Tryouts For US Open Ballpersons Being Held At National Tennis Center In Flushing
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Looking for a cool summer job? Head over to Queens, where tryouts are being held for 2015 US Open ballpersons.
Prospective candidates -- ages 14 and up -- will be evaluated by US Open officials on their running, throwing and catching skills.
"It would be the best job I ever had," Lenny Marlow told CBS2's Meg Baker.
Marlow was one of about 400 people trying out for what could be called the coolest summer job in sports. About 80 people are needed to work as ball boys and ball girls. at the U.S. Open Tennis Grand Slam.
"We are looking for people with speed, agility, good throwing arms, good attitudes," Cathie Delaney, Assistant Ball Person director U.S. Open said.
Just like the game of tennis, being a ball person takes a lot of technique. Hopefuls came prepared.
"A lot of running, catching, throwing," Jennifer Caceres said.
Three young ladies from Queens have been practicing together.
"We went over to the tennis courts over here and threw balls at nets," one of the girls said.
All ages are welcome at the tryout.
"I have a guy in his 60s working, 50s, 40s, 30s, 15-year-olds as long as they can do the job. No limit," Delaney said.
Scott Sloyer traveled from St. Louis, Missouri to complete a bucket list item. It's one of a few he still has left to do.
"I want to run with the bulls, tether one of those balloons at Macy's parade. Fun items to knock off the list," Sloyer said.
For CBS2's Baker, the first major lesson was that you have to pick up the ball with both hands.
"Some of our best ball people are baseball players. They can throw," Delaney said.
It's a once in a lifetime to share a court with some of the tennis greats.
"It was honestly one of the coolest experiences of my life. I'm a big tennis fan," Noah Wolfe said.
The U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam that throws the ball in the air. The other grand slam tournaments require balls to be rolled.
The U.S. Open begins August 31, ball person is a paid position averaging $7.50 an hour.
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