by Martin Judnich, edited by Geoff Capell

Dan Marble was considered one of the most colorful and efficient of handball players. Twice he reached the finals in the national singles, losing to the fabulous Joe Platak in Los Angles in 1936 and in San Francisco to fellow Olympian Jack Clements in 1942. In both cases Marble was attempting an iron man stunt in the long courts, competing in singles and in doubles (almost all the way in both).

At the Olympic Club, Dan followed the reign of Al Banuet by winning the singles title in 1932, 1933, and 1934, and the doubles in 1932 and 1933 with Mike De la Pena, present Winged “O” handball coach. In Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay Area handball championships, Dan won numerous singles and doubles titles, representing the Olympic Club with Mike De la Pena, and later John Engles for the San Francisco Police Department or the South End Rowing Club. Dan was considered one of handball’s cleverest strategists and deadliest shot makers with either hand.

Congratulations on your induction into the Northern California Handball Hall of Fame.