[Zfdeisde]

From Tennis Week:

The U.S. Open is more than two months away, but you can earn an on-court spot at the season's final Grand Slam chasing down shots struck by the world's top players. The USTA announced that it will conduct ballperson tryouts for the 2009 U.S. Open at the National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., on Thursday, June 25th at 4 p.m.

On June 25, registration begins at 3 p.m. and tryouts start at 4 p.m. at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. All participants must be at least 14 years old.

The 2009 US Open is set for August 31-September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.


Prospective ballpersons will be evaluated on their running, throwing and catching skills. There are two different positions requiring either quickness and hand-eye coordination (net position) or a strong throwing arm (backcourt). The U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam tournament that requires its ballpersons to throw the ball across the full length of the court rather than roll it along the sidelines.
The U.S. Open employs approximately 270 ballpersons each year. About 75 rookies will rotate into this year's U.S. Open ballperson corps. Rookies earn minimum wage as part of the 10,000- person staff needed to run the tournament. The U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam event that pays its ballpersons.

It is a prestigious honor that has drawn distinguished participants ranging from the young John McEnroe to Seinfeld TV sitcom star Kramer to the court.

The tryouts are open to anyone 14-years or older. Anyone under the age of 18 must have valid New York State Working Papers in order to work at the US Open. For more information, please call the National Tennis Center at (718) 760-6200 or visit this USTA ballperson link.

http://www.usta.com/sitecore/content...n_Tryouts.aspx http://www.tennisweek.com/news/fulls...newsid=6634531

[viagraman]

Take note, dry. This is your chance to get up close to Paszek.

[marcusdexz]

The U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam tournament that requires its ballpersons to throw the ball across the full length of the court rather than roll it along the sidelines.
There's got to be a story behind this. Anyone know?

[Stovegeothnon]

I want to be a ballkid!

[freddystone]

Take note, dry. This is your chance to get up close to Paszek.

Thanks for the heads up.

Unfortunately, the only things I can catch ultimately require medical attention.

[itititit]

I want to be a ballkid!

Rumor has it that you've more than reached your ambition.

[gyjsdtuwr]

I want to be a ballkid!

[tarmpriopay]

I so remember this episode!

[aliceingoogs]

It's probably the only episode of Seinfeld, I remember watching...I was never a fan blush