My pick is "Fricso Jack". I saw him play many times, but not one time did I see him gambling.
Does robbery count as gambling?
My pick is "Fricso Jack". I saw him play many times, but not one time did I see him gambling.
Has there ever existed a non-gambler top player? At least in the last 50 years? Of course from US. I'm sure others around world may not gamble.
Also, if all top players have gambled at some time, which is known to gamble the least.
Has there ever existed a non-gambler top player? At least in the last 50 years? Of course from US. I'm sure others around world may not gamble.
A few names that come to mind are:
Willie Hoppe
Ralph Souquet
didn't willie hoppe only play 3 cushion? people gamble playing that? i've never even seen anyone actually play that game.
Willie Mosconi was against gambling in pool. He was guilty of using his skills to feed his family, but did not like the gamble part of pool at all.
I'm sure Earl would have to be included in the discussion.
I think it's widely known, that his Cuetec contract forbade him from gambling.
Although, I'm sure he gambled before and after his tenure with Cuetec, I don't think he is/was considered a big-time action player.
Anyone with more "Earl" knowledge than I have, care to speak up?
I'm sure Earl would have to be included in the discussion.
I think it's widely known, that his Cuetec contract forbade him from gambling.
Although, I'm sure he gambled before and after his tenure with Cuetec, I don't think he is/was considered a big-time action player.
Anyone with more "Earl" knowledge than I have, care to speak up?
Tommy Kennedy has always had the reputation for being a non-gambler and he plays pretty sporty.
Earl lost to SVB a few years ago. I think they played a match during the Lexington Allstars or something.....:shrug:
Earl also played Efren over seas in the race to 120 if I remember right.
Some of the top non gamblers from the old days were Irving Crane and Joe Balsis. Even Steve Mizerak got totally away from gambling for many years. Ray Martin was also not much of a gambler. Mike Massey went straight after he found religion.
Modern era Ralf Souquet, Mika and Thorsten come to mind. They focus on trying to win tournaments. All three have a lot of pride though, and if someone got out of line with any of them it could be a costly mistake. I'm trying to remember who it was that pushed Miz to gamble in New York many years ago. I just remember Steve blitzed the guy playing 9-Ball.
Mosconi got egged into a match with famous hustler Nicky Vachiano in Philly once upon a time. 9-Ball with Willie giving up big weight. It ended up costing Nicky a pretty penny.
My pick is "Fricso Jack". I saw him play many times, but not one time did I see him gambling.
Mosconi gambled, if you can call it that, frequently as a young man; as a champion, nobody wanted any part of him, although he did win one brief but ballyhooed match with 1-P expert Don DuQuoy. Caras also gambled frequently when younger, and had several matchups with Don Willis, which he apparently lost. Crane would accept an occasional wager on a tournament match if he knew the opponent. Balsis wouldn't bet a dime. GF
I know Mosconi and I think Caras worked for Brunswick, Crane sold cars, what did Balsis do outside of pool for a living?
He owned a butcher shop for twenty five years. Joe "The Meatman" Balsis.