WPH Handball Destination Series Showcases Buena Park 3-Wall Courts in SoCal
WPH Showcase, Los Angeles, CA
The WPH is excited to continue the WPH Handball Destination Series to showcase the world’s greatest handball cities and venues. On this edition of the WPH Handball Destination Series, we will feature Buena Park 3-Wall courts, home to many of the game’s best 3-Wall Big Ball players, to include Anthony “Chopper” Hernandez, Jose Villegas (Peanut), Gabino Velazquez (G-man), Ramon Valencia (Lobo) and many more.
Buena Park Info
Address of the courts: 7520 Dale St, Buena Park, CA 90620
Number of courts: Four
Dimensions of the courts: 40H x 40L x 20W
Singles and doubles at Buena Park: Players play singles, doubles, 2v1, 3v1, Paddles and occasionally Racquet vs Hands – so everything you can imagine!
Most popular times of the day/week to play: Sundays – players from all over SoCal come to compete from 11am-5pm. In addition to Sundays, players play every day Monday-Sunday from 2pm-8pm from A to C level.
Number of players at Buena Park: 50+ Players
Top players: Anthony “Chopper” Hernandez, Edgar Vizcaino (Manos Locas), Jose Villegas (Peanut), Gabino Velazquez (G-man), Ramon Valencia (Lobo)
Buena Park community leader: Self-governance. “Everybody has their purpose at the handball courts and those with common interests are the ones who associate with each other,” stated Chopper Hernandez.
Ranking ladder: No official ladder- word gets around quick for rising stars and they challenge better players to move up in the unofficial ranks
Buena Park tournaments: Two tournaments per year – not specifically named tournaments or annual. Just players/retired players gathering players and hosting a tournament
Current and past pros in at Buena Park: Anthony “Chopper” Hernandez, Edgar Vizcaino (Manos Locas), Jose Villegas (Peanut), Gabino Velazquez (G-man), Ramon Valencia (Lobo), “Fuji” Hernandez
Most memorable tournament at Buena Park: 2021 Habachihana Restaurant tournament 2021: A, B, C divisions with more than 100 competitors and 500 spectators
“The 2021 Singles tournament I hosted,” stated Gilbert Granado in reference to the most memorable Buena Park tournament. “It was a 32-man bracket! The finals was Josh Tellez vs Alfredo Morales. Josh won. It was memorable because the best players came out to compete, we gave trophies, shirts and prize money!”
Top players from other parks playing at Buena Park: “Buena Park has become the hotspot for competition in Orange County and surrounding areas,” stated Chopper Hernandez. “We have a minimum of ten A (pro) players from various courts that show up to compete and play challenge matches every Sunday.”
What Chopper likes about playing at Buena Park: “I like playing at Buena Park because the competition level is consistently high and I am able to constantly challenge myself to make improvements to my game,” stated Chopper Hernandez. “Buena Park has a rich history dating back to the 80’s where top handball players would compete. This competitive aspect of the game has resonated with these courts and these are the best courts in Orange County (in my opinion) to increase your skill level due to the amount of competition.”
Thank you to WPH Outdoor #1 pro Anthony “Chopper” Hernandez and Coach Gilbert Granado for sharing info and what they love about handball at Buena Park.
Would you like to see your handball facility featured on an upcoming edition of WPH Handball Destination Series? Please contact David Fink at David.fink@wphlive.tv to showcase your city
Check out all of the WPH Destination Series HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer