Continuing a tradition that began a decade ago, Gerald Manhold, the newest member of the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame was inducted at an appropriate ceremony before a great many of his friends and peers. On Saturday, March 20, he was added to the roster of those honored for their service to the sport. The ceremony was held at the Men’s Senior National Championships at the Fox Meadow Tennis Club in Scarsdale, New York. He is the 55th individual to be accorded this recognition since the award was established in 1965.

Robert Brown, Chairman of the 2004 Hall of Fame Committee, introduced the program, and G. Estabrook Kindred, a member of the Committee since its inception 39 years ago, gave the induction address. The following is the nominating petition, presented to the Directors of the APTA, who approved the induction.

"Jerry Manhold was a driving force for platform tennis in Florham Park, New Jersey where he lived, a driving force for New Jersey league play, and a driving force for Senior platform tennis competition nationwide over a span of many years.

He was an accomplished athlete to begin with, lettering in tennis all four years while attending Syracuse University, and played number one and was captain of the tennis team in his senior year. He also played soccer and in 1939, was named an All-American goaltender.

He took his love for tennis to platform tennis and, as with other "fathers-of-the-game" in key platform tennis areas, he got the game started and helped develop it in the Florham Park area, some thirty years ago. He also taught the game and brought many New Jersey players to a level where they competed successfully in National events. He persuaded top players, both men and women, to put on clinics and exhibitions in northern New Jersey before the public, including local officials, to encourage their support for the development of platform tennis activity in their communities.

Jerry served on the APTA Board for five years, serving as the senior representative. One of his major contributions was his continuing effort to expand the senior circuit events. He established two new age categories in the Senior Nationals, the 60’s and the 65’s, and he added an important dimension among senior men’s play by starting the Manhold Cup, a competition among senior men from each of the six regions. In its prime, the Manhold Cup competition was popular and was keenly contested by the regional teams.

Jerry was a National Champion as a senior, winning the 60’s in 1979, 1980 and 1981 and the 65’s in 1990. He was a finalist in the National 55’s twice. He also won the Mid-Atlantic senior event four times. He was also an accredited USTA and APTA chair umpire and chaired many tennis and platform tennis championship events.

The following quotation from the Charter of the Hall of Fame states that the award "is presented to individuals who have achieved distinction in the play of platform tennis and who have otherwise contributed to the growth, development and administration of the game through the Association" Jerry Manhold fits this description perfectly".

Brook Kindred then added, I am pleased to introduce, coming from his residence in Florida, the 55th member of the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame, Mr. Gerald W. Manhold. It was followed by a strong ovation from those in attendance and the presentation of the green jacket, symbolic of the award.

My own relationship with Jerry Manhold was largely the result of his activity. I did not see him in action on the APTA Board as I was elected to the Board at the same meeting in the Orange Lawn Tennis Club that he completed his service. But his legacy as a player and as a mover had been established. I competed in one Manhold Cup competition as I recall and it was a special occasion. Unfortunately the cost and difficulty of travel eventually doomed the tournament but it was a terrific idea and had a great run.

I am pleased to add my congratulations to Jerry for receiving this recognition, which is well deserved.

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