Does anyone remember the first weekly television program dedicated to pool?

[bondsman]

Although I am living in the Philippines now I really miss seeing pool on television. The answer to my question may only be known by a true historian like Jay. I know the first that remember was "King of the Hill. I have a vivid memory of the show and one of its champions, Chick Davis. Chick was black player from South Philly. The show air in the 1950's.

 

[lfigueroa]

Although I am living in the Philippines now I really miss seeing pool on television. The answer to my question may only be known by a true historian like Jay. I know the first that remember was "King of the Hill. I have a vivid memory of the show and one of its champions, Chick Davis. Chick was black player from South Philly. The show air in the 1950's.

hmmm, mighty have been "Ten-Twenty" from the 50's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBExQ1csXBw

Minnesota fats had his "Celebrity Billiards" some 10 years later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZFqhx0Aymo

Lou Figueroa

 

[bondsman]

It has been nearly sixty years since I last saw the program. While this one is old I am not sure its the one I saw as a kid. But wow that is old. Thanks.

 

[yobagua]

In 1966 there was a Show hosted on ABC by Chris Schenkel. It was a weekly straight pool battle. Saw a young Steve Mizerak on that one. It would be great if someone could dig these up.

 

[peteypooldude]

hmmm, mighty have been "Ten-Twenty" from the 50's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBExQ1csXBw

Minnesota fats had his "Celebrity Billiards" some 10 years later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZFqhx0Aymo

Lou Figueroa

Thanks for posting these links. This is the first I've seen of them

 

[Johnnyt]

I remember watching both those shows. I also remember sitting in the livigroom watching 10-20 billiards and my Dad saying, "Now they're trying to change pool. There ain't nothing wrong with it now. The ones that want to change it can't run 20 balls". Johnnyt

 

[jay helfert]

There was a regional show out of Chicago hosted by Frank Olivo in the late 50's I believe. The first shows that I was personally aware of were with Fats (Celebrity Billiards and Hustling the Pros).

 

[tksix]

Johnnyt, your Dad was right and wrong at the same time.

Frank Oliva created the show ten-twenty. Frank was a 100 ball runner, and the Chicago straight pool champ in the 30's. His brothers also were 100 ball runners. Frank anted so badly to promote the game, but was turned away because of the length and time it would take to televise. So, the TV execs told him it needed to be 30 minutes, and ten-twenty was born.

Side note..................he was friends with Mosconi, and tried desperately to get him to come on the show. However, he declined because he won matches with high runs, and he saw the format as a handicap to his game.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showth...ght=ten-twenty

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showth...ght=ten-twenty

http://illinoisbilliardclub.com/cont...rankOliva.html

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=88012&highlight=ten-twenty



Mike

 

[tksix]

Jay,

you are correct. It was called "Minnesota Fats Hustles the Pros"!