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By Joseph Staszewski
Brooklyn Daily
For serious players, competing in the Red Bull Slaps handball tournament in Coney Island was like a tennis player taking part in Wimbledon or the U.S. Open.
“You know how in tennis they have grand slams? These are our grand slams,” said Crown Heights native Tywan Cook,. “You see the best of the best battle it out.”
Cook was one of the 96 male and female players from across the five boroughs invited to play in the third annual event on June 8 at the legendary courts at West 5th Street and Surf Avenue. The one-day event runs from 10 am to 6 pm. The fields were broken into small ball, big ball, and pump ball male singles tournaments and a female double bracket. The top three finishers earned cash prizes and bragging rights throughout the city.
The event grew a huge crowd. Some lined the court sides with chairs. Many others watched from behind the fence near the walkway leading the boardwalk, and others viewed from the Boardwalk itself. Cars were double-parked on Surf Avenue as people converged to take in the action.
“New York has the best players, and for Red Bull to sponsor handball, it’s a big event,” said Bushwick native Tim “Timbo” Gonzalez, who won the tournament’s first big ball title.
The event was the brainchild of New York City handball legend John “Rookie” Wright, who grew up on the Lower East Side. Wright is the top-ranked, one-wall handball player in New York City and a former World Champion. His goal is to grow the game both locally and internationally. Since 2011, one-wall handball has been pushed internationally to be part of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“I’m very passionate about this game,” Wright said. “It’s something I love.”
The event gives people, especially young people, a chance to see handball played at a championship level. Gonzalez won the big ball crown by beating 2011 champion Gio Vasquez. Former Midwood high school star Tyree Bastidas took home the small ball title and David Rojas of Manhattan won the pump ball championship.
For Wright, the day isn’t all about crowning champions. It’s really about promoting the game he loves on one of its biggest stages.
“Anyone who wants to get into a game that’s fun and promotes health and fitness, this is the game,” Wright said.
Reach reporter Joseph Staszewski at jstaszewski@cnglocal.com. Follow him on twitter @cng_staszewski.