Just who was this Lineal Group sponsoring organization? They were part of Ditri Associates, Inc. who also owned Hedstrom Corporation the manufacturers of the Vittert paddle ball
The Lineal Group was a leading manufacturer of casual, storable, and commercial furniture. Lineal included Samsonite Furniture Company, Halcyon, Harbour Towne, Pacific Rattan, Fort Smith, Tradewinds and Molla. Lineal was also the largest U.S. manufacturer of folding tables and chairs, and marketed these products under the Samsonite name.
“Four stars” and “two thumbs up” were the universal reaction to the celebrated Rye Invitational, hosted by Westchester Country Club in Harrison, NY.
A slew of platform stars came out to strut their stuff, highlighted by the 1992 men's Nationals champs, Rich Maier and Bob Kleinert, making their seasonal debut. And what a debut, as they roared through the tourney with the loss of only one set, and finished off by topping the number one seeds, Peter Gruenberg and Art Williams, in straight sets.
The high-flying women's duo of Robin Fulton and Diane Tucker cemented their role as the leading ladies by also only losing a single set all weekend, and knocking off Patti Hogan and Kate Rogers in a straight -set final.
While not quite a cast of thousands, there were more than 240 other players who assumed roles from struggling first-rounders to almost up-setters, as not only the [...]
The first prize money series of events on the platform tennis scene in over a decade ended its four-event run with a grand finale at the Brookside Racquet and Swim Club in Allendale, NJ that drew rave reviews and plans for similar future tournaments.
Over $10,000 in prize money was up for grabs when the top 16 men's and women's teams from the Lineal Group series collided at Brookside, making for ultra-competitive matches, superb shot-making, and spell-binding watching for the fans.
The biggest checks were carted home by Peter Gruenberg and Art Williams on the men's side, and Robin Fulton and Diane Tucker on the women's.
But the biggest winners of all were those who participated in the various events surrounding the main show.
Source: Platform Tennis News, Spring 1993
Kent Sutton, a freelance writer and teaching professional at Indianapolis Racquet Club, “lost his virginity” at 31—his paddle playing virginity, that is.
This article, which originally appeared in the Indianapolis Sports Monthly, was reprinted in the Spring edition of Platform Tennis News.
“I lost my virginity recently at age 31. It was a cold and overcast morning in early December, and, though not romantic, it was a perfect setting for myself and four other women as we had our eyes opened to a new and wonderful experience. It was just 25 degrees but after several minutes of "foreplay," my constant movement soon had me shedding layer after layer of clothing. After two short hours it was over. My cheeks were rosy, my lungs full of air, and my legs were sore - but a good sore. I wanted to keep going, but unfortunately other virgins were coming to this sacred place to discove[...]
The first APTA-approved Summer Paddle League began on May 3, 1993, when four teams initiated play at the Morristown Field Club, in Morristown, New Jersey.
Play continued every Monday evening through August 30th, with the courts at the Beacon Hill Club in Summit, New Jersey providing the alternating site.
Back to TopMid-Winter edition of Platform Tennis News
The new edition was more than a reprint of existing text. With input from all the directors of the Association, and suggestions from members, Rules Committee, Director Bob Brown did a major rewriting of the text.
One of the seemingly simple, but really arduous tasks was to remove all the male pronouns (he, his, him) from the rules, in line with current practice.
The second major effort was to clarify rules for certain play situations that were not specified, but were understood to be accepted practice in actual court action. For example, the circumstances surrounding the ball hitting a net post were defined much more clearly than in the prior edition of the Official Rules.
Source: Platform Tennis News, Summer 1993
Maier was still not through with innovating (he had founded Skymar in 1983) and started Advanced Recreational Design (ARD) in 1993, along with Gary Whalen, a friend from Rich's college days in Jacksonville, FL.
ARD produced three new paddles and introduced a new ball that lasted much longer (six sets was not unusual) than the balls being sold at the time, primarily by Vittert. The ball had been developed with the aid of a manufacturer in Taiwan.
Source: Private communication with Rich Maier
Back to TopA 1993–94 APTA Board of Directors meeting at the Montclair Golf Club Paddle Hut. Standing back row: Reb Speare, Bob Brown, Chuck Vasoll, Peter Dodd, Walt Peckinpaugh, Pete McCormick, Carol York, and Bill Childs. Standing second row: Hope Kerr, Charley Stevens, Claudia Neal, and Nancy Mangan. Kneeling: Howard Sipe, Brian Zevnik, and Ginna Ohlmuller.
Despite a century-long period during which the inconsistent rules pertaining to let cord situations (serve or during play of point) had been perpetuated, the recently formed committee came out strongly in favor of consistent treatment - i.e., play should be continuous on all let cords which, after striking the net, land fairly in the opponent's court, whether it be on service or during play after the service.
The committee's rationale for this recommendation were:
1. The rules with regard to the play of all lets should be consistent.
2. The recommended change would speed up the game.
3. There would be no further disputes over whether a let on service was indeed a let (heard by one, but not by others).
4. One less official (the let cord judge) would be required in matches that are officiated.
5. Playing the let on service will add interest to the game.
6. Over the lon[...]
Back to TopPlatform Tennis News carried the good news
Top platform tennis players from across the nation vied for a piece of the $35,000 in prize money at stake in the six separate tournaments that comprised the 1993-94 Lineal Group Grand Prix of paddle events.
The Detroit Invitational kicked off the season in mid-October, with the Chicago Charities and Greenwich Invitational following in November. The Rye Invitational scheduled in January and Short Hills in February help lead up to the grand finale at Brookside Racquet & Swim Club in Allendale, NJ, at the end of the season.
The previous year’s successful format was used again, with a few new twists and turns to spice things up. Each tournament hosted a clinic/exhibition on the Friday evening before the event, with participants, players, and fans all welcome. Pros put their skills on display, offered tips and advice, and played with anyone wishing to test their mettle. In a move des[...]
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