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.

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 discover the joy I had found. I have repeated this experience many times since. I do it as much as possible during the week, and sometimes three and four times a day on weekends. After we finish we usually get something to eat and talk about this or previous times. Not many of us smoke. I love this game called ‘paddle’ by those who indulge.”

The article goes on to describe the origin of the game, equipment needed, and where to play.

Source: Platform Tennis News, Spring 1993

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

These were courtesy of Mark Banford of the Winter Club in Lake Forest, IL.

“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 men and women national ranking tournaments were played out, but two age groups (men’s 45+ and 55+) as well.

Source: Platform Tennis News, Winter 1993

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.

Despite moving the tournament from December to October to ensure better weather, the event was still plagued by rain. But, Detroit still fielded one of the strongest draws, with players battling for a piece of the $5,000 prize money.

In the end, nothing mattered to the 32 men’s teams and 16 women’s duos that congregated from Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Connecticut, Indianapolis, Kalamazoo, New Jersey, and all points east and west. Their paddle was competitive and the hospitality was extraordinary. Frank Willard and his organizers proved that the Detroit area was fully capable of handling a major aggregation, which they would do again in spring of 1995 when the men’s and women’s National Championships were contested in that area.

Source: Platform Tennis News, Mid-Winter 1993

Dick Squires was one of the great promotors of the game who helped take the game on a growth spurt never seen before or since.

“Mr. Paddle” wrote about the game, published books on the game, produced instruction films about the game, built courts, endorsed attire, conducted clinics and dreamt up and found sponsors for an exciting new tournament that CBS Sports televised for its “Sports Spectacular” show. He also opened the first commercial platform tennis facility on a roof-top in New York City.

Art Houilhan’s enthusiastic public relations campaign for the Grizzly Affair drew players from neighboring states and Canada. The tournament also officially introduced Reilly’s latest innovation: The Lawn Level Court.

The concept of the new court was to make it more attractive so it will fit appealingly into any setting. By excavating below the court for the pier and heater installation, the need to install the court three to four feet above ground on concrete piers would be eliminated. The court therefore sat at grade level, making it much easier to watch play.

Platform Tennis News covered the event in detail:

“In its constant quest to expand, the APTA can now add Montana to its list of states that host tournaments. Without a platform tradition, most Montana residents had no idea what platform tennis was. Thankfully the Grizzly Affair tournament’s enthusiastic public relations committee (a.k.a. Arthur Houlihan, previously from Waccabuc, NY) has changed that.

Free publicity rained on the tournament. Prior to the matches, articles appeared in several Montana newspapers with descriptions of the game, pictures of local players and details of the upcoming “Northwest Platform Tennis Championships” (a media appellation, not ours). The local radio station gave it a plug, and even the sign at the local bank, which normally flashes temperature and time, encouraged people to attend the big event.

As a result, the local participation and interest was high as ranchers, ski buffs, lumberjacks, artists, businessmen and country gentleman stopped by to take a look at the new sport. In addition to the enthusiastic local teams, players representing 15 states and Canada attended last year. Of course, the outstanding Nordic and alpine skiing at nearby Big Mountain ski area and Glacier National Park helped rope in paddle/ski enthusiasts. Others seemed to be attracted by a Ray Kinsella “if you build it” phenomenon.”

“There are currently four courts in Whitefish that were used for the tournament. The one that started it all is owned by Charlie Burkhart (originally from Philadelphia) and some of his neighbors. The Reilly clan has added three more with their new facility. Located where more snow falls than almost any other part of the country, the Reilly’s have an ideal testing ground for the new heating system specially engineered for this type of court’. Despite all the snow on the ground, the courts were clean and dry and remained so all winter long! “

Source: Platform Tennis News, Fall 1992