THE TOLL OF TIME

JOE ROBBINS

FSHPA Hall of famer Joe Robbins dies Sunday, Nov 20, at the age of 82. The easy going Robbins was inducted into the Hall of Fame in May, 2008. It might be apropo that Robbins is buried under a soft pit of clay with a horseshoe on top. Not one to gloat, he said the association was scraping the bottom of the barrel by selecting him to the hall.

Robbins often hosted the Tuesday and Thursday horseshoe leagues at Rotary Park. He enjoyed the outdoors and the camaraderie of the other players. Joe was also instrumental in getting the courts refurbished for the players. In addition, he ran a Orange Manor league where he lived in South Winter Haven. He also ran the events for the Polk and State senior games.

He had a gentle spirit about him. He started to play the game while growing up on a farm in Rochester, NY, throwing regular used horseshoes. He continued through WW II because travel was difficult and it was one of the few things to do. He called it the most fantastic sport in the world.

“He was an outstanding horseshoe member”, said friend and fellow pitcher Joe West.

KEN DUQUET

Ken Duquet was very active in horseshoes, and was a Past President of the Bradenton Horseshoe Club.  Ken had a heart attack at the Bradenton Horseshoe courts three years ago is when all the problems started, but Ken never gave up and even pitched with his oxygen tank. 

ROBERT STEGMAN

Bob was inducted into the FSHPA Hall Of Fame in 2003 for his many years of outstanding administrative work as the Association’s statistician. He was totally dedicated to his position as statistician and to the game of horseshoes. Bob was a member of the Clearwater Club for many years. Due to failing health he was unable to pitch these last few years but he kept in touch with his horseshoe friends, of which there were many. Bob passed away on September 7, 2011.