Baysider Honored at National Tennis Center

For Brian Kritzer, tennis has threaded a lifetime. The Bayside resident recalls afternoons spent at Crocheron Park, seeking out someone—anyone—willing to play a doubles match with an eight-year-old kid.

"I'd pretty much play with anyone who would play with me," said Kritzer.  

On Saturday, Kritzer was honored as the first inductee of the City Parks Foundation's Sports Hall of Fame, in a ceremony at the City Parks Foundation's Sports Office and National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

It wasn't the first time tennis has brought him distinction.  

In 1989, at age 12, he was selected to play in City Parks Foundation's Reebok Junior Tennis Academy, which identifies 50 talented inner-city kids and provides coaching and guidance in the sport for its summer program. Suddenly, his outlook on tennis changed.  

"Mostly it just gave me an opportunity to be a part of a team," said Kritzer. "It really taught me how to work with a team and to put others ahead of myself.  

After five years with the Reebok Junior Tennis Academy, and a playing career at Benjamin Cardozo High School, Kritzer accepted an athletic scholarship to play tennis at Manhattan College. His entrance into college sports was eased by the grounding provided by the Academy, and its emphasis on the team.   

"Luckily I went to college with a totally different mindset (than many of my peers)," said Kritzer. "And that's due to Reebok."   

On Saturday, was honored as the first inductee of the City Parks Foundation's Sports Hall of Fame, in a ceremony at the City Parks Foundation's Sports Office and National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.    

"The Hall of Fame is an attempt to recognize the high achievers (of the program)," said Mike Silverman, director of sports for the City Parks Foundation. "Brian has just wanted to give back; he has volunteered every weekend for the tryouts for the past 15 years. ... He's sort of like the Cal Ripken."   

Now 35 and a child psychologist at Middle School 126 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Kritzer returns to the Academy, now in its 25th year, every May. He seems genuinely motivated by the chance to be of service, and sufficiently moved by his own experiences- the memorable van rides and the raucous team matches- to keep coming back.  

"Tennis can help you in life and in every aspect of your life," said Kritzer. "It gives people a positive outlet. I work with kids, and a lot of them don't have sports, don't have that positive outlet. And they get into trouble, they make bad decisions.  

"Tennis is a very individual sport. But when you're with a team, and you're rooting for each other, it's a lot more enjoyable than playing for yourself. I wish everyone could have that experience."