TennisTitan returned to the Kinsley Park courts this Saturday morning. He played well in splitting two sets with partner Bob "Kraut" Kluge in (6-2, 6-7 [4]) contests, He posts the above picture to hearten the spirits of long time fiends and on court opponents 'Big Al' DioDati and 'Rockin' Rick Ricci who have serious medical concerns
TennisTitan is on an extended break from writing his inane self serving blog. He continues to enjoy playing as his body permits but has decided to discontinue the narratives for the time being. Perhaps new opponents will generate a renewed interest and ease my writer's block.
TennisTitan returned to the indoor wars this afternoon. He teamed with long time doubles partner Frank 'Slats' Slattery for two sets (6-4, 6-3) against Vladimir 'Russkie' Kartsev and Max 'Tutor' Tuchman at the Yonkers Tennis Center. The 'bulbous buffoon' showed signs of improved play over his recent woeful Saturday morning performance. But once again his best play was pairing himself with the most dominant player. The tandem of 'Slats'/TT didn't hit their stride until 30 minutes into the action when they reeled off 8 straight games erasing a 2-4 deficit in the opener and then grabbing a 4-love lead in the second set. Titan had some pop on his serve but not any other tools in his on court toolbox. Titan commented to the gathering at picture time "the road back from hip surgery is longer than my trip north on I-95." 'Slats' quickly observed, "Anyway, I see you know where all the rest stops are regardless of the road you're on."
"Playing with you always reminds me of a B grade movie - not much action, and too much dialogue" quipped George 'deli man' Hauss. The 'deli man,' himself, recovering from a partially detached retina, was quickly tested as TennisTitan's first doubles partner since the 'lumbering Lothario's hip replacement five months ago. 'Dave the Rave' and Mike 'not so stellar' Stella thoroughly outclassed the 'rusty rehabilitants' (1-6). "George, your game is not good enough to send me home a winner today" declared the 'deserting doofus,' I need to play with someone who is actually significantly better than me - and today it ain't you." "I can see that, (if not a tennis ball)" deadpanned the 'goggled googler.' With the aid of Chris "my Nigerian Nightmare" Ikhigbonoaremen Titan salvaged the day with a mid-morning bagel (6-0) over 'not so stellar/deli man'. As the 'hobbling hipster' waddled off the court following his beloved Tully he reflected on his indebtedness to his 'men of color' - the 'I-Man' for a short term boost, and 'Dr. JJ' for a continued life of fun. Thank you both.
"Titan, you're a basketball referee's worst nightmare - and you do it on the tennis court," chuckled Gene ' once a King' Slattery upon completion of play at the Yonkers Tennis Center this date. 'Once a King' and Bill 'EBL' Tully paired for sets against the tandems of TennisTitan (1-6) with Vic 'not a Free' Mason, and then Max 'Tutor' Tuchman (1-6) with 'not a Free' Mason. The 'Energizer Bunny Legs' was returning after recent knee surgery and shoulder repair showed modest flashes of his once dominance. 'EBL' and the 'deposed despot' far outplayed their opponents despite 'not a Free' Mason's attempt to keep the games competitive. "Titan, I'd call 'a walk' on you every time the ball was hit to your side" quipped amateur basketball referee Slattery. "The pea would wear out in my whistle every time I worked a game you were in." "Wait a second" interrupted the 'Tutor.' "Titan likes to travel. As a matter of fact he's heading for Florida next week. He only played one set so he could sit comfortably on the plane." EBL rejoined, "Max with the Titan you don't wait a second. It's a three second violation he commits when he attempts to react to a ball out of his reach." Mason added "I'd like to call a 'block' on any future plans of me being his partner." "No, no Vic do what I do. When the 'bombastic blowhard' is my partner I yell that's a 'charge' and I make him pay my $17.38 fee for my playing time.
"Come on now George, give me some credit, at least for effort if not for ability" Titan whined as he reached for his camera. "You can't even tie your sneakers without my help" exclaimed the 'deli man' George Hauss as a perplexed Victor 'not a Free' Mason looked on. "And now you expect me to win every point as you stand there as a not so innocent bystander." Vic Mason, a newbie to the Thursday afternoon group, received his baptism of TT bullshit as TennisTitan and 'deli man' rallied from a 2-5 deficit to steal the only set played this date in a tie breaker (7-6,[1]). The 'hobbling hobo' did his part in extending rallies and lasering an occasional winner past Stuart 'not Espn' Scott and his befuddled partner. "George, you were supposed to be here at 2 PM for the start of play, not 2:30" critiqued the 'bombastic blowhard. Don't screw up again!" "Me? Screw up!?! With you as my partner: impossible. I expended ninety minutes of energy playing an hour as your partner." To wit 'not Free' Mason turned to 'not Espn' and said, "is he always like this? And he brings his dog too?"
