In the 70's and early 80's racquetball was a very popular sport. Many enjoyed the competitive play and intense cardio vascular work out. Many colleges built racquetball courts and offered classes and intramural racquetball leagues

In the 70's and 80's there were many places to play in Baltimore.

Some YMCA locations had courts. Two of the most popular locations were a 14 court club in Towson and a 16 court club in Woodlawn. Both clubs hosted national professional and amateur tournaments.

Many things happened simultaneously that over time prevented the growth of racquetball. For one, young athletes gravitated to year round team oriented sports. Secondly, the core players were getting older and weren't playing as often as they did years ago.

With fewer racquetball players, owners of racquetball clubs started re-purposing racquetball courts opting for more standardized fitness equipment. Clubs that once had 14 or more courts now have only 2. Clubs now market racquetball as a cardio option and

not as a life-time sport