Courtney 'Cuddy' Walsh

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Courtney 'Cuddy' Walsh

HISTORY
CUDDY’Z: A Celebration of a life and sports
He’s one of the world’s most respected and admired cricketers, the first in the history of the game to take 500 Test wickets. And even though this region produced some of the world’s greatest bowlers, he stands alone atop the list of West Indian wicket takers with 519. He has become an Ambassador for his country, recipient of countless honours from nations and institutions across the globe and remains loved by people everywhere for his achievements, his style and his humility. He’s also now an entrepreneur.

We speak of Dr. the Hon. Courtney Walsh O.J., Ambassador-at-large, or as we all refer to him affectionately…CUDDY. His brainchild and venture CUDDY’Z, the ultimate sports bar, in his hometown of Kingston is a celebration of a life filled with achievement in a sport inseparable to the fabric of Caribbean life. But it is also a celebration of sports and in sports-mad Jamaica, with an unparalleled per capita achievement in the world of sport; CUDDY’Z is a virtual shrine to the endeavors of athletic pursuit.

The “big man” speaks of the philosophy behind his unique sportsbar/museum. “I wanted a place where people could eat great food and enjoy exotic drinks, but also have fun, surrounded and infused with the spirit of sporting achievement. I love what sports represents in the totality of mind, body and soul and hopefully, in the shadows of little pieces of some great Jamaican and international athletes, we can not only reminisce…but celebrate the essence and the beauty of sport.”

The “little pieces” he refers to, is of course the many historic and priceless memorabilia (insert link to pics of the memorabilia) which adorn the walls and tables at CUDDY’Z, many sent as gifts from some of the world’s greatest sports personalities. There’s an autographed picture of golfing super star, Tiger Woods, a boxing glove signed by former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, an international football cap earned by England winger Johnny Barnes; and even a baseball autographed by the late, great New York Yankee, Mickey Mantle. There are autographed pictures and other items of NBA stars Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Lebron James and NFL grid iron warriors Joe Montana and Jerry Rice of yesteryear and Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick of more recent vintage.

But it is the Jamaican memorabilia that Cuddy is most proud of which includes not only some of his own historic items like the shirt he wore when he broke Kapil Dev’s world record in 1999 or the actual ball used to take his 500th Test wicket in 2001. How about the actual bat used by Lawrence “Yagga” Rowe to score 302 against England in 1974 and autographed team shirts from the successful Jamaican Olympic team of 2004 and football team, “The Reggae Boyz”, from FIFA World Cup 1998.

CUDDY”Z has become a favourite hang out of not just sports fans, but anyone who enjoys the great atmosphere of sports. The sports bar is especially packed and lively whenever there is a sporting event going on with over 40 televisions and a giant screen for viewing pleasure.

So whether it’s the great food and drinks, the educational and historic value of the unique sporting memorabilia or the chance of shaking hands with the big man himself, CUDDY’Z is a welcomed attraction to the Kingston entertainment scene that shouldn’t be missed.