Mariano Juaristi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Atano III
Mendizábal with a txapela and trophy
Full name	Mariano Juaristi Mendizábal
Born	(1904-02-21)February 21, 1904 Azkoitia, Guipúzcoa
Died	January 12, 2001(2001-01-12) (aged 96)
Country	Spain
Province	Gipuzkoa
Weight	84 kg
Debut date	1920]
Debut fronton	Azkoitia fronton
Position	Forward
Singles
1st Hand-Pelota singles championship	1940, 1942, 1944, 1946

Mariano Juaristi Mendizábal (born February 21, 1904 – died January 12, 2001) was a famous Basque pelota player from Azkoitia, Spain. He was known by his nickname, Atano III. Many people think he was one of the best pelotaris (Basque pelota players) ever. He was especially good at the "1st hand-pelota" style, which he dominated from 1926 to 1948. He won four championships in this style (in 1940, 1942, 1944, and 1946).

Early Life of Atano III

Mariano Mendizábal was born in 1904 in a farmhouse called Atano in Azkoitia, Gipuzkoa. His family got their nickname "Atano" from this farmhouse.

The Juaristi family, also known as the Atano family, was famous for playing Basque pelota. Many family members were pelotaris, and one even made the balls for the game. Mariano, known as Atano III, was the most famous player from this talented family. His younger brother, Atano VII, and his nephew, Atano X (son of Atano I), were also important players.

Atano III's Professional Career

Mendizábal started his professional career in 1920 at the Azkoitia fronton (the court where Basque pelota is played). He quickly became known for his amazing speed and flexibility. He played fast games and had very powerful serves. This was new and exciting for the sport, as most players at that time used a slower style with big bounces.

Atano III was also known for his hands, which were a bit fragile. This meant he could only play about once a month to avoid injuries. Even with this challenge, he beat many top hand-pelota players in the 1920s. These included Zabala II and Ulacia. He only lost one game during this time, to Artamendi II.

The Winning Streak Begins

Mendizábal's incredible winning streak began in 1926. He beat the best player and champion of that time, Juan Bautista Azcárate. To become a challenger for the title, Atano III first played a game against Azcárate. Atano III showed he was better because he could play well with both hands, while Azcárate mostly used only one.

For the championship title, they played a series of three games. Mendizábal won all three with scores of 22-19, 22-12, and 22-9. The last game was played on January 1, 1927, in Bilbao.

At the peak of his career, Mendizábal earned a lot of money. He made 6,000 Pesetas for each game he played. This was a huge amount, especially when most other pelotaris earned only 250 Pesetas. Because his games were rare due to his hand injuries, many people eagerly waited to see him play. His matches always had large crowds.

1st Hand-pelota Championships

Mendizábal (right), next to Miguel Gallastegui

Atano III remained the top player for fourteen years without anyone challenging his title. Then, in 1940, the pelota federation created the first official Hand-Pelota Championship. Atano III won this first championship by beating Txikito from Iraeta with a score of 22–8.

This championship was held every two years. Atano III continued his winning ways, taking the title in the next three championships:

• In 1942, he beat his younger brother, Atano VII, 22–5.
• In 1944, he defeated Felipe 22–8.
• In 1946, he won against Akarregi 22–16.

His amazing run finally ended in 1948. In his last championship game, he was defeated 22–6 by Miguel Gallastegui.

Death

In his later years, Mendizábal could no longer walk and used a wheelchair. He passed away on January 12, 2001.

Legacy

After he retired from playing, Atano III received a special sports merit medal in 1967. To honor him, the main fronton in San Sebastián was renamed from Anoeta to Atano III. This shows how important he was to the sport.

See also

In Spanish: Mariano Juaristi Mendizábal para niños