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LIVING THE JAI LIFE VOL 6: JAI-ALAI IN THE UNITED STATES WAS NOT IMMUNE FROM THE TURMOIL OF 1968

LIVING THE JAI LIFE VOL 6: JAI-ALAI IN THE UNITED STATES WAS NOT IMMUNE FROM THE TURMOIL OF 1968

  • May 11, 2025
  • World Jai-Alai League

Jai-Alai was not immune to the significant strife which was taking place throughout the United States in 1968. Though all 6 of the U.S. Frontons which had opened through 1968 experienced continued year-after-year growth in attendance and handle, two seismic events would change American Jai-Alai forever.

1). Helmets Become Mandatory: Prior to the 1968 Winter Season, players were not required to wear helmets. In fact, no protective equipment of any kind was mandated. The 1968 Winter season brought with it the new requirement for all players to wear helmets. The rule went into effect because the world's uncontested, number 1 frontcourter was struck in the head with the ball during summer a partido in 1967 back in Spain. During a heated point, there was a miscommunication between Orbea and his backcourter. His partner caught & returned the ball with Orbea taking a direct hit. Following coma & rehabilitation, Orbea attempted a come-back in early 1968 but he was not the same player & later retired. As there was no prototype for a "Jai-Alai helmet" several different styles were tried. The first helmets used at Miami Jai-Alai were based on the head protection used by Steeplechase riders. A variety of modifications were made to allow for an unobstructed view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js_HH3TF9EA

2). "A Player's Strike -vs- Lockout:" As has been mentioned Jai-Alai was played seasonally (4 months) in Florida at 6 Frontons. Most players of that era lived an itinerant lifestyle playing Winters in the U.S.A. and "the best" playing Partidos during the summer in the Basque Country. As it has been 50 years since the event it is important to treat both sides respectfully. Some refer to the event as a "strike" and others a "lock-out."

In the fall of 1968, at or about a month before the beginning of the season, players at 5 of the 6 Florida Frontons gave notice that they would not be returning under the terms of their individual contracts. Player's were not represented by a Union and lacked collective bargaining privileges as each was on a Visa. Contracts maxed out at $2,200/ month with (according to the players of that time) no allowances for cestas or healthcare. Contracts also contained a provision that allowed for management to renew contracts at that same $2,200 figure. For their part players wanted recognition of their union, healthcare, increased pay, cesta allowances, increased prize money, profit sharing of 33% (according to a 1970s interview with Pedro Mir), and a provision that would only allow Fronton owners to drop two players after any given season. The 5 Fronton owners rejected the player's proposal outright and the State Commission supported the Owner's position. All of the players who participated in the demand were terminated and "blacklisted" - truly sad as collectively they included some of the best players in the history of the Jai-Alai. The companies then set about establishing rosters for the upcoming season, opening the door for young Basque, Mexican & even the first American Jai-Alai players, thus setting the stage for 1970's Jai-Alai and beyond.