Who, is your pool playing hero, and why?

Actual pool playing I go with Sigel. I don't think the greatness of his will to win and instincts at the table will ever be duplicated.

CB control -- the always unsung Leonardo Andam, plays top flight pool, much better than most ever realized. I still think he moved the white better than anybody.

Attitude and control of emotions -- Efren. Never lets anything get to him, never complains about bad rolls, or jump cues or any other of the meaningless things to complain about, he just plays great pool and shuts his mouth. That is the essence of greatness at the pool table imo.
 
Well... Actually I don't have a hero to speak of but do admire some players.

Regarding the players of yesteryear here are my choices and why I liked them:

Luther "Wimpy" Lassiter: Probably one of the greatest nine ball players ever. Rock solid and very good under pressure. He had a sense of humor but you had to look for it. After beating a guy 5-0 for $100 back in the 1960's, the guy called Wimpy a "Hustler." Wimpy told him, "No. I am a pool player. If I were a hustler, you would have lost 5-4." :grin:

Cicero Murphy: Broke the barriers and was the first African American to win the U.S. Title and to play in the World Championship (I think). Many young people looked up to him.

Irving "The Decon" Crane: I just liked his approach to the game of 14.1 and his attempt to promote pool. Hell of a shot in his day.

Steve "The Miz" Mizerak: Before the Miz, the circuit was usually about 14 players in a Round Robin format. Miz played in fields of over 40 players and won the Title I belive six times in 14.1.

Regarding Today's Players:

Ralf Souquet: The "Kaiser" is probably one of the most versitile player out there. Very methodical with his approach to the game.

Alex P.: The "Lion" has been with us for a while but I feel he will be a force to reckon with for years to come. A likeable and personalable fellow, Alex is also very versitile and I foresee a great future for him.

John Schmidt: A personal friend (not that I sit in his living room and drink his beer type) and probably one of the best 14.1 players on the planet. Polite, respectful to his opponents, and is willing to share his knowledge with the younger players, John represents the sport well and is a true professional in my book.

People I would not have gambled with of yesterday:

Jimmy Marino: During the early 1970's, not too many people wanted a piece of Jimmy.

Luther Lassiter: Too solid of a player.

People I would not gamble with today:

All of them. I am too old, fat, and blind. I get "belly hooked" stretching across the table. :D

Favorite Commentators:

Danny DiLiberto and Grady Mathews: I love their stories. Very knowledgeable of the game. :p
 
some of my favorites:


mosconi - cue ball control

allison fisher - focus & tenacity

efren reyes - creativity
 
I have followed Effren since the late 80's,he's something else.
I've liked the miz as well..fatty really made me laugh thro the years.There are so many good players walking around these days..an there are so many women playing now an doing awsome..Fisher is fantastic,I can not say enough about what she has done for women in this game.I have my local players that I think alot of as well,some of those guys an gals just need to park their egos an they'll do just fine...but when all is said an done..I'm my hero,because in the end,at the end of the day I have to answer to myself.
Its friday..have a good weekend...
 
Very good input!

scratchs said:
I have followed Effren since the late 80's,he's something else.
I've liked the miz as well..fatty really made me laugh thro the years.There are so many good players walking around these days..an there are so many women playing now an doing awsome..Fisher is fantastic,I can not say enough about what she has done for women in this game.I have my local players that I think alot of as well,some of those guys an gals just need to park their egos an they'll do just fine...but when all is said an done..I'm my hero,because in the end,at the end of the day I have to answer to myself.
Its friday..have a good weekend...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the have a good week end wishes. Have a great week end!
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Pro players i admire but have never met

A few players I really enjoyed watching but have never met would have to be Evgeny Stalev from russia. I really like his bartable eight ball game and his nine ball game on either table. I watched a video the other night of Louie Roberts! He seemed like he was full of so much energy running around that pool table. MY favorite bank pool player would have to be Gary Spaeth! Two of these have already passed but pool videos and dvds have kept there legacy going for future players. Bobby Mcgrath from Peoria Illinois in my younger days was a exciting player to watch. When i lived in Peoria, he was the best pool player I had ever seen. He is so fast around the table when he is in stroke. These are a few of the players I would have on my list.
Randy Cole
Bobby Mcgrath
Louie Roberts
Evgeny Stalev
Gary Spaeth
 
Thank you for your input.

Winne2tough said:
A few players I really enjoyed watching but have never met would have to be Evgeny Stalev from russia. I really like his bartable eight ball game and his nine ball game on either table. I watched a video the other night of Louie Roberts! He seemed like he was full of so much energy running around that pool table. MY favorite bank pool player would have to be Gary Spaeth! Two of these have already passed but pool videos and dvds have kept there legacy going for future players. Bobby Mcgrath from Peoria Illinois in my younger days was a exciting player to watch. When i lived in Peoria, he was the best pool player I had ever seen. He is so fast around the table when he is in stroke. These are a few of the players I would have on my list.
Randy Cole
Bobby Mcgrath
Louie Roberts
Evgeny Stalev
Gary Spaeth
Click to expand...

Nice choice different too.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
like many I can't call them heroes

Like many before me, I can't really call pool players I admire heroes, I reserve that title for much more special people than those that are good with a pool stick. I don't have any real sports heroes either although those like the Olympic gymnist Kerry Scruggs who knew when representing her country that her ankle was damaged and had the guts to run and try to stick a landing after a vault come very close.

The first two are pretty cliche, Willie Mosconi and Efren, because they both expanded my understanding of what was physically possible on a pool table, in Willie's case taking my game to a whole 'nuther level just seeing what was possible. Efren might have too had his feats not been thirty years too late for me to try to copy!

The third is the last owner of Shopper's pool hall in Baton Rouge. His first name was Jessie, spelling uncertain, and I have been told his last name was Mills. I don't remember ever asking him. Jessie was the closest thing I had to a mentor in pool and he respected a young man's pride when pride was all I had. Jessie seemed pretty special in other ways. He wasn't making a killing at a rundown pool hall in a rough part of town but he also opened a youth pool center about twenty miles up the road that had to be a money loser.

JoeyA makes this list for several reasons. One is his unswerving or is that unsquerving dedication to the game. The other thing is that he has always seemed willing to help anyone and I have never seen him do something cheap or small in a pool room in the years that I have known him. That does stand out in a pool room. While others may have accomplished more in the pool world few if any have devoted the time and effort he has put into trying to benefit pool or the time and effort he puts into constant improvement of his own game. Joey, you are in some pretty fancy company!

I could name a double handful more from the forum but one more that I respect a great deal that seems to often be working quietly to benefit pool is Mark Griffin. I respect him a great deal without really knowing him. I also know he is a lucky man, Sunny has to be a joy as life's companion.

Hu
 
Hey ShootingArts, Thanks for your input...

ShootingArts said:
Like many before me, I can't really call pool players I admire heroes, I reserve that title for much more special people than those that are good with a pool stick. I don't have any real sports heroes either although those like the Olympic gymnist Kerry Scruggs who knew when representing her country that her ankle was damaged and had the guts to run and try to stick a landing after a vault come very close.

The first two are pretty cliche, Willie Mosconi and Efren, because they both expanded my understanding of what was physically possible on a pool table, in Willie's case taking my game to a whole 'nuther level just seeing what was possible. Efren might have too had his feats not been thirty years too late for me to try to copy!

The third is the last owner of Shopper's pool hall in Baton Rouge. His first name was Jessie, spelling uncertain, and I have been told his last name was Mills. I don't remember ever asking him. Jessie was the closest thing I had to a mentor in pool and he respected a young man's pride when pride was all I had. Jessie seemed pretty special in other ways. He wasn't making a killing at a rundown pool hall in a rough part of town but he also opened a youth pool center about twenty miles up the road that had to be a money loser.

JoeyA makes this list for several reasons. One is his unswerving or is that unsquerving dedication to the game. The other thing is that he has always seemed willing to help anyone and I have never seen him do something cheap or small in a pool room in the years that I have known him. That does stand out in a pool room. While others may have accomplished more in the pool world few if any have devoted the time and effort he has put into trying to benefit pool or the time and effort he puts into constant improvement of his own game. Joey, you are in some pretty fancy company!

I could name a double handful more from the forum but one more that I respect a great deal that seems to often be working quietly to benefit pool is Mark Griffin. I respect him a great deal without really knowing him. I also know he is a lucky man, Sunny has to be a joy as life's companion.

Hu
Click to expand...

Hero is just a word for top notch people that we like and they excel in what they do! I could have said favorite pool player. Always good to hear from or get a post from you in my thread.
I saw JoeyA last night, in Buffalo's Billiards, the World's Pool Hall. I told him he was so use to commentating that he wanted to be in the booth instead of playing matches! He laughed. Thanks again.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
well i can give just one but 1st a major influence in my life and pool game in his late tame years, god rest his soul, was denny searcy. An absolute gentlemen of the game, he was a big part of my life and still is at heart. the man had one of the best, fluid but strong as death strokes in the game in the 60's, 70's and 80's until he got sick. but he had so much god given talent and he was always a gentleman. never too busy to work on my game or play straight pool and put me in a coma as he runs sets out like its nothing, but even as he put a clinic on he always taught me something, always came out better for it...And denny was a player, he played 9 ball as good as anyone, when in-stroke no one wanted a slice of denny, one hole, straight pool, golf and the stories he had, to me thats a pool room...young guns trying to win a few bucks, the old timers who played lights out in there sleep. golf game on a snooker table, betting on the game or if you were lucky listen in on the stories of the old timers and how it was on the road "back in the day" or a legendary ring game with denny searcy a young johnny archer and younger dennis hatch, ronnie allen, grady matthews, danny diliberto, mike gulyassy and 1 or 2 locals who wanted a lesson at tuckers in chareston, sc....http://www.onepocket.org/HOF2007Dinner.htm
http://www.onepocket.org/SearcyMemorial.htm
http://www.onepocket.org/MathewsInterview.htm
and thats a good segway to my other player and thats THE BIG "D" or THE "HATCHETMAN", Dennis Hatch...a man who played with the best in the world in his teens, on the road with danny diliberto and the rest of the gang. Danny, Greg Hatch in charleston in there winnebago gamblin with world beaters, and they say tell ya what. how bout we drive back to Buffalo and get my 14 yr old son and come back and he'll play ya, and so they did and from there on Dennis was a champion, wore his heart on his sleeve and a bull on the table. a big guy, once a golden gloves boxer, yet a stroke that produces so much natural, effortless movement, a true champion. many would not be as relentless as he, he doesnt give up, imho, he is the worlds best player for the cheddar. and he had a very successful career at a young age and than ran into some of life obstacles which took him out of the game for 6yrs and he came back with a vengeance, won the MVP at The Mosconi Cup in his 1st appearance 19 years after he barely and unluckly lost to Buddy Hall at 19 yrs of age hill/hill at the U.S. 9 ball Open. How many guys make it to greatness twice in this game, not many, he is a man of talent that few really know and heart like a bull.
 
My List

Ralf Souquet
His discipline at the table (fundaments) and in the sport to me is just unbelievable not to mention his consistency (he finishes top in most any tourney that he enters). Pretty much everything about the guy is rock solid that's why he's my #1

European Players
I personally admire, inspire and enjoy watching them. And once again because of the discipline that they display both on and off the table not to mention i feel that they represent the sport better than most American players. More like 95%

Earl and Johnny
these guys have proven their strength and abilities in the past when they were pretty much in there prime, so i respect what they have accomplished.

Efren R
because of what he is doing for pool. And I he not a bad player also.....lol

Alex P
Awesome character always smiling and just busy being a nice person that loves to play pool and is not full of his self.....like most of the American player are. and as "tcmagnum" said, he's Flamboyant but not cocky.

but my true personal HERO would be MARK GFELLER

Yes I am american, but facts are facts
 
billy bones said:
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. :rolleyes:) 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! :o anyway that's my 2cent's & change. good luck & good pool fellows, Billy Bones :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Three very nice choices in my book.
i played Mike on a bar box in Denver years ago and got drilled.
i played John in Denver as well and we ended up pretty close and only because after about 8 hours I caught a roll and got near even and quit.
I met Dave and found him to be a very nice guy and honestly knew nothing of his passing. Very sad and he was far too young to go.
 
I thank you for your very good input!

morthnrdy said:
well i can give just one but 1st a major influence in my life and pool game in his late tame years, god rest his soul, was denny searcy. An absolute gentlemen of the game, he was a big part of my life and still is at heart. the man had one of the best, fluid but strong as death strokes in the game in the 60's, 70's and 80's until he got sick. but he had so much god given talent and he was always a gentleman. never too busy to work on my game or play straight pool and put me in a coma as he runs sets out like its nothing, but even as he put a clinic on he always taught me something, always came out better for it...And denny was a player, he played 9 ball as good as anyone, when in-stroke no one wanted a slice of denny, one hole, straight pool, golf and the stories he had, to me thats a pool room...young guns trying to win a few bucks, the old timers who played lights out in there sleep. golf game on a snooker table, betting on the game or if you were lucky listen in on the stories of the old timers and how it was on the road "back in the day" or a legendary ring game with denny searcy a young johnny archer and younger dennis hatch, ronnie allen, grady matthews, danny diliberto, mike gulyassy and 1 or 2 locals who wanted a lesson at tuckers in chareston, sc....http://www.onepocket.org/HOF2007Dinner.htm
http://www.onepocket.org/SearcyMemorial.htm
http://www.onepocket.org/MathewsInterview.htm
and thats a good segway to my other player and thats THE BIG "D" or THE "HATCHETMAN", Dennis Hatch...a man who played with the best in the world in his teens, on the road with danny diliberto and the rest of the gang. Danny, Greg Hatch in charleston in there winnebago gamblin with world beaters, and they say tell ya what. how bout we drive back to Buffalo and get my 14 yr old son and come back and he'll play ya, and so they did and from there on Dennis was a champion, wore his heart on his sleeve and a bull on the table. a big guy, once a golden gloves boxer, yet a stroke that produces so much natural, effortless movement, a true champion. many would not be as relentless as he, he doesnt give up, imho, he is the worlds best player for the cheddar. and he had a very successful career at a young age and than ran into some of life obstacles which took him out of the game for 6yrs and he came back with a vengeance, won the MVP at The Mosconi Cup in his 1st appearance 19 years after he barely and unluckly lost to Buddy Hall at 19 yrs of age hill/hill at the U.S. 9 ball Open. How many guys make it to greatness twice in this game, not many, he is a man of talent that few really know and heart like a bull.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear about your friend passing. He will always be in your heart. Thanks again for sharing this with us.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
I thought about this real hard...........

Lock N Load said:
Hello AZB family members and visitors as well. Everybody likes someone who is their hero. This is a pool related hero, that we are talking about! Someone that you try to play like, or that you just like the way they play pool...
Regards,
Lock N Load.
Click to expand...

Hi there and i thought about this real hard.

My heros out there are the players that I've worked with. When i see them win a match i just get really excited.

Like our own Joey A on here on AZ. I loved it when I heard he beat Rob Saez again at Diamond billiards and it was pretty deep in the tournament. I can't wait to see him mow'em down on Big trucks live streams Show.

Then there is Danny olsen from S Dakota. He just won the Junior Nationals about 2 or 3 months ago.

Also Tyler Styer from Milwaukee. He got third at the Junior nationals. Knocked out by Danny olsen.

Rodney Morris is a great player already as everyone knows but was really excited when i worked with him back in July of 2009 in Phoenix. Really liked what I showed him.

Not to mention hundreds more and they all know who they are. Too many to put on here that winning this and winning that.

These are my heros. I get excited everytime I see these guys on the live streams playing or hear of them winning or doing real well in a tournament.

There is nothing more rewarding for an instructor to see the great results from players he's worked with and know that what you showed might have helped that effort just a little bit.

I never knew this would happen but the rewards just keep coming back.

I know that all the teacher and instructor everywhere know what I mean.

The feeling is priceless. Thanks for being my heros.



These are my heros...............
 
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i would have to say jeremy jones. i have watched him play since we both were young. and we went to the same high school. he used to be real good friends with my older sister,and not only is he a great player but he is a great guy also
 
Buddy Hall for his stroke.
Efren, what can I say;)
Stevie Moore, for his attitude.
Alex Pagulyan for entertainment value.
 
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