Francisco Churruca Explained

Francisco Maria Churruca Iriondo Azpiazu Alcorta (born 1 April 1936), also known as Patxi, is a Spanish former jai alai player. A native of Mutriku, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country,^{[1] [2]} he is regarded as the game's greatest player^{[3] [4]} and has been called "the Babe Ruth of jai alai."^[5] He retired in 1983, saying "I knew it was time to quit when my eyes were quicker than my legs."^[3]

He was referenced in the television series Mad Men (set in the world of 1960s American advertising), in a storyline involving a client's elaborate plan to promote jai alai as the "new national pastime" with Patxi as its figurehead.^[6]

Notes and References

1. News: Jai Alai: Fury At The Fronton . . March 29, 1965 . October 25, 2011 . Olsen, Jack.
2. http://aunamendi.eusko-ikaskuntza.eus/artikuluak/artikulua.php?id=eu&ar=36325 Churruca Iriondo, Francisco
3. News: Tierney. John. OUR TOWNS; A Fast-Paced Sport's Fast-Paced Demise. The New York Times. 1. 16 March 1993.
4. http://txik-txak-zula.blogspot.com/2010/01/tributo-al-sultan-patxi-churruca.html Tributo Al "Sultan" (Patxi Churruca)
5. News: Larger Than Life : The World Hasn't Forgotten Babe Ruth. If Anything, the Fascination With the Bambino Has Increased . . April 17, 1992 . October 25, 2011 . Calabria, Pat.
6. https://slate.com/culture/2009/09/week-4-will-this-be-the-funniest-season-of-mad-men-yet.amp Week 4: Will This Be the Funniest Season of Mad Men Yet?