HALL OF
Fame
W. AVERELL HARRIMAN
There is little doubt that the diplomatic skills and tenacity of Averell Harriman during his long years of representing our nation were enhanced by his equally long years on the croquet field. Harriman, a brilliant shot maker, patient beyond endurance (the rare quality among croqueteers), approached the croquet opponent as he must have approached Stalin; cautiously, circuitously, searchingly; probing for the first sign of weakness to allow him to take the offensive and then weaving on into a cunning defense, wicket after wicket.
FULL BIO
There is little doubt that the diplomatic skills and tenacity of Averell Harriman during his long years of representing our nation were enhanced by his equally long years on the croquet field. Harriman, a brilliant shot maker, patient beyond endurance (the rare quality among croqueteers), approached the croquet opponent as he must have approached Stalin; cautiously, circuitously, searchingly; probing for the first sign of weakness to allow him to take the offensive and then weaving on into a cunning defense, wicket after wicket.
Harriman is truly one of the greats of the game. Whether on his own troublesome lawn in Sands Point — the third wicket was on a severe slope and position could be held only by hitting a spot of a few inches above it, or at Arden, or in England (I'm not sure about Russia, although they doubtless claim to have invented the game!), Averell Harriman was the most feared of opponents and needless to say, the most sought after partner.
Averell Harriman was inducted into the United States Croquet Hall of Fame in 1979.