The Betmore Report - St. Louis road trip completed

W

Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Well, I just returned from the St. Louis area (Collinsville, IL to be exact). I had a 4 day extravaganza of pool at Mark Wilson's Billiard Bullpen. What a fabulous place and fabulous weekend.

I played about 15 hours of pool a day (interspersed with some lessons from Mark. DABABE (AZB's own - Teacher's Pet at the Vegas Black Widow Experience) showed up chauffering Jeanette Lee; and they both stayed the entire weekend. Lars Vardaman (?spelling?) showed up one day, and we were treated to some great JL vs. LV match-ups.

There were 9 ball and 10 ball tournaments on 3 of the 4 nights. JL won them all (no losses) - very good showing from DABABE as well.

The Bullpen is a very unique place. Serious players (I've never seen a single casual player there - though I believe they would be welcomed), top-notch equipment, world-class pool instruction. Anyone within several hundred miles that can't run 100 ought to definitely look into some lessons there.

My only regret is that I did not get to play much straight pool on the back table (big pockets, new cloth); I feel positive I could have broken 50 on that table. Unfortunately, Mark was busy arranging match-ups every free moment (I came out ahead for the weekend). Everyone was willing to wager (small amounts, short sets usually), and it was TREMENDOUSLY beneficial for someone who practices more than competes.

Mike Z. (AZB's ZimsRack) stopped by Friday and brought one of the cues he has made. Though I am not a cue expert; I can safely say this is one of the nicest, and highest quality cues I have seen in quite a while. To say I was impressed would be a gross understatement. The cue afficionado's out there should definitely check out Mike's work; get in on the ground floor, because that cue was NICE.

As always, Mark's wife Cathy (I hope I spelled that correctly) was present; surrogate "Mom" for all the regulars; making sandwiches and cookies for the tournament players.

Anyway, just a call out to the true student's of the game. You are missing it if you haven't spent some time with Mark at the Billiard Bullpen; I can't wait for my next visit.

P.S. - here's a link to a more concise description of what goes on at the Bullpen from a previous post:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=15750&highlight=game
 
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Hey, I forgot to mention something VERY interesting and unusual - I've not seen or heard of this elsewhere. When people want to gamble there - they ask Mark what a fair handicap would be - Mark then renders his opinion - then off they go to play. I never heard any significant negotiations taking place about handicap (even with me; a complete unknown to the regulars); it was "ask Mark, then go play", the only negotiations were about amount of cash or length of set, NOT about the spot. How cool is that?????
 
Williebetmore said:
Hey, I forgot to mention something VERY interesting and unusual - I've not seen or heard of this elsewhere. When people want to gamble there - they ask Mark what a fair handicap would be - Mark then renders his opinion - then off they go to play. I never heard any significant negotiations taking place about handicap (even with me; a complete unknown to the regulars); it was "ask Mark, then go play", the only negotiations were about amount of cash or length of set, NOT about the spot. How cool is that?????
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That doesn't sound like any fun at all! I mean, who the hell wants to make a fair game???

Only kidding; it sounds like a great way for people to hone their skills by matching up, without worrying about getting hustled. It sounds like Mark has created a great environment for people to learn about the game and interact with other pool enthusiasts. I've got to stop by there the next time I'm in the area.
 
Williebetmore said:
Well, I just returned from the St. Louis area (Collinsville, IL to be exact). I had a 4 day extravaganza of pool at Mark Wilson's Billiard Bullpen. What a fabulous place and fabulous weekend.

I played about 15 hours of pool a day (interspersed with some lessons from Mark. DABABE (AZB's own - Teacher's Pet at the Vegas Black Widow Experience) showed up chauffering Jeanette Lee; and they both stayed the entire weekend. Lars Vardeman (?spelling?) showed up one day, and we were treated to some great JL vs. LV match-ups.

There were 9 ball and 10 ball tournaments on 3 of the 4 nights. JL won them all (no losses) - very good showing from DABABE as well.

The Bullpen is a very unique place. Serious players (I've never seen a single casual player there - though I believe they would be welcomed), top-notch equipment, world-class pool instruction. Anyone within several hundred miles that can't run 100 ought to definitely look into some lessons there.

My only regret is that I did not get to play much straight pool on the back table (big pockets, new cloth); I feel positive I could have broken 50 on that table. Unfortunately, Mark was busy arranging match-ups every free moment (I came out ahead for the weekend). Everyone was willing to wager (small amounts, short sets usually), and it was TREMENDOUSLY beneficial for someone who practices more than competes.

Mike Z. (AZB's ZimsRack) stopped by Friday and brought one of the cues he has made. Though I am not a cue expert; I can safely say this is one of the nicest, and highest quality cues I have seen in quite a while. To say I was impressed would be a gross understatement. The cue afficionado's out there should definitely check out Mike's work; get in on the ground floor, because that cue was NICE.

As always, Mark's wife Cathy (I hope I spelled that correctly) was present; surrogate "Mom" for all the regulars; making sandwiches and cookies for the tournament players.

Anyway, just a call out to the true student's of the game. You are missing it if you haven't spent some time with Mark at the Billiard Bullpen; I can't wait for my next visit.

P.S. - here's a link to a more concise description of what goes on at the Bullpen from a previous post:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=15750&highlight=game
Click to expand...


It's Lars Vardaman if I'm not wrong. I saw some pix of him and JL on his facebook too. I think Lars lurks around here...come out Lars....

Glad to see you had fun, I need to make a trip up there sometime!

P.S. Sounds like you've improved tremendously since I last saw you at the Derby!
 
raemondo said:
It's Lars Vardaman if I'm not wrong. I saw some pix of him and JL on his facebook too. I think Lars lurks around here...come out Lars....

Glad to see you had fun, I need to make a trip up there sometime!

P.S. Sounds like you've improved tremendously since I last saw you at the Derby!
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'Mondo,
Yes, I believe Lars mentioned that he recognized my name from AZB. I apologize for the spelling; but he didn't have on a nametag. I did want to match up with him; but he seemed to prefer to play the Black Widow; go figure. Also he came up with some lame excuse about studying for exams; I guess he will have to get his priorities in order.

I think my daughter took some pictures of JL, Mark, and Lars - I will try to get her to help me post them soon.

I would definitely say my game has improved by a tremendous amount this year - working with Mark will do that. I'll beat breakup so badly he'll wish he hadn't given up the heroin.
 
Williebetmore said:
<snip>

I would definitely say my game has improved by a tremendous amount this year - working with Mark will do that. I'll beat breakup so badly he'll wish he hadn't given up the heroin.
Click to expand...
LMAO!! :p
 
Williebetmore said:
Hey, I forgot to mention something VERY interesting and unusual - I've not seen or heard of this elsewhere. When people want to gamble there - they ask Mark what a fair handicap would be - Mark then renders his opinion - then off they go to play. I never heard any significant negotiations taking place about handicap (even with me; a complete unknown to the regulars); it was "ask Mark, then go play", the only negotiations were about amount of cash or length of set, NOT about the spot. How cool is that?????
Click to expand...

That is really kind of weird. I have never heard anyone, anywhere, doing that. It is rather cool, that it was completely accepted too. I bet that kind of thing can really save some arguements. It would have been a trip to watch. Thanks for all the great reporting.
 
Donovan said:
That is really kind of weird. I have never heard anyone, anywhere, doing that. It is rather cool, that it was completely accepted too. I bet that kind of thing can really save some arguements. It would have been a trip to watch. Thanks for all the great reporting.
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D-man,
"Rather cool??" It was completely cool. Here I was, an out-of-towner, and these guys put up their cash having never seen me play, just on Mark's estimate; NO questions asked. I think they like to gamble, and it is obvious that Mark plays no favorites.
 
Billiard Bullpen

Dr. Don Failed To Mention His Lovely Alleged Wife Liz And Equally Beautiful Alleged Daughter Jennifer Were There To Baby-sit The Real Black Widow's Pet, Daughter Cheyenne.

Mark And Kathy, (one Of Us Has It Spelled Correctly) Wilson Are Awesome Hosts And Will Be Obligated To Do It Again As I Intend To Return Soon For More Lessons. Willie Failed To Mention That "spider" Only Beat Her Pet 150-128 In Straight Pool.

Dababe
 
DABABE said:
Mark And Kathy, (one Of Us Has It Spelled Correctly) Wilson Are Awesome Hosts And Will Be Obligated To Do It Again As I Intend To Return Soon For More Lessons. Willie Failed To Mention That "spider" Only Beat Her Pet 150-128 In Straight Pool.

Dababe
Click to expand...

Babe,
Definitely awesome hosts. I also plan to return next year - perhaps we can coordinate something.

As far as the relative skills of the Black Widow and her "Pet", I was unaware of the score. All I know is that almost everytime I looked over, SHE was doing the shooting (I guess you must have been keeping score).
 
Good job Willie! I see you really are improving by leaps and bounds. Your imaginary friends now are at least alive. I remember not long ago you posted that story about “barnstorming” with Ralph Greenleaf. Glad you got past that phase.

..anyway keep up the good work Willie, just remember it’s all baby steps.
 
breakup said:
Good job Willie! I see you really are improving by leaps and bounds. Your imaginary friends now are at least alive. I remember not long ago you posted that story about “barnstorming” with Ralph Greenleaf. Glad you got past that phase.

..anyway keep up the good work Willie, just remember it’s all baby steps.
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breakup,
I was very distressed to see your post...it's obvious you must be back on the smack. Check yourself into detox soon; there's less than a month until DCC, you'll play better without that monkey on your back.

P.S. - My condolences to you over your failed lawsuit - I do believe they should have changed the title of that movie to "What About Breakup?", since it was obviously about you.
 
Pics I promised

Okay, here are a few pics from St. Louis.

Here is WBM sinking another one in a hotly contested money match. Note the cool Cardinal pics on the wall - there are a lot of interesting pool pics as well (including a hand written letter from Willie Mosconi to Mark W.). If you look VERY closely you might see the WBM autograph on the wall (placed when no one was looking).
 

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Here is another one of the prominent players present that day: Mark, JL, LV.

DABABE is absent from the pic (probably surreptitiously placing Chicago Cub paraphenalia throughout the room - all such paraphenalia being deposited in the garbage when found by the proprietor).
 

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Here is pic of the "chalk girl". You can't be expected to chalk your own cue at a fine establishment like the Bullpen; chalk girls are included in the price (I have NO idea what Mark pays them, but it is a classy touch).
 

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Hey Willie?
regarding the above pic of you shooting, the one with the blue cloth with the Cardinal pics in the back...........

from what i can tell, your style in this pic is ABSOLUTELY NOT what mark wilson wanted me to do!!!

whats up there, dude? just clowning for a pic, perhaps? kinda curious here..........

DCP

p.s. not having a WPBA Event in Peoria isnt good.........
 
Williebetmore said:
Okay, here are a few pics from St. Louis.

Here is WBM sinking another one in a hotly contested money match. Note the cool Cardinal pics on the wall - there are a lot of interesting pool pics as well (including a hand written letter from Willie Mosconi to Mark W.). If you look VERY closely you might see the WBM autograph on the wall (placed when no one was looking).
Click to expand...

Hi Willie,

Nice post, thank you.

May I ask you how do you see the balls with your glasses on? I have to switch to contact because I just can't see any long shots. (Not that I can see that much better with my contact, but it just feels like I could:) )

Very nice room and nice company you got there, thank you for sharing.

Happy holidays,
Richard
 
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