Similar to what has been done successfully in golf and tennis, the Legends Tour will be bringing new people into the spectator stands and “new money” into the game. The five-time national champion and Hall of Famer (USRA and international) remembers the days when non-racquetball companies sponsored the pro tours in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

“Obviously, it takes funding to get something like this going,” Marty tells Racquetball Magazine in an exclusive interview. “But, rather than go for the traditional sources, such as racquet manufacturers, we are talking with companies outside of the game. A similar approach worked for Jimmy Connors and his legends tennis tour sponsored by Nuveen, a financial institution.”

He adds that his goal is to promote the sport of racquetball and not take away from anything already in place with other tours. “We need to be financially sound and will seek to do that with funding from sources not now being tapped,” he says.

After a few years of planning, the Legends Tour begins its rollout with four exhibitions stops in early 2002. The tour will actually start with next season, beginning this fall and into 2003.

Marty got things going with some expert help from his longtime friend and fellow Juniors player, Hank Marcus. In 2001, Hank signed on as Executive Director. Some may remember him from when he owned the IRT (1993-2001) so he obviously knows something about tours.

The Legends Go Coast to Coast To get things started, the Legends Tour will have stops at the Harold McKahand Memorial Pro Am in Coral Springs, Florida (Jan. 31-Feb. 3); Title Town Pro-Am in Green Bay, Wisconsin (March 1-3), the Las Vegas Nationals in Las Vegas (April 25-28), and the NFRA Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon (June 6-9).

These stops will be more “show than go” with the emphasis on showcasing names such as Ruben Gonzalez, Dave Peck, Bret Harnett, Gregg Peck, and, of course, Marty Hogan.

These are all top names from the early days of the game. For example, Gregg was 1981 Rookie of the Year, 1985 DP National Champion, and 1985 Player of the Year. More recently, Gregg has coached the U.S. Junior national team through the 2000 and 2001 seasons of international competition.

“I can’t wait to see the matches when the ‘retro guys’ Marty and Bret step on the court together,” Gregg exclaims. “They will be going at it again, just like before.” Harnett was 1986 and 1987 Pro Player of the Year, finished #2 on the pro tour 3 years in a row (1986-88), and was 1986 DP Nationals Champion among other honors.

Gregg admits he has started playing more since the Legends Tour was announced. And, he wonders if Marty will be wearing his famous short-shorts this time around. Who knows? Just wait and see.

“The 2002 events will be exhibition/ promotional stops with singles and doubles play,” Marty says. “We hope to expose our longtime fans and some younger pro players to the legends of the game – the great names who made the sport very popular in the 70’s and 80’s.”

This year will be a warm-up for late 2002- early 2003 season when the Legends Tour rolls out more stops across the country. “I feel the sport has been looking for something to promote the game and energize the fans, pro players, and sponsors,” Marty says.

“In my era there were great players who launched the sport,” he adds. “Many pro players became household names,” he adds. “These are the guys who can return some of the original glory to the game with this tour. In addition, I foresee that the next generation of 19-year-old pro players like Kane will bring new life and excitement to the game at many levels.”

This will be a tour “with a heart” as well. A portion of the proceeds will go to the National Fibromyalgia Research Association (NFMA) based in Salem, Oregon. Formed in 1992, NFMA helps raise public, medical and government awareness of a debilitating disease called fibromyalgia. Marty selected this charity for personal reasons based on a close relationship with NFMA’s founder. For more information on that organization, email nfra@teleport.com.

What’s Coming? The tour will gear up for 6-8 events next year. “The interest is very high,” Marty exclaims. “I have had 15 calls to do events next year. We could do as many as 10 quality stops.”

In future years, Marty and Hank envision the tour making it to the “small screen” with exposure on ESPN. The pair knows they will need to purchase a portable glass court so that fans can really enjoy watching some of the greatest players to ever step onto a court. The glass court is mandatory for television coverage as well.

For those that know Marty and his famous zeal for life and strong determination to succeed, there is no doubt the Legends Tour will be a winner for years to come.

For more information about the Legends Tour, contact Hank Marcus at phone/fax 503-639-3410 or Email LegendsrbTour@aol.com.