancy, in the crowded streets and crowded in the restaurant. The red onion is another relic restored from the 1800s. It is not as chic as the Crystal Palace, but a favorite among residents. During the ski season you need to make a reservation for a season in advance or you can even buy your way during your stay. Bobby seems very good mood.Perhaps the action on the golf course did him good. I give a tighter and Sally decided that I will finally enjoy the evening. Bobby is his most gracious self, chit-chat with everyone, shaking hands with athletes and kisses the cheeks of the ladies. Nurse Nancy keeps an eye on him, not allowing him to move too far from his side. More than one nurse we could not say, but it is far too pretty to be handing out pills with his bedside manner. Like Nancy, the crowd lovehim.
Our guests tonight are the business owners from hotels, restaurants, sports shops, jewelry and upscale clothing shops. All were extremely enjoying a visit from Bobby. I am sitting in front of Bobby, but Sally decides to sit as far away as possible. As servile activity settles, I look at Bobby and asked: "How the golf go today?"
"Marv, the two guys with the Mayor were real hustlers. The mayor is a nice guy, but where did these come?They were serious golfers and serious gamers. "
Gad, I thought, more bad news, "What happened?"
"Well, in just nine holes, I lost $ 1,500. I really have no chance. Not only do I not feel very well, but the balloon at that altitude is not what I think he will do. Now they'll have me committed again Saturday after our double exposure. I'm trying to get my money. " At this rate, I risk losing all the money I earn by beating beat Sally. I do not feel too goodnow. I would really like to cut early this evening and return to the condo and relax. I'm going to need a miracle tomorrow! Tell Andy that the two will be hot enough for me, so I do not need him until Sunday at 10:00 am OK? "
Copyright 2008 Marv Huss
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