Sounds of ambulances and police cars could be heard in the distance; sirens blared as they raced to the scene…Crowds gathered to catch a glimpse and curiosity seekers poked their heads for a better view… In the meantime, the year was probably 1977-78. The address, 124 Humboldt St. in Brooklyn’s Bushwick section. My friend Gil and another guy by the name of Elias were the top handball players in the area. No, we didn’t play on a regular court but had become experts on a small, 8’ wide by 8’ high court within a Housing complex. We took turns winning, with me winning most games. The scene: Elias and I shifting rapidly from left to right, stomping our feet as we reached one corner and dashed back to save our necks. On this particular day, Elias, who was about 5’11 and super-slim, was quick. His long arms helped him reach just about every shot coming at him. I was 5’6” but way-faster, though I had to hustle, but I’d get him.
We always played a game of 21. So, there we were, the score, 19 up-two points needed to win. We skid across the court; we’d practically knock each other out. We’d swing around each other, even under the opponent’s legs. Slam! Bam! We meant business! The score was now 20 (me) to 19. Point game. But Elias swung around striking with a killer. Slammm! In my face! I was down! His turn to serve. He scored! The score, even at 20, meant it was now a 22- point game. I zoomed up front and covered every shot that came. He was down. I went up and now I was in the lead! With a point to go, he got me down again- and scored again! The game was tied at 21. It was now a 23-point game. This continued, pushing the game to a 25-point game. Tons of sweat poured down our faces. We were hot! We were in the best shape of our lives. Our shorts and t-shirts, drenched. Our sneakers left skid marks on the cement below. I was leading now 24-23. That elusive point was all I needed. As the crowd watched from behind, a young, pretty girl just happened to pass behind us carrying a medium-size paper bag with groceries. We battled to defend our championship. We huffed and puffed, but weren’t out of breath. We were the epitome of healthy and unstoppable guys! This was our turf. This was our game! I sometimes played 20 games in a day.
So, I was serving, and with a point left to win, as we practically danced around the court looking like we were dancing to Jungle Boogie, suddenly, there it was!! A stone!! A stone was better than a killer. It’s when the ball hits the lowest it can possibly go on the wall and then just rolled right out! Bam, Bam, Bam! Elias was beside himself! He was grunting in disbelief!! We jumped and jumped, roared and roared! He turned around at ‘Miss Pretty-face” yelling, “You didn’t see that! You didn’t see that! You didn’t see that! She looked down, then smiled shyly, and nodded her head signifying “YES! I saw it, I saw it all!” He yelled again, “N-o-o-o!!!” It rang across the Grand Canyon echoing all around us! I said,” She did, man, she did!” “In your face, dude.” What a game! That was a game of champions and I retained my title! Those gathered around us cheered and laughed and probably nodded their heads saying, “There they go again!”
Fast forward 42 years into the future. Across the street from that location, in an empty school yard with a real handball court Gil and I are playing. Picture Gil as 5’9” and hair like Mr. Monk’s! Gil was a good player and occasionally had his good days! Now and then he would beat me. But then I’d take him on a bike ride and slaughter him! But that’s another story! Here we were. The usual excitement is taking place. We’re running all over the place. We’re skidding, we’re sweating, we’re stomping as we reach one end and rush to the other to cover our corners. Gil was known to shake his head and say, “look at that, Sam.” And all these drops of sweat would stream down to the sidewalk. We’d laugh, but I knew they wouldn’t help him win, not this time. We huffed and puffed, but unlike back in the 70’s, this time we are out of breath; this time our sweat is hyperventilation! There’s smoke coming out the two inner-holes of my Converse All Stars. The game is hot! My feet feel like they’re melting. Gil swings and his walker slides across the court. I rush to my side and my cane goes flying! Gil slams the ball again and his right arm goes with it! As I rush to the front of the court to hit a killer, my toupee flies off! Another hit and my arthritis locks my fingers so I can’t hit the ball! Gil serves but he can’t actually see where the court is! It’s not the sweat in his eyes, but he says it’s the contact lens that flew out! “Sshh, he doesn’t wear any! As we call it a draw, we bend to pick up our parts and pieces. Good thing our teeth held in place! We feel like the $6 million dollar man, only we’re now probably worth $80 million due to inflation! And so, the ambulances come to patch us up. And then leave. The only accident or crime committed was two guys in their 60’s hanging on to their long-forgotten youth and its joys. The gathered crowds cheer us on. They’re laughing in derision! They can’t believe we’d think we still had it. But boy, was it fun! The crowds diminish and head back to do their thing. Wow! What a game-tied at 6 points each!
Though, this last section is a projection, I’m sure it’s what would happen to us at our age! Time flies and regardless of what shape you’re in, life will never be the same as it was 42 years earlier. Enjoy your time now!
Projecting into the near future, there will be no pain in heaven and as the prophet of old, Isaiah, said, “Those who hope in God Adonai, will renew their strength, they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings; when they are running they won’t grow weary , when they are walking they won’t get tired (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). So, remember that God is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” If your life is falling apart or a few parts have been scattered here and there, He is here to pick up the pieces for you and with you. He knows your life, and He knows your game. The ancient wiseman, King Solomon, tells us to seek God in our youth while the days are good and while we have our health (Ecclesiastes 12). Our lives are but a vapor, a wisp that quickly disappears (James 4:14). We take in a few breaths and it seems as if twenty years have flown by. A game like ours in heaven, will probably last for years. I’m sure we’ll have a lot more fun and will feel like we’re back in our twenties forever! God bless!
In Memory of Elias Campos 1957-1990
***Note: Just after having written this blog three days ago, I contacted Gil inquiring about Elias, and he in turn reached Elias’ sister, Naida. I learned that Elias had passed away from a Bronchial Asthma attack back in November of 1990, just 6 days shy of his 33rd birthday. He was definitely a healthy and vigorous player who left us too soon and whose passing caught everyone by surprise being he was never sick nor known to have had any illnesses.
From close-knit sports aficionados, Sam & Gil, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, particularly sister Naida, who not only lost a brother, but also recently lost Elias’ son to COVID three months ago. Naida also lost her husband of 43 years some 9 months ago. She provided us with pics of a great friend and handball player whom I remembered only from memory these past 42 years.
Best friends since 1961
