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Here's the pitch ...
By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer BEVERLY HILLS -- Ed Fox, a recently retired U.S. Air employee living in upstate New York, was looking for a sport to keep he and his wife occupied when he discovered horseshoes. That was 17 years ago. Today, the 77-year-old Fox plays several times a week and is the publicity chair for the Beverly Hills Horseshoe Club. His wife, Eileen, 68, is an avid player and serves as the club's junior program director. They have been members nine years. "We like the exercise and the camaraderie with other people," Ed Fox said. "We really get to know everybody, and we get to go around to all the tournaments around Florida. And we also go back up to New York every summer and play there." Formed in 1983, the Beverly Hills Horseshoe Club has more than 90 members, who range in age from 9 to 83. "We try to start them off early," Fox said. The club owns 21 clay courts (located at 54 Civic Circle) that are shaded by several trees and open to the public. There is ample parking and restrooms located nearby. Pitchers throw to the target from 20, 30 or 40 feet away. The horseshoes weigh 2-2.9 pounds. Most beginners throw from 20 feet to get a feel for things. The further the throw, the more taxing the sport is on the body. "It's an excellent workout," Fox said. "A game is 50 (throws), so that's 25 times back and forth. You're walking, throwing, lifting and bending. And your heart rate goes up. All of your body parts are really helped. You're tired when you're done. "In a tournament, you play six or seven full games. It takes quite a bit of effort. It takes getting used to." The club hosts an average of six to seven tournaments a year, though Fox said that number will increase to 10 in 2003. The season starts in October and continues through April, ending with the state tournament, which is in Clearwater this week. Next year's state event will return to Beverly Hills, where it took place in 2000. Club membership is open to anyone. A Juniors league is held Wednesdays, Monday nights are reserved for the "Fun League,' and another adult league takes place Wednesday mornings. All games are handicapped to allow for equal play. For information about the Beverly Hills Horseshoe Club, call 726-8730. -- Times staff writer Keith Niebuhr can be reached at 860-7337 or niebuhr@sptimes.com.
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