I like others do not generally adhere to "Hero worship" as it is commonly known. However there is a vast array of good players past & present as well as good people associated with the game whom it would be worthy to emulate. A name that I did not see is Charlie Williams. Solid world class talent, unpretentious, decent guy. Fatty has to recieve consideration just for what his over the top personality did for our game in public relations in a time when the public preception of pool was very poor indeed. Keith McCready for his incredible ability & audaciuous personality. There are many players who showed ability & good demeanor. Wimpy-Luther Lassiter, The Deacon- Irving Crane, Hoppe-Allan Hopkins, King James-Jim Rempe, The Miz-Steve Mizerak, Many of the young stars today fall into that category. There are of course just as many very talented players with less than stellar demeanors to say the least. Earl Strickland being the most notable of said individuals. However my opinions are formed from my personal experiences like everyone else. So as to the question of pool heros I do indeed have more than one of those throughout my life.
The very first on that list is the very reason I ever picked up a pool cue, a roofing hatchet or a fishing rod. He remains my hero to this day & will for as long as I breath air. He was bigger than life to me for many, many years. As well he should be. His name was "Doffie" everyone there knew him as Bill. He was my Daddy & I miss him dearly. As a teen I would on occassion go with my older brother to pick up Daddy from one of the dive bars he frequented in Dallas on Harry Hines Blvd., Trinity Lane or Industrial Blvd. At times I got to watch him play. He was impressive. His gig was simple, He would take road players off their big tables & their game & play 6 ball on a bar box. He skinned a few road players in his day. I watched him skin one for $6000.00 in about '70. That was a nice pocketful in them days.
Next on my personal list will be obvious to anyone who knows me or has read my posts. He was the classiest pool player I have ever seen in my entire life, bar none. He was a world class player & considered one of the very top money players in the world of his time, especially on a bar box. Not generally known is the fact he was equally talented on the big tables as well. He befriended me at a young age and served as a termplate as to what I would like to become as a pool player. (still working on that btw.
) He gave of his time when he was available. He intentionally sold the cue he won the "World Series of Tavern Pool" with to my wife very cheap because he knew I wanted it & my wife wanted to give it to me for my birthday. I assume he knew I could not afford what it was actually worth. His name is John C. Shuput- "Omaha John". It was my privaledge & pleasure to call him my friend for the 12 years I lived in Omaha. John even had the class & good sense to walk away from pool for personal reasons to start a successful 2nd career in insurance. Way to go John.
My last entry would have to be what I just found out is my late friend Dave Bishop also of Omaha. Dave was one of Omahas best players, only bested imo by John Shuput & Mike Highland. Dave was my personal friend. I played on leagues with him at if I remember correctly "The Village Bar" "The Wooden Apple" & other bars, as well as "The Pool Room". I believe it was on Leavenworth St. Dave allowed me to come at him relentlessly, hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month. It didn't matter I wasn't his speed yet. But the more I played the more I closed that gap. The kindest thing Dave ever did for me was to never show me any mercy. If I gave him the opportunity he would pummel me. Parcing that with suggestions & technical advice that I took to heart. The kindness of a friend who forced me to pay attention & play my very best whenever I got the opportunity. When Dave's wife Linda worked at "The Illussion Lounge" Dave & I would play endlessly for hours on end when it was slow there. Hours very well spent in very good company. I carry all these "Heros" with me every day & every time I approach the table. I will endeavor to honor them with the best play & demeanor I can display. In case I didn't tell you....... I can talk!
anyway that's my 2cent's & change. good luck & good pool fellows, Billy Bones :thumbup:
