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| Miles of Heart: The Story of the Dan DeAngelo Invitational Hearts Tournament 12 Childhood Friends, 38 Annual Weekend Reunions and a Thousand Stories Reflecting Their Lives and Times (Based on the true ongoing story of the Dan DeSantis Invitational Hearts Tournament) |
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When growing up, we all think that throughout life we will continue
to make close friends. This is partially true but mostly false, for
early in our lives the only reason to be friends was, to put it
bluntly, to be friends.
It was not the lure of sharing material possessions ; it was not the
lure of gaining an advantage in the business world; it was not the
lure of striving to change the world. No, it was because of shared
interests, sense of humor, values and the pleasure of being with
that person.
How often, when reading the biography of accomplished
individuals, does one encounter how they admit that the happiest
time of their lives was when they had nothing during college or in
the days when they were scrapping by in the midst of building
their fortunes. Simple times brings simple pleasures, and life
always gets more complicated as the years progress.
Wynn A. Sherman captures how 12 men, and more, kept alive
their friendships from simpler times during 38 years of annual
reunion/excursions in a variety of different locations. Truly a
journey through their lives and ours.
to make close friends. This is partially true but mostly false, for
early in our lives the only reason to be friends was, to put it
bluntly, to be friends.
It was not the lure of sharing material possessions ; it was not the
lure of gaining an advantage in the business world; it was not the
lure of striving to change the world. No, it was because of shared
interests, sense of humor, values and the pleasure of being with
that person.
How often, when reading the biography of accomplished
individuals, does one encounter how they admit that the happiest
time of their lives was when they had nothing during college or in
the days when they were scrapping by in the midst of building
their fortunes. Simple times brings simple pleasures, and life
always gets more complicated as the years progress.
Wynn A. Sherman captures how 12 men, and more, kept alive
their friendships from simpler times during 38 years of annual
reunion/excursions in a variety of different locations. Truly a
journey through their lives and ours.
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| Miles of Heart: The Story of the Dan DeAngelo Invitational Hearts Tournament By Wynn A. Sherman |
The clever and colorful invitation for
the 12th Annual Dan DeSantis
Invitational Hearts Tournament at
the Ojai Valley in June 1981. Each
of the hearts around the edges
lists the location of previous
tournaments in such places as
Lake Arrowhead, Las Vegas and La
Costa. As the tournament became
a regular event and the participants
became more economically sound,
the destinations got nicer.
Click to Enlarge.
the 12th Annual Dan DeSantis
Invitational Hearts Tournament at
the Ojai Valley in June 1981. Each
of the hearts around the edges
lists the location of previous
tournaments in such places as
Lake Arrowhead, Las Vegas and La
Costa. As the tournament became
a regular event and the participants
became more economically sound,
the destinations got nicer.
Click to Enlarge.
1981, Ojai Valley Inn, Cheers: The men of the Dan
DeSantis Tourney lifting a hearty toast with matching
beer mugs, matching shirts and matching rosy glows
from weekend of cards, reminiscing, frivolity and fun.
The Author can be seen in the middle row, 2nd from
the right. Click to Enlarge.
DeSantis Tourney lifting a hearty toast with matching
beer mugs, matching shirts and matching rosy glows
from weekend of cards, reminiscing, frivolity and fun.
The Author can be seen in the middle row, 2nd from
the right. Click to Enlarge.
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The turbulent 1960s had ended in the hopeful note of
mankind walking on the Moon. Neil Armstrong uttered
his famous words, "One small step for man, one
giant leap for mankind," on July 20, 1969, and they
are the first words in Miles of Heart as Wynn Sherman
takes the reader on a rather interesting journey
through the lives of the men of the DDIHT
mankind walking on the Moon. Neil Armstrong uttered
his famous words, "One small step for man, one
giant leap for mankind," on July 20, 1969, and they
are the first words in Miles of Heart as Wynn Sherman
takes the reader on a rather interesting journey
through the lives of the men of the DDIHT
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1977, Lake Arrowhead, Any Requests?
The musical entertainment included what
might be a rather brazen attempt to distract
from their lack of talent. Songs play a vital
role throughout the years. Click to Enlarge.
The musical entertainment included what
might be a rather brazen attempt to distract
from their lack of talent. Songs play a vital
role throughout the years. Click to Enlarge.
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1975, Woodland Hills, Tourney Chairman:
In the early years the tournament suffered
from a serious lack of oversight, evidence
The Chairman taking an involuntary siesta
during the festivities.
In the early years the tournament suffered
from a serious lack of oversight, evidence
The Chairman taking an involuntary siesta
during the festivities.
1971, Reseda, Destruction Derby:
When the tough got going stuff got
broken. The boys had a certain zest
for life in these early years.
When the tough got going stuff got
broken. The boys had a certain zest
for life in these early years.
| 1970: The Journey Begins |
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1976, Bicentennial and
Jimmy Carter gets
elected President of
the United States.
Jimmy Carter gets
elected President of
the United States.
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The Chairman brings
Faith, Hope and Charity to
the 1979 Tourney and
beyond to the '80s. Miller's
Beer was banned forever,
back to Michelob, and all
must have their own bed,
true progress made. The
Chairman was clearly
setting the one for a new
decade. Click to Enlarge.
Faith, Hope and Charity to
the 1979 Tourney and
beyond to the '80s. Miller's
Beer was banned forever,
back to Michelob, and all
must have their own bed,
true progress made. The
Chairman was clearly
setting the one for a new
decade. Click to Enlarge.
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| 1979 Newsletter: |
The Epic Poem: In June 1975 John Cary Mueller created what he termed A Tribute to the Games: An Epic Poem
Created Exclusively for the Players in the Dan DeSantis Invitational Hearts Tournament. It is a fascinating
document, worthy of the group that would keep their tradition alive for many decades. Click to Enlarge
Created Exclusively for the Players in the Dan DeSantis Invitational Hearts Tournament. It is a fascinating
document, worthy of the group that would keep their tradition alive for many decades. Click to Enlarge
1975, Letter from the Author: A
nice letter in anticipation of the
next Tournament and get together
nice letter in anticipation of the
next Tournament and get together
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| 1980: A Go-Go Decade & The Reagan Revolution.... |
1984, Historic Figures: President Reagan
& Nancy greet John Paul II, massive men
of history and the 1980s. Click to Enlarge
©"L'Osservatore Romano" photo from the
book John Paul II: A Light for the World.
& Nancy greet John Paul II, massive men
of history and the 1980s. Click to Enlarge
©"L'Osservatore Romano" photo from the
book John Paul II: A Light for the World.
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1984 Newsletter: The
newsletter & locations
were getting upscale,
note the Chairman's
wisdom and insight.
Click to Enlarge.
newsletter & locations
were getting upscale,
note the Chairman's
wisdom and insight.
Click to Enlarge.
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| 1990: The Cold War Ends and A New World Emerges.... |
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| The Gulf War, 1990-91 Click to Enlarge |
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| Soviet Union Collapses, 1991 Click to Enlarge |
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| 2000: Millennium Hopes Become a 9/12 World.... |
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1989, Berlin Wall Comes Down: The
stage is set for the final collapse of the
Soviet Union and the Cold War's end.
stage is set for the final collapse of the
Soviet Union and the Cold War's end.
1988 Newsletter: Under the
banner of "The Future is Now,"
The Chairman notes that two
decades of tourneys have
welded strong bonds amongst
"The Boys" and that the
upcoming trip to Hawaii was
going to 'BE BIG, I MEAN BIG.
THE GREATEST EVER,
GUARANTEED." He also
admonishes all to "read every
letter carefully and respond to
all requests promptly."
The Chairman runs a tight
ship, on to the 1990s.....
banner of "The Future is Now,"
The Chairman notes that two
decades of tourneys have
welded strong bonds amongst
"The Boys" and that the
upcoming trip to Hawaii was
going to 'BE BIG, I MEAN BIG.
THE GREATEST EVER,
GUARANTEED." He also
admonishes all to "read every
letter carefully and respond to
all requests promptly."
The Chairman runs a tight
ship, on to the 1990s.....
1991, August: Top: Boris Yeltsin prevents a
hard line coup that began the final Soviet
collapse. Below: The changing of the guard
at Lenin's Tomb at The Kremlin in Moscow.
hard line coup that began the final Soviet
collapse. Below: The changing of the guard
at Lenin's Tomb at The Kremlin in Moscow.
First Gulf War: In August 1990 Iraqi
forces invaded Kuwait and threatened
Saudi oil fields. President H.W. Bush
led an amazing coalition which united
free nations against this aggression.
forces invaded Kuwait and threatened
Saudi oil fields. President H.W. Bush
led an amazing coalition which united
free nations against this aggression.
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From a small weekend get together
in Woodland Hills, they have so far
held 38 Tournament/Reunions
throughout the years of building
families, careers and contributing to
their communities.
What began with a group of rowdy
15-19 year old friends would slowly
evolve into an event that every
year took on a more serious tone,
which is not to say the fun didn't
remain a major aspect as chronicled
in Miles of Heart by Wynn Sherman.
in Woodland Hills, they have so far
held 38 Tournament/Reunions
throughout the years of building
families, careers and contributing to
their communities.
What began with a group of rowdy
15-19 year old friends would slowly
evolve into an event that every
year took on a more serious tone,
which is not to say the fun didn't
remain a major aspect as chronicled
in Miles of Heart by Wynn Sherman.
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1992: New President, New Threat: Following
the election of Bill Clinton in 1992, the post-Cold
War world saw a new threat to the West led by
the likes of Osama Bin Laden and others.
the election of Bill Clinton in 1992, the post-Cold
War world saw a new threat to the West led by
the likes of Osama Bin Laden and others.
Millennium Fireworks
Worldwide fireworks displays
included these spectaculars
in Washington, D.C. and Paris
included these spectaculars
in Washington, D.C. and Paris
1992 Newsletter: The Chairman's 2-page
message sets the tone for a different sort of
decade A must read. .Click to Enlarge.
message sets the tone for a different sort of
decade A must read. .Click to Enlarge.
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| Taliban Overthrown |
In response to the 9/11 attacks, U.S.
and British forces invaded Afghanistan
in October 2001 and toppled the brutal
Taliban regime. Click to Enlarge.
and British forces invaded Afghanistan
in October 2001 and toppled the brutal
Taliban regime. Click to Enlarge.
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| Saddam Hussein Gone |
Constantly violating U.N. Resolution
1441 and refusing inspectors, along
with ties to various terror groups,
prompted a invasion by Allied Forces
that brought down the curtain on his
destructive govt. Click to Enlarge.
1441 and refusing inspectors, along
with ties to various terror groups,
prompted a invasion by Allied Forces
that brought down the curtain on his
destructive govt. Click to Enlarge.
| The 9/11 Attacks |
| Click to Enlarge |
1974, Woodland Hills: With the Watergate
Scandal raging in Washington, the boys enjoy
the fourth DDIHT, despite that reunion being
plagued by their own “WaterCates.” Future
expansionist Griffin Lambert replaces original
member and fee delinquent Damon Cates
Scandal raging in Washington, the boys enjoy
the fourth DDIHT, despite that reunion being
plagued by their own “WaterCates.” Future
expansionist Griffin Lambert replaces original
member and fee delinquent Damon Cates
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The next year, with a new era in the
offing, the boys from the Del Moreno
neighborhood, in a suburb of Los
Angeles, began a yearly tradition that
still continues. As they evolved in their
lives, so to did the parameters, goals
and traditions of the Tourney.
offing, the boys from the Del Moreno
neighborhood, in a suburb of Los
Angeles, began a yearly tradition that
still continues. As they evolved in their
lives, so to did the parameters, goals
and traditions of the Tourney.
| Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, CA |
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2000 Election: Slated to
be a wartime President
because of 9/11, George
W. Bush defied all the
critics and took the 2000
Election from Al Gore.
be a wartime President
because of 9/11, George
W. Bush defied all the
critics and took the 2000
Election from Al Gore.
A World Changed: What a scary
sight it was when we all
watched the collapse of the
mighty World Trade Center. The
world changed forever that day.
sight it was when we all
watched the collapse of the
mighty World Trade Center. The
world changed forever that day.
1975, Lake Arrowhead: The boys relax
after a day on the lake, with future
replacement player Jim Clausen, lower
left, substituting for the author, off in
Virginia playing minor league baseball for
the Bristol Tigers. Note the bearded
fellow who is really relaxing and getting
the treatment from the boys.
after a day on the lake, with future
replacement player Jim Clausen, lower
left, substituting for the author, off in
Virginia playing minor league baseball for
the Bristol Tigers. Note the bearded
fellow who is really relaxing and getting
the treatment from the boys.
1987, Benihana Steak House, Las Vegas: The return trip to
Vegas proved more sedate after the barn burner in 1979 when
a couple of the boys were cleaned out, literally. Click to Enlarge
Vegas proved more sedate after the barn burner in 1979 when
a couple of the boys were cleaned out, literally. Click to Enlarge
1980, La Costa, Author, Dave King & Asgard:
Sill short of talent but fully dressed (see pic above)
entertaining the boys. Click to Enlarge
Sill short of talent but fully dressed (see pic above)
entertaining the boys. Click to Enlarge
1999, Los Angeles Intl. Airport: En route to Mazatlan
Mexico, the men of the DDIHT are definitely showing
signs of living the good life. Note the Tourney trophy
being hoisted to the top of the heap.
Mexico, the men of the DDIHT are definitely showing
signs of living the good life. Note the Tourney trophy
being hoisted to the top of the heap.
As the malaise of the late 1970s transformed
into the high-energy 1980s, the men of the
DDIHT began to transition into settled lives.
The boys’ lives became centered around their
families, as six players (in addition to the five
that had walked down the aisle in the mid-
late 70’s took wives and sixteen children
were born to tournament members.
People moved and changed jobs, as often
happens with men in their thirties with young
families. For everyone,. the tournament itself
remained a welcome respite from the
responsibilities of work and family. The
decade ended with more than thirty of the
tournament members and their families
celebrating the 20th annual DDIHT in Hawaii.
into the high-energy 1980s, the men of the
DDIHT began to transition into settled lives.
The boys’ lives became centered around their
families, as six players (in addition to the five
that had walked down the aisle in the mid-
late 70’s took wives and sixteen children
were born to tournament members.
People moved and changed jobs, as often
happens with men in their thirties with young
families. For everyone,. the tournament itself
remained a welcome respite from the
responsibilities of work and family. The
decade ended with more than thirty of the
tournament members and their families
celebrating the 20th annual DDIHT in Hawaii.
The initial decade of the Dan DeSantis Invitational
Hearts Tournament featured the boys in their late
teens through their twenties; leaving the comfort of
their Woodland Hills suburbs, going off to College,
graduating and entering the working work.
For some, it meant marrying and starting families.
As the tournament expanded from eight to twelve
members in 1977 and culminated with the long
anticipated and memorable Las Vegas excursion for
#10, the boys realized they had something special.
The next decade would bring major changes in all
of their lives and lives of millions behind the Iron
Curtain and around the world.
Hearts Tournament featured the boys in their late
teens through their twenties; leaving the comfort of
their Woodland Hills suburbs, going off to College,
graduating and entering the working work.
For some, it meant marrying and starting families.
As the tournament expanded from eight to twelve
members in 1977 and culminated with the long
anticipated and memorable Las Vegas excursion for
#10, the boys realized they had something special.
The next decade would bring major changes in all
of their lives and lives of millions behind the Iron
Curtain and around the world.
The Iron Lady: Margaret
Thatcher, British Prime
Ministers during the 1980s,
played a massive role with
President Reagan & Pope
John Paul II as they turned
up the heat on Gorbachev
and the Soviet Union. A
great woman of history.
Thatcher, British Prime
Ministers during the 1980s,
played a massive role with
President Reagan & Pope
John Paul II as they turned
up the heat on Gorbachev
and the Soviet Union. A
great woman of history.
Business setbacks….divorce….. health
issues….kids leaving home…..the lives of the
players of the DDIHT reflected those of most
of their baby boomer peers.
But how many “baby boomers” continued to
carry on a three decade tradition and meet
annually with childhood friends? The answer
is not too many, and even less so when you
take into account these men grew up in a
major city like Los Angeles.
Twenty years into the process, the men who
grew in the heart of the Cold War were
bearing witness to events not even the most
prescient of politicians and academics could
have predicted; the wholesale and voluntary
collapse of the Soviet Union.
issues….kids leaving home…..the lives of the
players of the DDIHT reflected those of most
of their baby boomer peers.
But how many “baby boomers” continued to
carry on a three decade tradition and meet
annually with childhood friends? The answer
is not too many, and even less so when you
take into account these men grew up in a
major city like Los Angeles.
Twenty years into the process, the men who
grew in the heart of the Cold War were
bearing witness to events not even the most
prescient of politicians and academics could
have predicted; the wholesale and voluntary
collapse of the Soviet Union.
The Chairman , like a Benevolent Despot, would
continue to rule with an iron fist and the competition
would go on being fierce. The stories in the book
chronicle more sedate yet fun loving tourneys. And,
as evidenced by The Chairman's Newsletters, the
bond between the participants would continue to
grow stronger as time moved inexorably forward.
continue to rule with an iron fist and the competition
would go on being fierce. The stories in the book
chronicle more sedate yet fun loving tourneys. And,
as evidenced by The Chairman's Newsletters, the
bond between the participants would continue to
grow stronger as time moved inexorably forward.
1991, Silverado, Getting Older and Wiser, Hopefully:
The Author, second from right top row, comments on the
obvious signs of adulthood; high foreheads, pot bellies, etc
The Author, second from right top row, comments on the
obvious signs of adulthood; high foreheads, pot bellies, etc
1989, Poipu Beach, Hawaii, Families Along:
A rare family gathering for the DDIHT in one of
the most beautiful settings in the world.
A rare family gathering for the DDIHT in one of
the most beautiful settings in the world.
1999 Newsletter: The 30th Annual DDIHT saw the location in the tropical
paradise of Mazatlan, Mexico, bringing forth the admonition from The Chairman,
"DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT." After noting that it was the earliest in
tourney history that everyone had paid their fees, The Chairman went through
each and every member's fervent wishes for the upcoming tourney, this is
hilarious. The final paragraph, quoted below, gives insight into The Chairman's
rather oversized opinion of himself: "I personally am up for my annual ego boost.
I love spending a full weekend hearing my life long friends tout my virtues and
praise my leadership, honesty, wisdom, youthful enthusiasm and good looks.
So we're ready. Remember, dinner with the wives Thursday April 29 in SFV."
Thus we exit the 20th Century and cross the Rubicon into a new Millennium....
paradise of Mazatlan, Mexico, bringing forth the admonition from The Chairman,
"DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT." After noting that it was the earliest in
tourney history that everyone had paid their fees, The Chairman went through
each and every member's fervent wishes for the upcoming tourney, this is
hilarious. The final paragraph, quoted below, gives insight into The Chairman's
rather oversized opinion of himself: "I personally am up for my annual ego boost.
I love spending a full weekend hearing my life long friends tout my virtues and
praise my leadership, honesty, wisdom, youthful enthusiasm and good looks.
So we're ready. Remember, dinner with the wives Thursday April 29 in SFV."
Thus we exit the 20th Century and cross the Rubicon into a new Millennium....
| Click Here to Email Wynn Sherman |
2004: The four finalists at #34, with a
proud Griffin Lambert holding the
championship trophy. Click to Enlarge
proud Griffin Lambert holding the
championship trophy. Click to Enlarge
Jonathan Kissel, center, flanked by Dickie
DeAngelo, right, and replacement player
Trey Cooper, he of the classic insult
hurled at the boys. Click to Enlarge
DeAngelo, right, and replacement player
Trey Cooper, he of the classic insult
hurled at the boys. Click to Enlarge
When referring to the tournaments the members combined the activities
with Hearts to come up with an appropriate nickname. For instance, the
tourney with Skiing Hearts in Lake Tahoe was Skarts, the 1987 River
Rafting trip to Kern River was Rarts, 1988 Beach Harts in South Lake
Tahoe was Barts and 1982 Golf Harts in La Costa was Garts.
A few milestones were reached in April 1989. First, The Chairman turned
40; Second, at the birthday festivities in Los Angeles, a few of the wives
got to meet each for the first time despite their husbands having spent 20
years meeting each every year, Third, the wives saw a small part of
"Hearts Tournament Fun." Many of the wives did not consider "the loud,
alcohol induced joking, ongoing teasing and sophomoric behavior" as
much fun. Oh Well, as the old saying goes, That's Show Biz.
with Hearts to come up with an appropriate nickname. For instance, the
tourney with Skiing Hearts in Lake Tahoe was Skarts, the 1987 River
Rafting trip to Kern River was Rarts, 1988 Beach Harts in South Lake
Tahoe was Barts and 1982 Golf Harts in La Costa was Garts.
A few milestones were reached in April 1989. First, The Chairman turned
40; Second, at the birthday festivities in Los Angeles, a few of the wives
got to meet each for the first time despite their husbands having spent 20
years meeting each every year, Third, the wives saw a small part of
"Hearts Tournament Fun." Many of the wives did not consider "the loud,
alcohol induced joking, ongoing teasing and sophomoric behavior" as
much fun. Oh Well, as the old saying goes, That's Show Biz.
| Exploring California Attractions During the 1980s |
Taking in natural beauty with a bit of
physical activity was much the part of
ongoing tournaments, with close
proximity to some form of gambling
hanging ever present in the air. The
1980s proved full of adventure, fun
and intense competition for the DDIHT.
physical activity was much the part of
ongoing tournaments, with close
proximity to some form of gambling
hanging ever present in the air. The
1980s proved full of adventure, fun
and intense competition for the DDIHT.
1994, Silver Anniversary: Number #25 at
The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Co-host Larry Yount in back row with
Phoenix Firebirds hat. Click to Enlarge.
The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Co-host Larry Yount in back row with
Phoenix Firebirds hat. Click to Enlarge.
1998, Resort at Squaw Creek: The long
dry spell ends as Griffin Lambert celebrating
his first tournament victory flanked by the
author (left) Jeff Steinberg and Jack Mollar.
dry spell ends as Griffin Lambert celebrating
his first tournament victory flanked by the
author (left) Jeff Steinberg and Jack Mollar.
1994, Phoenix Hosting & Quake Blues:
Larry Yount hosted the boys in Phoenix
and here they outfit The Chairman for
some "pre game" festivities at the
Phoenix Firebirds baseball game. A
depressed Phoenix real estate market
and the Northridge earthquake in Los
Angeles hit all the participants in some
fashion. Click to Enlarge.
Larry Yount hosted the boys in Phoenix
and here they outfit The Chairman for
some "pre game" festivities at the
Phoenix Firebirds baseball game. A
depressed Phoenix real estate market
and the Northridge earthquake in Los
Angeles hit all the participants in some
fashion. Click to Enlarge.
While all the idiots waited for the world to end in
the Y2K scare, "The Wise and Smart Chairman"
was gearing up his flock for the new Millennium.
His November 10, 1999 letter, after noting it was
the last official communique of the 20th Century,
reflected on the tourney's humble, rambunctious
origins 30 years earlier and all the places they
had visited over the years. Then he wrapped it in
egotistical yet heartfelt fashion with this missive,
"Go Ahead: say it, 'Thanks Mr. Chairman,
thanks for the memories.' Guys, believe me,
were just getting started."
From Paris to Sydney and from New York to
Moscow, the world witnessed a new millennium
come into being, and now the men of the DDIHT
would enter the third decade of their tournament.
They had truly held it together with style.
the Y2K scare, "The Wise and Smart Chairman"
was gearing up his flock for the new Millennium.
His November 10, 1999 letter, after noting it was
the last official communique of the 20th Century,
reflected on the tourney's humble, rambunctious
origins 30 years earlier and all the places they
had visited over the years. Then he wrapped it in
egotistical yet heartfelt fashion with this missive,
"Go Ahead: say it, 'Thanks Mr. Chairman,
thanks for the memories.' Guys, believe me,
were just getting started."
From Paris to Sydney and from New York to
Moscow, the world witnessed a new millennium
come into being, and now the men of the DDIHT
would enter the third decade of their tournament.
They had truly held it together with style.
2000, Oxnard, Worst Tournament Ever?:
At the 31st the air seemed to have gone out
of the tournament, the magic lost, was it?
At the 31st the air seemed to have gone out
of the tournament, the magic lost, was it?
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September 11, 2001, Watershed Day: Over the years there had
been many disagreements, arguments and bruised feelings between
the participants, however, all was rapidly shifted back into perspective
when the followers of Osama Bin Laden launched the deadly attacks
against the U.S. and thus Western Civilization.
The policies of the response from the Bush Administration, as it did
around the country, created divisions with the group as The Chairman
and others engaged in verbal and email exchanges. This proves to be
very interesting after one has gotten to the know the characters over
the years through the words of Wynn Sherman.
Miles of Heart brings the reader into the lives of men told through the
vortex of a yearly event that proved too valuable to abandon even in
the face of strife and dissension. As The Chairman might say, "Come
what may, through domestic or international turmoil, The Dan
DeSantis Invitational Hearts Tournament must go on. I am a river
to the men in my charge, bringing forth my benevolent, firm and
even handed rule so they might see the light."
been many disagreements, arguments and bruised feelings between
the participants, however, all was rapidly shifted back into perspective
when the followers of Osama Bin Laden launched the deadly attacks
against the U.S. and thus Western Civilization.
The policies of the response from the Bush Administration, as it did
around the country, created divisions with the group as The Chairman
and others engaged in verbal and email exchanges. This proves to be
very interesting after one has gotten to the know the characters over
the years through the words of Wynn Sherman.
Miles of Heart brings the reader into the lives of men told through the
vortex of a yearly event that proved too valuable to abandon even in
the face of strife and dissension. As The Chairman might say, "Come
what may, through domestic or international turmoil, The Dan
DeSantis Invitational Hearts Tournament must go on. I am a river
to the men in my charge, bringing forth my benevolent, firm and
even handed rule so they might see the light."
2001, Ojai Valley Inn, Another Letdown:
Despite the beautiful settings, the 32nd
Tournament, months prior to 9/11, proved
a disappointment in a variety of ways.
Below: A lovely vista of the back nine at
the incredible Ojai Valley Inn. Ojai Valley,
designed by George Thomas and built in
1923, was one of first great golf courses
built in California. Click to Enlarge.
Despite the beautiful settings, the 32nd
Tournament, months prior to 9/11, proved
a disappointment in a variety of ways.
Below: A lovely vista of the back nine at
the incredible Ojai Valley Inn. Ojai Valley,
designed by George Thomas and built in
1923, was one of first great golf courses
built in California. Click to Enlarge.
The picture to the left, taken at La Costa in 2003 with Larry Yount
having a little fun with Jim Clausen, in many ways signifies the
essence of the Dan DeSantis Invitaitonal Hearts Tournament, FUN,
FUN, FUN and MORE FUN.
Through all the struggles and disagreements, The Chairman never
let this diverse and accomplished group forget that the name of the
game was always to enjoy each others company.
having a little fun with Jim Clausen, in many ways signifies the
essence of the Dan DeSantis Invitaitonal Hearts Tournament, FUN,
FUN, FUN and MORE FUN.
Through all the struggles and disagreements, The Chairman never
let this diverse and accomplished group forget that the name of the
game was always to enjoy each others company.
| The Chairman wanted fun and he got it, See you next year! |
1975, Lake Arrowhead: The boys are all smiles
as they prepare for the laying of the first two
clubs at #6; first tournament held outside of L.A.
as they prepare for the laying of the first two
clubs at #6; first tournament held outside of L.A.
2004, Return to La Costa: The boys return
to La Costa a fourth time for #34, after it was
the tournament's initial "destination resort" a
quarter century earlier. Click to Enlarge.
to La Costa a fourth time for #34, after it was
the tournament's initial "destination resort" a
quarter century earlier. Click to Enlarge.
| For Media Interviews Contact Promotion in Motion Irwin Zucker or Brad Butler 323-461-3921 Email Irwin Zucker Email Brad Butler |
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