Why I Play Tennis
As far back as I can remember, I have loved sports, particularly those involving hitting and catching a ball. Baseball was my favorite, and I was an all-star player throughout Little League and in summer leagues through high school. At this point, I had not considered why I would ever play tennis.
When not playing in organized leagues, we always had a neighborhood game going. We discovered that an old tennis ball was a great substitute for a baseball. It jumped off the bat when well-hit but would not travel as far as a baseball.
A tennis ball was also much less likely to cause injury, especially when younger players were involved.
I knew only one family who played tennis. Though I watched grand-slam tennis events on TV, I think I was in college before I actually bought a racquet–a Jack Kramer model–and hit some balls on the court.
I enjoyed taking tennis as a physical education college elective course; but the golf bug had bitten me good, and I basically, did not play tennis for the next thirty years.
Love Inspired My Tennis
Then, I met Mary Lynn. She was a gifted athlete and a tennis champion.
So, I became a student of tennis with the ultimate goal of being able to play well enough to be her partner in mixed-doubles. I worked hard to gain proficiency on the court, and after years of frustration, did achieve my goal.
Now, every Wednesday is our “tennis date.”
Mary Lynn & Larry Frazier
We share a session of tennis drills with our local pro, followed by a few games of mixed doubles with another couple who are dear friends and a long lunch. Even though I am now again enjoying golf, these Wednesday dates are a highlight of our week.