by Rick Christian, edited by Geoff Capell

The journey begins in 1968, finding Fred a seaman in the Navy at Los Alamitos Naval Air Station. In 1969, after moving to the air station, he found handball. In 1971, he found the Oakland YMCA where he learned the game. In 1973, he moved to Livermore where he joined the old Livermore Ball and Wall, and then to Clubsport in Pleasanton where he began a ten year experience as club pro, teacher and tournament director.

Fred excelled in the Bay Counties league, wrestling the trophy away from the powerful Olympic Club and the South End Rowing Club. He has won many local tournaments, topped with the USHA National Championship in singles in the Senior Division. The defining characteristics of Fred’s handball game is his ability to play offense with both right and left hands from anywhere on the court. His much improved left hand turned him into a singles machine.

Congratulations on your induction into the Northern California Handball Hall of Fame!