Don Carlsen

We are greatly saddened to report that Don Carlsen passed away Monday, September 23, 2002.  

Don Carlsen was inducted into the Colorado Handball Hall Of Fame in 1999 (the inaugural year of the HOF) to honor his dominating singles and doubles victories at the Downtown YMCA as well as his many accomplishments in the community.

Don's impact on Colorado Handball came after retiring from major league baseball.  He applied his natural athletic ability and his newly acquired free time to fine-tune his handball prowess at the Denver Downtown YMCA.  

Don played New York City sensation Ruby Obert in the 1965 National AAU open Singles Tournament, taking 2nd place.  

He gained National recognition during the 1974 National Masters Doubles tournament at the Denver Athletic Club.  Don and Buzz Shumate defeated the reigning National Champions at that time, Ken Schneider and Phil Ebert, who had not been defeated in the previous 5 years.  

In addition to his own accomplishments, it was with equal pride that he often spoke of his sons, Jack and Robin, and their influence on Colorado Handball.

We will miss Don and his engaging manner around the courts.