US Handball Message Board

BWBrooks · Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 1

First: are there any Handball players who are actively still playing after Angioplasty, especially those who have stents? I am in this situation with 5 stents: 3 in my RCA and 2 in my LCA (LAD). My heart is strong, and I feel great, I am also 58 years old. If anyone is in a similiar situation, I'd like to discuss the future as Handball Players. I have a hard time with the idea of quitting.
Second: I've had this idea for awhile, based on a recommendation by Vern Roberts. Vern said to look at the Ball and make note of which way it is turning when you serve. This increases focus and intensifies overall awareness of the Ball, and is one of the best pieces of advice I have ever experienced in my 30+ years of playing handball. As we all know, this feat is easiest while the label remains on the Ball, once it wears off, the task becomes more difficult.
I suggest that a Dot, probably white, should be inlaid on the Ball. This Dot would not rub off, and make the ball more easily trackable during the serve, and when it is in play. Precedent exists for this, Squash handballs all have an inlaid dot. Some are white, some are yellow. What do you think?

BBrooks
Brooklyn, NY

hpeisenberg · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 1

I don't know how many arteries or stents have been angioplastied and stented in his case, but Lou Cordeleone, age 68 or so, of Reseda, CA has had an angeoplasty and stent and plays regularly. Also, I believe Richard Cias, age 80 or so, of Granada Hills, CA has had a bypass and plays regularly. By the way, Richard is widely known by the same nickname as a former president who left office after expunging 18 minutes of tape, but the censor suspected that the nickname was possibly obscene and blanked it out.

I hope you continue to play at least as long as Mr. Cias.

molderic · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 3

I too am 58. Not stents but have undergone procedures to re-regulate the rhythm of my heartbeat. I played two years with atrial fibrillation before finally having my ticker fixed. Playing more now, enjoying it as much as ever.

Squash handballs have inset dots, which also help to identify the different versions of the ball with which they play. I've often pondered the same question as you, and thought a stripe would be helpful, especially when playing on glass.