OTLPA Hall of Famer Inductee!

2009 Hall of Famer BILL 'POPS' MATSON

Author of "The Greatest Sport - How to Play OTL"

One of the sweetest persons on the planet, and someone who strongly and deeply cared for the sport of Over-The-Line and the players that played the game. Pops passed away in 1991.

He had two sons and a daughter who got into the game competitively, with his son Willie taking five OMBAC First Place finishes home. Now Willie's sons Miles and Sean just had their first OMBAC win in 2009. It's all in the family.

He started coming down to the beach out of curiosity because of his sons, Mike and Willie, who were playing. They were always positive in their discussion about the sport of OTL. So, once he came down to watch, he was hooked and became a regular at Mariners Point. After the passing of his wife, Dorothy, Pops took his idle time and devoted it to the sport and people of OTL. His life during this time was a happy time for him. He got as much back from the players as he gave; and he gave a lot.

Pops invented the game and tournament called "Dolly Doubles" where it is co-ed and only one male and one female play on a smaller court. Dolly Doubles is much loved and still played today. He call the game and the girls "Dollies".

He wrote a book called "The Greatest Sport - How to Play OTL" so that everyone could learn about this unique sport, which was a great tool for the novice OTLer. He never sold a copy because he never intended to. He gave them away to everyone for free to anyone who wanted one. It will crack you up to read it, as he adds his bits of humor in it, such as the "Billy-Bob Rule (is to) = chase your first foul".

As he writes some of his first words in his book about OTL, it still holds so true..."Perhaps the best point I can make about the game that this treatise is based on, is that anyone, regardless of age, ability or sex, can play it competitively and enjoyably."

Other great comments that Pops made in the book were:

"What makes it even more appealing is the limited equipment, minimal team members and site facility."

"The bruises and scrapes are almost non-existent when played in the sand."

"You don't run bases! Competitive, yet kick-back."

"The requirement for maximum exertion or stamina is minimized."

***

"For the love of the game."

-- Janet Hatch, OTLPA, 04-20-10