Episode Two:
"Eddy Hamel was just 28 years old when his playing career came to a sudden, sad end. On November 9th 1930, early in his eighth season at Ajax, Eddy was playing in his usual right wing position when he suffered a knee injury, serious enough to force him out of the game."
This episode describes Eddy's quick transition from star player to successful coach, first in Volendam and then in Alkmaar, as well as his marriage to Johanna Wijnburg. Scroll down for more content.
RKSV Volendam, national champions of the Catholic Football Association, 1934-35. Standing (L-R) Siem Snieder (linesman), Bakkertje Tuijp, Jan Bond, Thoom Mooijer, Jan Koning, Fruk Tuijp, Jan Sier, Eddy Hamel (trainer). Kneeling (L-R) Wim Runderkamp, Thijs Bond, Klaas Koning, 'Kleine' Kees Jonk, Hein Smit.
Source: AFC Ajax
An article in I Am Expat magazine from 2016 by Thomas Lundberg describes the flood and its tragic consequences, as well as how it led to construction of the Afsluitdijk, which prevented further flooding but also decimated the economy of Volendam. Archival footage of the disaster can be seen here.
De Courant newspaper, August 30, 1929. Eddy and Johanna are pictured at bottom-left.
Caption: "The Football Wedding of the Day. Yesterday, Ajax player Eddy Hamel and Miss J. Wijnberg got married in Amsterdam. The bridal couple leaving the town hall."
Source: Delpher
Alcmaria Victrix team in November 1933.
Source: Peter Gerritsen, Archivist Alcmaria Victrix. All rights reserved. Do not download or re-distribute without permission.
Johanna Wijnburg-Hamel, Eddy's wife, sits in the first row of the grandstand during an Alkmaria Victrix match in 1934, Eddy's final season as coaching in Alkmaar. This photo appeared in the club newsletter. Estelle is wearing a beret and eyeglasses. This is the last known photo of her.
Source: Peter Gerritsen, Archivist Alcmaria Victrix. All rights reserved. Do not download or re-distribute without permission.
