Good Bye 2008

"Titan, are you sure you wanted me as a fourth?" snickered 'Big Al' Dio Dati at the conclusion of the third set at the Yonkers Tennis Center this date. 'Big Al' filled in for an ailing Gene Slattery forcing a reshuffling of sides. Indeed, 'Big Al' was sitting in the cat bird seat having contributed mightily to the (3-6, 7-5, 0-6) defeat of the tandem of TennisTitan/Frank 'Slats' Slattery. Titan had proved prophetic in stating that the Italian Stalion's performance would determine to a large extent today's outcome. Not that Bill 'Energizer Bunny Legs' didn't shine throughout the well played contest. But that was to be expected. Not that the quickness and agility of 'EBL' were not effectively countered during the first 90 minutes of play by 'Slats' hustle and timely stroking by the 'bombastic blowhard.' But TT was not able to outplay 'Big Al' in set one resulting in a relatively easy win for 'Big Al'/EBL. Set two featured many 18-22 ball rallies that ultimately took its toll on 'Slats' in the finale when he was no where to be found. As the exhausted foursome met at net 'Slats' opined "Titan, I am going to call 'King' Gene Slattery and tell him you got me sick today making me run endlessly." To wit the 'boisterous blowhard' retorted "Slats, 'The King and I" was a Broadway smash 50 years ago; it would have been no different today at the YTC. I think the wrong Slattery showed up!"