The Boys of Summer- Part 1

Brad Easterbrook
September 6, 2013
New Canaan, CT

The Boys of Summer. Yes, it’s a Don Henley song from 1984, a reference to the old Brooklyn Dodgers of Ebbets Field, and a book by Roger Kahn. But the “Boys of Summer” is increasingly becoming a paddle reference as well!

On two fronts platform tennis is growing throughout the country. First, summer paddle has become a reality throughout the nation. With leagues in Chicago, Connecticut and New Jersey there are thousands playing summer paddle. The Connecticut Summer League spearheaded by Paddleplayer.com’s Maurice Sanchez has grown from 100 players to close to 400, with top players such as Mark Parsons, Juan Martinez-Arraya, Michael Cochrane, Max LePivert, Viki Stoklasova, and Ana Brzova (and many others) adding their skills into the mix of players.

“We play from the end of April until the end of July, when the playoffs start,” Sebastian Bredberg stated. “The top four teams go to the playoffs. This year there are three divisions with eight teams on each. Last year, there was only one division. There’s obviously a demand for it.”

Bredberg explained, “Summer paddle is very similar to winter paddle – there is great camaraderie and we see a lot of the same guys and women. But this isn’t just by club, or just members together.” The teams are a mix of pros and great players from different areas. In every division, the competition is fierce yet fun.

“I like it because it is relaxing after a full day teaching tennis or paddle. We hang out, watch the other matches, and just enjoy it,” Bredberg said.

(Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article about the other “Boys of Summer.”)

All photos courtesy of Maurice Sanchez