Happy birthday Willie Hoppe

Bob Jewett

Bob Jewett

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William Frederick Hoppe was born on this day in 1887. By the time he was 10, he was supporting his family with exhibitions and in January, 1906 when he was 18, Hoppe beat the great French player Maurice Vignaux to become World Champion. Those who followed Babe Ruth also knew what Hoppe was up to. Here's more info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc4iaJWu8Ak
 
Nice post Bob, going to post some pics of him on here that have rarely been seen. :smile:
 

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:woot: Here's to a guy who wasn't scared to follow his dreams. That takes heart. Something most people are missing these days. The fact that we still mention his name and talk about him makes him immortal and he will live forever. Wish I had the pleasure to live during your prime, Willie! Thanks for the pics, Lenny.
 
Good grief!! I'm not sure I've seen Hoppe shoot that much before on camera. The man was just incredible! Thanks, Bob!
 
Well, I guess Happy Birthday wishes are in order. Thanks for the link, Bob. And for the pictures, Lenny.

Dave
 
This thread is well worth another look.
If you watch the cue between the bridge hand and the cue-ball when
Willie shoots, his skill can be better realized.
Forget about conventional styles, it's all about seeing the shot and hitting
the cue-ball with the cue.

Years ago, I read an account of the 18 year-old Willie playing the 'Lion of
France' Maurice Vignaux. Willie was considered a big underdog.
An American industrialist was asked to cover a big bet. He didn't like Willie's
chances but did so out of patriotism......anybody know his name?

Chia-ching Wu winning the world 9-ball was history repeating itself.
 
pt109 said:
...
Years ago, I read an account of the 18 year-old Willie playing the 'Lion of
France' Maurice Vignaux. Willie was considered a big underdog.
An American industrialist was asked to cover a big bet. He didn't like Willie's
chances but did so out of patriotism......anybody know his name? ...
Click to expand...
I'm pretty sure the story was in either "Thirty Years of Billiards" or "Billiards As It Should Be Played." I remember a story that Willie's "tip" was $50,000 as the industrialist got good odds, and that was pretty good money back then.
 
Happy birthday! Nice gesture, we have to remember and cherish the ones who made this beautiful game popular:).

Chrippa
 
Bob Jewett said:
I'm pretty sure the story was in either "Thirty Years of Billiards" or "Billiards As It Should Be Played." I remember a story that Willie's "tip" was $50,000 as the industrialist got good odds, and that was pretty good money back then.
Click to expand...

I believe it was Eddie Foy, a famous entertainer of that era.
There were several bets made where Foy doubled up during the match.
 
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