Pool Players with Charisma

Tried to green rep you but they say I have to spread it around.

Thanks for sharing this great story. And congrats on your 10-ball win. :thumbup:

Best,
Brian kc

KoolKat9Lives said:
Earl is rarely short for words no doubt! I had a little money match set up yesterday at Breakers in Greensboro at 2:30 pm. I arrive @ 2:20, to just the barkeep and one patron. I go wash my hands and walk out of the bathroom only to hear a familiar voice. Big E is in the house. He says "Hey Matt, how ya doin'? I heard you have a big match with XX so I thought I'd come watch and see if I could learn something!" LMAO.

So I start to warming up (GC III) and he says "Matt, we gotta get you on a tighter table. I ran 408 on this table." He proceeds to grab the 6 ball, sets up a straight up the long rail shot and says "and can you believe this is the shot I missed for 409?! THIS shot!? I'm down on this shot and some guy walks up to me and asks where the bathroom is." (the bathroom is like right behind the dummy). "So I get back down on the shot and miss. He distracted me! ARRRGH!" As the animated Earl grabs 2 handfuls of hair.

So I get back to warming up and he says "man, that red circle looks like a marble! We gotta get Richard (owner) to get new CB's!" Then he starts discussing the differences betwee the measles ball and red circles. He grabs some balls, makes a layout and says red circles draw easier, measles are tougher to control and a better option for the more experienced, discusses how the finishes are different and measles wear out quicker - must be a conspiracy to make us buy 'em more often, lol.

Then the charasmatic man, all tanned and looking in fine shape with a Hustlin muscle shirt on, got into his current state of his golf, tennis and running. At one point he goes "I can't believe what this guy said on the internet about me. He said I didn't play in Archer's tournament because I'm on crack! Can you believe that?! I run 5 miles a day, every day, and I'm on crack?! You can't be on crack and run 5 miles a day!" (is it any wonder most pros don't post on the 'net!! I could tell it bothered him, how could it not?)

Too damn funny! He's a trip! Yeah, he's got charisma. He's got it all going on! :thumbup: Thanks for the time yesterday Earl!

Oh, shortly after that, a # of other players and shakers stroll in - including a couple guys that hadn't been there in years. Maybe ya'll heard of this one - Big Al. That dude is a planet. He's 6'11". The legend (in part) goes he could be at the foot rail racking and reach over and pull balls out of both side pockets simultaneously! I ran into him during a bathroom break and he says something like "I used to be able to do it, but I think if I tried it now, I'd throw my back out!"

Oh, btw, my 10 ball match went quite dandy. :grin-square:

'Twas a great day at the hall yesterday. Earl can really draw a crowd and can hold court with the best of 'em. :thumbup:
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Let us not forget Bugs

Jaybird, you left out another fabulously charismatic player, the late, great, Bugs Rucker. When Bugs would sweep into a poolroom, closely followed by his large entourage, and dressed to the nines, the deadest, dullest poolroom would come to life as if the Rolling Stones had just entered the room. Fats was the only other guy that could light up a joint like that. Everyone knew big action was only moments away.

Part of my Eulogy to Bugs:
"You might never see another champion the likes of the mighty Bugs Rucker. He could play anywhere, on any table, for any bet. He didn't even have his own cue stick. Even if someone gave him one he would usually sell it within a week. He could play with one directly out of the wall racks. He ducked no champions, but many champions ducked him. If you were dumb enough to play him a short set, like two out of three for all of it, nobody outside of Cornbread Red and Ronnie Allen could handle that kind of pressure like he could. "


Beard

Complete agreement on Fats, Ronnie, Keith, and Louie
 
JAM said:
You must be in the metro DC area in order to have seen all those guys. I have not seen Hawk in a while, but he's a great action player, shows no fear and is willing to step up to the plate.

I really like Bobby Hawk's style. He's also easy on the eyes -- dapper and handsome! :love2:

Danny, of course, wants to remain incognito and fly under the radar, which is the reason he claims to not go to many high-profile pool tournaments. :p

Haven't heard Pooky's name in a long while. Heard he got bit by the poker bug, like a lot of pool players I know! :grin-square:

Ryan is still grinding. I see him reading this forum sometimes, but he doesn't post much. :)

Keith and Ryan used to get in a lot of action together locally as partners. There used to be this guy named Seth at USA Billiards in Laurel, before it closed down. Seth was a good guy to gamble with; that is, until Seth's game improved and nobody knew how to clock his speed. :eek:
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ya I play in that area we have met before ,

one thing about that list , there is no lack of confedence among them
the first time i met hawk was at phils bar and grill 20yrs ago he walks in looks around and says any one want to play some for 5 I say ok we flip for break he wins breaks looks at the table and says who's next , he dogs a ball I run out and say well i guess that would be me, he paid me in change:eek:

Danny will be back, the passing of his mom realy got him down
I see pooky every now and then been a while, last time he was robbing randy stock in one pocket


These are great players who talk the talk but can walk the walk

I would love to get these guys back to the pit next yr at vally forge

onestroke
 
freddy the beard said:
Jaybird, you left out another fabulously charismatic player, the late, great, Bugs Rucker. When Bugs would sweep into a poolroom, closely followed by his large entourage, and dressed to the nines, the deadest, dullest poolroom would come to life as if the Rolling Stones had just entered the room. Fats was the only other guy that could light up a joint like that. Everyone knew big action was only moments away.

Part of my Eulogy to Bugs:
"You might never see another champion the likes of the mighty Bugs Rucker. He could play anywhere, on any table, for any bet. He didn't even have his own cue stick. Even if someone gave him one he would usually sell it within a week. He could play with one directly out of the wall racks. He ducked no champions, but many champions ducked him. If you were dumb enough to play him a short set, like two out of three for all of it, nobody outside of Cornbread Red and Ronnie Allen could handle that kind of pressure like he could. "


Beard

Complete agreement on Fats, Ronnie, Keith, and Louie
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Bugs had a different kind of charisma. He was bigger than life, much more than an ordinary man. He was the closest thing to a pool God I ever saw. People were in awe of Bugs, afraid to approach him. When he moved forward, everyone scattered. You gave Bugs space! The KING was in the house with us mere mortals!
 
You missed one

Jay, great post! Those guys definitely had charisma. I don't know if you were ever around U.J. Puckett, but I assure you that he had it as well. A big guy, with a big, booming voice -- when he walked into the room he became the center of attention (unless he was intentionally trying to stay under the radar). When he came over to Dallas in the early 1960s, all the pool guys would listen to his stories and hang on every word. He was just bigger than life when he was in his prime.
 
As far as Cornbread, Mataya and Puckett are concerned, they were all noteworthy people and players. Cornbread was probably the most engaging figure in the poolroom, because he would really take over when he was there. He was THE ALPHA DOG of the pack wherever he went. With Cornbread you got the impression that he would not only beat you, but then he would eat you!

U.J. was Cornbread's long time road partner. A big burly lovable old codger. You could tell he must have been menacing in his youth, but in his 60's he had developed a softer appeal. He was maybe the second funniest guy in the room when Fats was around, and Fatty loved to kid with U.J. They would have a running dialogue whenever they happened to be together. And it was always hilarious! U.J. had a trick game that no one could beat him at, "One and Stop" One Pocket. He was hands down the best player. Even Ronnie didn't want any of that game with U.J.

MATULA! Oh what a character he was. A wonderful guy and a great player, make no mistake about that. When he played he was holding court, half player and half entertainer. It was his schtick! He had his own routine that he played over and over and still does if given the opportunity. But it was an act, it was not the "real" Jimmy. In truth he was a sensitive guy who had deep feelings about the world around him, and how he fit in. One more thing about Jimmy. Like "Handsome" Danny Jones, Jimmy gave himself the nickname "Pretty Boy Floyd". He took to calling himself "Floyd" even when talking with friends. It could sometimes be a bit disconcerting to hear him say stuff like, "Floyd came to play!". We NEVER called him Floyd! Maybe he didn't like that there were so many good players named Jimmy in pool at the same time. Jimmy Reid, Jimmy Rempe, Jimmy Marino and Jimmy Fusco. Plus Jimmy Mataya. I think he just wanted to change his name. No one was even sure who the real "Hippy Jimmy" (Jimmy Reid) was.
 
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Hi all. Jay, my choices weren't as colorful as yours, but I still believe they deserved a mention. Jay "Swanee" Swanson and Jimmy Fusco. Especially Jay. I recall them walking into the players area together in the old Chesapeake Holiday Inn for the US Open. I'd always stop them to say hello and chat a bit. The two of them remind me of my two calico's. Don't normally like a lot of attention, but you can't help but love them anyway. Jay was like this big doll that you just had to hang around. I'm sure you have many more stories than I regarding them both, but they were the ones that I always wanted to hang out with.

BTW, I know he's not as popular as those mentioned so far, but Captain Hook always drew a crowd.

Hanging out at the bar with Sigel, Jimmy Mataya and Mike X was always good for stories and a crowd to listen to them.


tim
 
stikapos said:
Hi all. Jay, my choices weren't as colorful as yours, but I still believe they deserved a mention. Jay "Swanee" Swanson and Jimmy Fusco. Especially Jay. I recall them walking into the players area together in the old Chesapeake Holiday Inn for the US Open. I'd always stop them to say hello and chat a bit. The two of them remind me of my two calico's. Don't normally like a lot of attention, but you can't help but love them anyway. Jay was like this big doll that you just had to hang around. I'm sure you have many more stories than I regarding them both, but they were the ones that I always wanted to hang out with.

BTW, I know he's not as popular as those mentioned so far, but Captain Hook always drew a crowd.

Hanging out at the bar with Sigel, Jimmy Mataya and Mike X was always good for stories and a crowd to listen to them.


tim
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Swanee was one of the most loved pool players of all time, by his peers. If you couldn't win the tournament, you were happy if Swanee did. No one ever had a bad word to say about Swanee. He would give you his last dollar if you asked him. He shared his life and his big heart with everyone he met. He never met a stranger. And yet, he may have been the most feared big money player alive. Swanee was the guy the big boys flew in when someone wanted to play sky high 9-Ball. He didn't dog it for a thousand a game, and not many players could handle that kind of altitude. Believe me all the top players had mucho respect for Mr. Swanson. You wouldn't hear much woffin' when he was around. :wink:

Jimmy Fusco was another super nice guy off the table and a cold blooded killer on it. He played all games equally well. It would be hard to pick his best game, because he had no weaknesses. Not everyone knew how good he played Banks. I know Freddie did! :) As good as Sigel, Varner and Buddy were at Banks, I'd take Jimmy over all of them. He played Tony Fargo or Truman's speed, or damn close. And Jimmy was a proud man. Some big shots were knocking Jimmy's action back in the early 90's for not supporting the Mackey regime. They were trying to keep Jimmy out of major tournaments because of it. He flew all the way out to Reno and kicked their butts just to let them know not to mess with him! That was Jimmy.
 
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So apropos

jay helfert said:
As far as Cornbread, Mataya and Puckett are concerned, they were all noteworthy people and players. Cornbread was probably the most engaging figure in the poolroom, because he would really take over when he was there. He was THE ALPHA DOG of the pack wherever he went. With Cornbread you got the impression that he would not only beat you, but then he would eat you!

U.J. was Cornbread's long time road partner. A big burly lovable old codger. You could tell he must have been menacing in his youth, but in his 60's he had developed a softer appeal. He was maybe the second funniest guy in the room when Fats was around, and Fatty loved to kid with U.J. They would have a running dialogue whenever they happened to be together. And it was always hilarious! U.J. had a trick game that no one could beat him at, "One and Stop" One Pocket. He was hands down the best player. Even Ronnie didn't want any of that game with U.J.

MATULA! Oh what a character he was. A wonderful guy and a great player, make no mistake about that. When he played he was holding court, half player and half entertainer. It was his schtick! He had a his own routine that he played over and over and still does if given the opportunity. But it was an act, it was not the "real" Jimmy. In truth he was a sensitive guy who had deep feelings about the world around him, and how he fit in. One more thing about Jimmy. Like "Handsome" Danny Jones, Jimmy gave himself the nickname "Pretty Boy Floyd". He took to calling himself "Floyd" even when talking with friends. It could sometimes be a bit disconcerting to hear him say stuff like, "Floyd came to play!". We NEVER called him Floyd! Maybe he didn't like that there were so many good players named Jimmy in pool at the same time. Jimmy Reid, Jimmy Rempe, Jimmy Marino and Jimmy Fusco. Plus Jimmy Mataya. I think he just wanted to change his name. No one was even sure who the real "Hippy Jimmy" (Jimmy Reid) was.
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Amazing that you mentioned Pretty Boy Floyd (Mataya), because last night I went to a Cubs game with Race Track Phil, George Fels, Jimmy Mataya, Cole Dickson, and Larry Swartz. We all got together and sat in the rooftop seats on Sheffield ave, directly across the street from Wrigley Field. Even tho I am a White Sox fan and hate the Cubs, I had a great time nontheless. The rooftop seats are phenomenal. They are roomy, with couches and lounge chairs, and provide all you can drink and eat. It had a fabulous view with a cool breeze coming in from the Lake.

Mataya had bet $1200 on the "over" 8.5 runs and thousands more on the game itself. He bet on the Cubs and laid 2 1/2 to 1. The Cubs were losing 7 to 1 in the fourth inning, but the wind was blowing out ferociously. Mataya never gave up and the Cubs responded with 5 home runs and won going away 14 to 7.

Larry Swartz puts this clan meeting together at least once a year. We all had a great time. Thanks Larry.

Mataya will probably come back in a few weeks when the Detroit Tigers come to Sox park.

Your trivia tid-bits are very insightful. Example, I know Mataya since he was a teenager, and I never call him Floyd, even tho thats what he calls himself. Also, I had forgotten about the "Hippie Jimmy" name mixup thingy. Hippy Jimmy was a famous pool name in the 70s but it referred to, depending on which one was in the area, both Jimmy Reid and Jimmy Marino. They were both deep into that culture. It got to be confusing sometimes, especially when they were both playing out of Hollywood and the Billiard Den. Plus they both played about the same speed! Which was world class.

Beard

Jimmy Fusco and Jimmy Rempe were sometimes also called Hippy Jimmy.
 
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freddy the beard said:
Amazing that you mentioned Pretty Boy Floyd (Mataya), because last night I went to a Cubs game with Race Track Phil, George Fels, Jimmy Mataya, Cole Dickson, and Larry Swartz. We all got together and sat in the rooftop seats on Sheffield ave, directly across the street from Wrigley Field. Even tho I am a White Sox fan and hate the Cubs, I had a great time nontheless. The rooftop seats are phenomenal. They are roomy, with couches and lounge chairs, and provide all you can drink and eat. It had a fabulous view with a cool breeze coming in from the Lake.

Mataya had bet $1200 on the "over" 8.5 runs and thousands more on the game itself. He bet on the Cubs and laid 2 1/2 to 1. The Cubs were losing 7 to 1 in the fourth inning, but the wind was blowing out ferociously. Mataya never gave up and the Cubs responded with 5 home runs and won going away 14 to 7.

Larry Swartz puts this clan meeting together at least once a year. We all had a great time. Thanks Larry.

Mataya will probably come back in a few weeks when the Detroit Tigers come to Sox park.

Your trivia tid-bits are very insightful. Example, I know Mataya since he was a teenager, and I never call him Floyd, even tho thats what he calls himself. Also, I had forgotten about the "Hippie Jimmy" name mixup thingy. Hippy Jimmy was a famous pool name in the 70s but it referred to, depending on which one was in the area, both Jimmy Reid and Jimmy Marino. They were both deep into that culture. It got to be confusing sometimes, especially when they were both playing out of Hollywood and the Billiard Den. Plus they both played about the same speed! Which was world class.

Beard

Jimmy Fusco and Jimmy Rempe were sometimes also called Hippy Jimmy.
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I'd fly to Chicago to join that crew! I mean how could you get a word in edgewise. I can see Larry just leaning back and taking it all in, with that shiteatin' grin on his face. George making his mental notes and once in a while coming out with a zinger or two. Freddie and Jimmy would be leading the conversation, and Cole would occasionally chip in some incoherent babble. How close am I Freddie? Do I know this crew? :thumbup:
 
JAM said:
When Earl is enjoying pool, he's so much fun to be around. I've been fortunate to see Earl shine at many a tournament, laughing and having a good time.

Here's a funny pic taken by Diana Hoppe of Earl and Keith cutting up, practicing before a tournament match. Earl was getting ready to play Karen Corr, and Keith was ribbing Earl, teasing him. Earl looks cool and calm in this picture while he's lauging it up, but, believe me, Earl wasn't looking forward to playing Karen Corr. It's well known, especially on the Joss Tour, that Karen is capable of beating anyone, even the champs. :wink:
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JAM, was that at the Joss tournament up in Chelmsford, MA? The one week extravaganza they held in 2003? I was at that tournament and watched Keith play many matches. Him and Ryan went back and forth in the finals the first weekend...then later on in the week, it was Keith and Larry Lisciotti matching up against Evgeni Stalev. Was great to watch Keith at work...
 
Walked into Butch's pool room in Springfield, MO one afternoon and there was Louie Roberts trying to get some action. Nature was calling so I headed directly to the facilities in the back. As I opened the door to enter, I heard Louie say, "I'll spot anyone in here 15 for $50 on that snooker table."

I said "You're on." in a loud voice as I walked into the mens' room.

The spot didn't last long but Louie kept playing. I don't think he walked out of that room with much money on him.

Butch kept some of the money he won from Louie that day in a frame behind the counter until the day he (Butch) died. It wasn't long after our session in Springfield when Louie ended it all.
 
I agree with Jay 100%,Keith is the only player that I would pay an admission to watch ! I saw Ronnie playin the early 70's and played him a few times, he was amazing. I've played Keith and been in a few ring games with him, they broke the mold after he was born !!!
 
Recollections,,,,,,

Man, what great stories and annecdotes from a bygone era, probably one that will never return,,,,

Priceless gems guys,,,,,thanks for brightening up the day !!

,,,,,,,,Alan.......
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
He says "Hey Matt, how ya doin'? I heard you have a big match with XX so I thought I'd come watch and see if I could learn something!" LMAO.
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Who was the victim yesterday? Couldn't have been Rick....


KoolKat9Lives said:
Then the charasmatic man, all tanned and looking in fine shape with a Hustlin muscle shirt on, got into his current state of his golf, tennis and running. At one point he goes "I can't believe what this guy said on the internet about me. He said I didn't play in Archer's tournament because I'm on crack! Can you believe that?! I run 5 miles a day, every day, and I'm on crack?! You can't be on crack and run 5 miles a day!" (is it any wonder most pros don't post on the 'net!! I could tell it bothered him, how could it not?)
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Yep....it's crazy what people say. Just a couple weeks ago some idiot posted something similar.

KoolKat9Lives said:
Oh, shortly after that, a # of other players and shakers stroll in - including a couple guys that hadn't been there in years. Maybe ya'll heard of this one - Big Al. That dude is a planet. He's 6'11". The legend (in part) goes he could be at the foot rail racking and reach over and pull balls out of both side pockets simultaneously! I ran into him during a bathroom break and he says something like "I used to be able to do it, but I think if I tried it now, I'd throw my back out!"
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Big AL....he's a good friend of Earl's. Has been for many years. Also a golfer. I have seen Al pull the balls out, in person. Quite amazing. Really nice guy. Last ran into him at the US Open a few yts back.

KoolKat9Lives said:
Oh, btw, my 10 ball match went quite dandy. :grin-square:
thumbup:
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I just want to know if you played 3 foul.....:)
 
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