SAN ANTONIO -- While serving time, San Antonio native Flaco Pereida spent his recreational hours learning a game with roots dating back to the 19th century.
- One man picked up skills in prison
- Veteran learned when returning from Vietnam
- Only public outdoor handball court in the city
"I learned to play handball when I got locked up," he said.
The 47-year-old was released from prison in 2007. Once free, Pereida wanted to continue the skills he developed while practicing handball. He found a home at Escobar Park on the city’s West Side.
"I heard there was handball here,” said Pereida. “So that's why started coming over here.”
Not everyone who enjoys the sport of street handball has done time behind bars.
"I came back from Vietnam. I picked it up from my brothers,” said Franklin Martinez.
The 78-year-old combat veteran says he has played handball at the West Side park since the 1960s.
City records show Escobar Park has the only public outdoor handball court for the seventh-largest city.
Players gather every weekend beginning at noon, Saturday and Sunday.
Watch the full story above to see how street handballers play the game.