Paddle’s unofficial uniform

Coonskin coats are the “unofficial” uniform. Left to Right: Jim Gordon and Bill Cooper (1959 champions), Jim Carlisle and Dick Hebard (1959 finalists), Waler Close and umpire Jack Whitbeck
Coonskin coats are the “unofficial” uniform. Left to Right: Jim Gordon and Bill Cooper (1959 champions), Jim Carlisle and Dick Hebard (1959 finalists), Waler Close and umpire Jack Whitbeck

There was no standard or official uniform for paddle players, except maybe in overcoats. Coonskin coats seemed to be the mark of the well-dressed player, except when he was actually playing.

A few of the younger players began turning up with coonskin coats, for which they paid $25 to downtown furriers. When Blanchard went to one of the furriers to get a coat for himself, he was greeted with these remarks: “I have been storing these coonskin coats for years but never had a nibble. But now I am almost sold out. Some people out in Westchester have a game that they play outdoors all winter. They’ve been coming in here and have gobbled up almost all I have”

Source: Fessenden S. Blanchard, Platform Paddle Tennis, 1959