I was Bobby Riggs' Aspen Airways flight due in at 2:30, 27 July 1976 to comply. Aspen Airways was a small connector airline from Denver to Aspen. With only one runway 7,500 meters to 8,000 meters above sea level, only small and private planes were allowed to land there. Aspen Airways twin-engine turboprop flew small puddle-jumper to enable and continuously or as constant as the weather would do. In the days of storms usually have surrounded the mountain tops, until you finda hole in the clouds, and then rose rapidly to the bottom of the field. There was usually a traumatic event for newcomers, but a common place the locals. Even on a clear day mountain air could be a bumpy ride.
Fortunately, today was bright and sunny summer, not a cloud, only a slight breeze on the racetrack. It would probably be a landing a little 'bumpy for the passengers. When the small commercial flight lands and near the end, where there is dischargePassengers go out on the track to greet the people. Several young couples and happy first, then a rather small unkempt man of about fifty years, the more like an old hippie, see how the legendary tennis icon appears in the door. It looks a bit 'wobbly and down the stairs by a rather large, handsome and a half, buxom, thirty women. He wears a bright "Sugar Daddy" Perhaps the yellow shirt is a one-size fits all, but it's two sizes too small. Apotbelly turns out, that should be his gang. I was stunned. This was my big event?
"Mr. Riggs, Marv Moore are from the tennis club. We are so honored that you are here," I aspired and hoped that my disappointment was not evident. "I hope you do not complete the flight and 'very nice to fly through the Rockies, but can be bit rough times."
"Nice to be here," he says, holding his hand. "This was Nurse Nancy. She takes care of me. We were pleased tothis trip. We've never been to Aspen. Thanks for the invitation. We'll have fun. "Fun! My God, this could be a fiasco!
"Nancy some concerns about my game at this level at my age, but I'm sure you get used to a few days before Sunday, he'll be OK." Nurse Nancy smiles.
This is not what I expected. My heart sank further when he added fuel to my fears, "You know, I played a small show in Los Angeles last week and my elbow still hurts. Maybeit could be me as a good doctor, a shot of cortisone as I could. "
"Of course Bobby." So that was my "Big Event" to open the club. My stomach upset. How could a man who falls in ruin as in so little time? It 'was only a few years since he was in charge of his tennis match against Billie Jean older.
My God, oh my! This is, as the third battle of the sexes began.
Aspen airport is located about 4 miles north of the city and how to go throughAspen I try my concerns by moving to Bobby and Nancy the nurse, a little history lesson.
"Aspen was an old mining town of silver in 1800 and many of the buildings are original buildings, but have been carefully restored to their state of the Victorian era. I have accommodation for you in our best apartment at the Tennis Club, overlooking the Roaring Fork River . But we have meals every night with some of the most influential people here to build the kind of enthusiasm forSunday dress. "Bobby does not seem too happy about it speak." This is the old Wheeler Opera House ... Hotel Jerome ... The Red Onion ... Ute City Bank ... It's not really a bank, but a fine restaurant ... This city has only 3,000 permanent residents now but in 1880, was a large lot. It 'been wild and Honkytonk miners. We will discuss some of these points, another with a different group each evening meet, if you are. "I was not sure it was up toanything, but I did not want him to be a, so I plowed on, "Not everyone in town to meet you. The First National Bank is co-sponsoring the event and people from all parts of the state to observe the game. Many of them are already here in a lively city.
'Bobby Riggs vs. Sally Huss, Sunday, July 31 in a struggle between the sexes: Nice touch, Marv, "says Bobby, smiled politely, as he rubbed his elbow I" Only then will pass under a banner on the road to promote' event "..saw that he was controlling everything. Nurse Nancy sat in the back seat, there is no support he needed to give, I suppose.
"The tennis club is located on the south side of town to the Col independence and the Continental Divide at 12,000 feet," I would say anything to keep my eyes off my concerns.
Laps later, we entered the gates of stone funeral tennis club with our new logo in beautiful bronze announces his name embedded on a leaf with wood. Treesright. Mirror Lake on the left side and the Roaring Fork behind.
"Here we are. A three bedroom luxury units, which is never still asleep already. It seems the club on the river and has a nice spa and sauna in the main tank. I would choose to join approximately 6 our mayor and event organizer for cocktails and dinner at the famous Crystal Palace. And 'a reference point and the best Aspen has to offer. Everyone is dying to meet you. "
"Marv, I might ask if off on that first evening. Thewould really appreciate it. I could really use the rest. "Nurse Nancy nods with satisfaction.
I felt at that point the game on Sunday was a wash, and every mile that I could get out of our investments would have before the event. I did not want to tax the guy, but I had people in line. "I hate to ask you this, Bobby to do, but even if you could only make a brief appearance with this group, there would be things for a good start. They are our most important supporters.'ll Back soonas I can. "
"OK, but I can not take a long time. I feel pretty weak. By the way, here is an envelope. I want you to do with it. It is a few dollars, I would like to bet on the side. Even if money I can beat, says Sally. "
I hated to take people's money. It was obvious he was struggling just a concert, let alone win a game of tennis. I was completely confused. Now I have to be a bookmaker!
"One more thing, Marv, I could do a warm-up partnersAround 9? I really have to see how this amount will be me and see how my arm feels. Do not forget your doctor. Do not worry about Sunday, I'm fine! "
Do not worry? That's all I could do.
Law Firm Andy Stern was on the second floor of a beautifully restored Victorian building overlooking Main Street hosted. Shelves full of books and office furniture in dark skin filled the room. A Tiffany lamp or two added to the casual elegance. Andy, very elegant JerrySeinfeld-like in his mid-thirties, and son of former Davis Cup player Czechoslovakia was a fine player himself and could not wait for our project a success. It 'was decisive for the overall development of club tennis, running through the city, the agendas of the board and legal issues in all shapes and sizes. It was a bright star in Aspen and I had him, when darkness crossed our path. Today I needed a little 'light.
Slide into the leather sofa in front of his desk and pushed asigh .. "Well, I took it and left the condo Club Frankly, I'm very concerned that he might be able to play for us, He looks overweight, out of shape and unhealthy, you can barely breathe. At this level or hold a tennis racket, because a sore elbow. He needs rest, a cortisone shot and a bookmaker, he gave me this envelope of money to any page on the set, if someone says Sally can actually beat him. I don 't know what to do about all this. I can not be his bookie,too! "
"Marv, relax, give me the envelope, I take care of him. Let's see what's inside."
Andy slices open the envelope and the contents can be poured over his desk. He shakes his head in disbelief. Hundreds of hundred dollar bills, $ 10,000 in all. Then he smiles and I also
"Marv, this is remarkable. The 58-year-old man arrives at this level, thinking they can beat Sally! Who play in recent weeks? Yes, all that male pro in the city and beat them all.With his heavy groundstrokes and serve large, has no chance. What, a few years older than Billie Jean? But she is in good shape. Going to be a great hero. Some of our premises to enjoy his money. Leave it to me. He takes his money aspect of $ 3,500, plus a chance for the carrot of cash prize of $ 1,000. What a goddess! "
It 'a small price to pay if it is presentable. It 'the "if", which is unpleasant for me. "Andy, I asked him a partner to beat eachDays to get used to the altitude. I think you should be. In this way we will know exactly what to expect. We may need to lighten I know Sally on Sunday. "
"Good idea." I feel a bit 'better when I leave the office of Andy.
Sally is preparing for the evening when I arrive at our SOD-roof ranch. I want to share my concerns, but I will not worry him. She is very sensitive. "Hello, darling. It 'finally here. I guess you could, in fact, have to wear itmake the game interesting. He is physically in good shape. I am a little 'concerned he can play well enough to the audience their money's worth - even if the event is free! Everyone knows that the thing in Colorado, and thousands will come in for them. "
"Do not worry, honey," she says, smiling happily. "It'll be fun!"
"Concern" and "fun" in my mind are mutually exclusive and can not completely get rid of me by the "concern". So 'fun' is not in question. I am what Ithis all started, the money invested in advertising and forums, as well as my friend spoke with the Bank co-sponsors of the event.
"He also tried to duck the first social event with the mayor tonight, but then decided to make a brief appearance."
"It 'fun to do," says Sally again. Sally was always fun, but it is not necessary to open a flop at the club.
The Crystal Palace came from the silver-mining heyday of Aspen. This is one of the original two-storeyBrick buildings, a work that is art restoration inside. That his name in honor of this big crystal chandeliers light bouncing everywhere. There are long, narrow dining tables, a large stage for the follies of entertainment and cuisine type. We invited all the local dignitaries to be the first major meeting Bobby Riggs.
The building is jammed that night, like every night. Spread the word one admits that man is here. Everyone stands and applauds. Bobby fascinating stopsChat or sign autographs as we make our way to our reserved table. It 'hard to believe that an old-time tennis player may collect such admiration but made his reputation as a true moment of glory when he went up in flames on Billie Jean King. He played the role of the sympathetic clown then. What role now? I think, "Okay, this is a good start!"
The phone rings in my office the next morning. My secretary Julie responses, indicating thatme.
"Hey, Andy, as the success rate is to go with Bobby, as is the verdict?" My fear was not yet resolved.
"Marv, you were right. 'State beat only 20 minutes and had to sit down. And' short of breath. He does not seem very well done and was spraying the ball everywhere. He could not, even with my rhythm. It 'was a real struggle to keep a rally going. He apologized profusely and said his sister wanted to take him to see the doctor to get some relief by the elbow. He just wanted to takeeasy the rest of the day. I agree with you that we could show a problem with a decent. It has a lot better than Sunday. It will meet again tomorrow. Let's see if it improves. He said that he and Nancy will be our dinner at the Ute City Bank. See you there. "This was. My fears were confirmed. The event could really be a disaster. So we have our best with people who were fun to do every night to make sure they had to dowe loved it, and think about what we were doing, as the club in question.
The Ute City Bank still seems like the old silver mines of custody yesterday on the outside, but as the Crystal Palace, the interior has been restored into a fine restaurant, including once with a cellar. The streets are full of tourists outside and many of them here for the big game. While pulling into the restaurant the crowd points and Bobby start and shouted: "Bobby Bobby Bobby!" and howhim on board the van is bullying. Everyone wants to talk to him, he found a male chauvinist pig boy, because he hit Billie Jean lost or Sally as she wanted. Inside the restaurant, you get the same attention, standing ovations, whistles, and some of the women in the room.
On the table is sitting next to Sally. It 'the first time when they are met. His eyes sparkle and her smile, her glasses glittering in one called, "So you're my date for Sunday I heard!what about you, Sally, from your old coach at the Tennis Club in Los Angeles, George Toley. And Billie Jean. He said he was 15 when he won the United States and Junior Wimbledon. It was his idol. The number one junior player in the world, then the semi-finals at Wimbledon next year, barely losing to Maria Bueno of Brazil. Now I feel that you have just beaten the number of four players on the tour Slims, Wendy Overton. Well done. Well done. I am very impressed with Sally. We had a lot of fun!
Failuresweet smile, maintaining its position. He was careful to receive his congratulations.
The mayor slips into the seat next to Bobby on the other side and engage in a conversation about golf. Andy and I sit in front of him and watching the proceedings with great interest. Andy leans over and whispers to me: .. "Marv, you will be happy to know that five different trailers Sally have already covered half the money we should have it by Friday Bobby All, you see how easy I need to save money.I think we are right. If I were a gambling man, I would be a piece of himself. "
Bobby comes up and asks me: "Marv, Mayor Stevens asked here if I want something in the afternoon Friday, some of his friends, who use them for nine holes of golf than in Snowmass, he says, flying units long. To this altitude, 300 meters or more power. This is what I see. to help me settle a little 'faster. "
"Of course evil, not just Bobby. They are ourAttraction. "
"No problem, Marv. Another thing I wanted to say to you last night. I look forward to a double exhibition of tennis on Saturday to seek to build interest in Sunday. Maybe a couple of one-Setter with who you want.'d be my partner, things even out. Maybe it's interesting, every player can put up to $ 250. winner takes all. I'm going to cover you. could be fun. Everyone wants to say, have taken Could money out of me. even fill the stands on Saturday, a bonusEvent. What do you think? "
I have been a very good player, but his chances of winning were slim to be with me as a partner against the best players in the city. Why me, again? He's only two days and that could cost him his money aspect and its own bankroll. I do not understand. But I liked the idea!
"I do not know what they think of this guy," I say to Sally, like coming home. "For a semi-ill, exhausted old man, still draws a certain amount. Andy told me thathis understanding that the mayor are the companions of golf "high rollers" in Las Vegas. This does not make me quite well. Like flies to honey.
Regardless of the city is buzzing and our event is really starting. I am very pleased that pumped a part. "
Sally smiled a smile, "Marv, I do not underestimate him by his hustles -... The game known for years with a frying pan or an ashtray instead of a left-handed bat Play Tie a chair leg and when the bet was on couldstill beat the boy. He is legendary for antics as the Tennis Club in Los Angeles. No matter what his condition is still a very fine tennis player. I'm going into this, as it is a very difficult opponent and is playing really hard. I would not be involved with him more than necessary until after the game, please. "
Andy and I usually meet for coffee and strudel every Friday. To Gretel, you have to take the chairlift Ajax in the summer. In winter there would always risethe first day of the chairlift and ski equipment at most, breaking fresh snow and Gretel halfway to the shelter for some of their famous, delicious baked goods. Here we summarize the Tennis Club building progress for the week. This was the life of a businessman in Aspen. Today was different.
"Well Andy, you took back with him this morning? He recovered from his flight and activities last night? If he did not hit better?"
"Marv, I'd say it was a bit 'onmore used. Hits the ball a little 'harder, but far below anything that Sally will give a real game. But I think he'll look good enough for the crowd. He is not yet able to handle my pace, but will be able to obtain two sets, certainly not three. "I feel a sense of relief. He continues:" Right as we finished our warm-up, the mayor and his friends showed up Vegas. They took a couple of golf-Snowmass. It seems that "fresh meat" for sharks to me. Apparently itfeel better. Argued enough. Incidentally, I have good news. Tom reports that the Bank will have a full house on Sunday. Branches across the country reported more than 1,000 new savings accounts already. At $ 5000 each, which is more than $ 5,000,000. You can bet the bank and we are very pleased 2,000 ticket holders on-the-art. Not bad. Not bad at all! They are from Denver, Colorado Springs, even as far away as Fort Collins. Congratulations, Marv. The event is already aGreat success. Stop worrying! "
I still shake my head. Bad news! Good news! What are the prospects?
Sally and I have Bobby and Nancy, for the clogged roads and crowded restaurant. The Red Onion is another relic from the restored 1800. It is not as noble as the Crystal Palace, but a great favorite among the locals. During the ski season, you must book in advance of a season, or you can also buy your way during your stay. Bobby seems in good spirits.Perhaps the action on the golf course has given him something good. I give a close up of Sally and decide, I'm finally enjoying the evening. Bobby is always nice car, chatting with everyone, shaking hands with the Scots and kiss on the cheeks of the ladies. Nurse Nancy keeps her eye on him, does not allow him to wander far from his side. More than a nurse, we can not say, but it is too good to just hand out pills for his bedside manner. Just like Nancy, the love of the masseshim.
Our guests tonight are a business from the hotels, restaurants, sporting good stores, boutiques, and jewelry. All of them were huge benefit to visit Bobby. I sit in front of Bobby, but Sally decides to stay as possible. Since the activity is soothing flattery, I lean to Bobby and ask: "How did the golf go today?"
"Marv, the two boys were with the mayor's true workhorses. The mayor is a good guy, but why are these two?They were serious golfers and serious players. "
Gad, I thought, more bad news: "What has happened?"
"Well, in just nine holes, I lost $ 1,500. I really have no chance. Not only did I feel great, but not the ball at that height, I think it will. Well, 'I have to double the Saturday after our show. I try to get my money back. At this rate, I can beat all the money you win against Sally lose. I do not feel too wellhours. I'd really like to cut early evening and return to the apartment and rest. I'm going to need a miracle tomorrow! Tell Andy that are double-sufficient warm-up for me, so I do not need him until about 10:00 Sunday Clock OK? "
Copyright 2008 Marv Huss
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