As is customary at the end of the year, it is sometimes nice to take a look back at the events which have come and gone.
There have been some notable events, to include some magnificant triumphs along the way, and as such, I thought it would be fun to make mention of any and all happenings that you may think are noteworthy for 2006, as we get ready to enter the year of 2007.
Earl Strickland, the American player with the most championship titles, was finally recognized by the industry-member organization, BCA, and inducted into their Hall of Fame. I'm not sure if it will put any money in his pockets, but I was happy to see it finally happen. I would love to see Allen Hopkins next on the BCA's list of inductees for 2007. He is long overdue.
Depending on how you look at it, the IPT brought some pool players out of the woodwork to compete in multi-million-dollar venues. Most everyone had IPT mania, and the spirit of pool for many rose to a fever pitch, though at the end of 2006, the future is uncertain. I, for one, enjoyed the ride while it lasted.
A very young Jasmin Ouschan hit the pool scene on American soil with a bang, winning the BCA Open. This natural blond cutie pie is quite a good player, being compared to the pool icon, Jean Balukas, and caught the attention of the media, with her likeness plastered on the front pages. I am looking forward to watching her progress in 2007.
The pool world mourned the loss of Strawberry Brooks, a one-pocket champion, who hails from Washington, D.C. Another legend who left us this year was Weenie Beanie. He sure did keep action alive and well, and even today, folks still like to tell stories about this great one. Here on AzBilliards, we were all saddened when OldHasBeen passed, but he will always be remembered as one of the best posters on this forum, full of stories and always maintaining an upbeat attitude. And how can anyone ever forget Steve Mizerak. This champion was, and is today, one of the most recognized names in pool.
There was another first-time-ever happening in that the Mosconi Cup ended in a tie with Europe, but USA gets to keep the cup this year.
At any rate, those are my thoughts in the early morning of New Year's Eve. I am looking forward to reading the thoughts of others for the year 2006.
JAM
There have been some notable events, to include some magnificant triumphs along the way, and as such, I thought it would be fun to make mention of any and all happenings that you may think are noteworthy for 2006, as we get ready to enter the year of 2007.
Earl Strickland, the American player with the most championship titles, was finally recognized by the industry-member organization, BCA, and inducted into their Hall of Fame. I'm not sure if it will put any money in his pockets, but I was happy to see it finally happen. I would love to see Allen Hopkins next on the BCA's list of inductees for 2007. He is long overdue.
Depending on how you look at it, the IPT brought some pool players out of the woodwork to compete in multi-million-dollar venues. Most everyone had IPT mania, and the spirit of pool for many rose to a fever pitch, though at the end of 2006, the future is uncertain. I, for one, enjoyed the ride while it lasted.
A very young Jasmin Ouschan hit the pool scene on American soil with a bang, winning the BCA Open. This natural blond cutie pie is quite a good player, being compared to the pool icon, Jean Balukas, and caught the attention of the media, with her likeness plastered on the front pages. I am looking forward to watching her progress in 2007.
The pool world mourned the loss of Strawberry Brooks, a one-pocket champion, who hails from Washington, D.C. Another legend who left us this year was Weenie Beanie. He sure did keep action alive and well, and even today, folks still like to tell stories about this great one. Here on AzBilliards, we were all saddened when OldHasBeen passed, but he will always be remembered as one of the best posters on this forum, full of stories and always maintaining an upbeat attitude. And how can anyone ever forget Steve Mizerak. This champion was, and is today, one of the most recognized names in pool.
There was another first-time-ever happening in that the Mosconi Cup ended in a tie with Europe, but USA gets to keep the cup this year.
At any rate, those are my thoughts in the early morning of New Year's Eve. I am looking forward to reading the thoughts of others for the year 2006.
JAM
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