I was thinking about some of the players I knew many years ago who have slipped into oblivion. Just wondering if anyone out there remembers any of these guys.
Arizona Sean (deceased) - He was a slender handsome young man out of Arizona who became best friends with Don Johnson and worked on Miami Vice as a writer. He was good enough to win a qualifier to play in Fred Whalen's Los Angeles World Championship in 1972. Sean also was a stunt double for Warren Beatty on Shampoo and Kaliediscope. He was a fascinating guy who I last saw at the tourney we held at the Biltmore Hotel in 1987.
Harold Johnson - The all time biggest crybaby I ever saw in pool. And he played pretty good too. He would carry on like his life was coming to an end if he missed a ball or two. He was from Illinois I believe.
Billy Ray Suden - A degenerate hustler who played pretty good back in the 70's. He came into my poolroom in 1973 and we played a Race to Eleven for $200. I was down 9-2 and came back to win. He flipped out and broke his cue. I heard he was still playing back East. Originally from Rhode Island I believe.
Jimmy Harris - From Florida, a damn good little player who had this shit eating grin plastered on his face all day long. Maybe it was the weed. I snuck Jimmy Reid in on him and after that he left California, returning to Florida.
Junior Harris - I called him the June Bug. He traveled the country playing pool for years. Played a pretty good speed too. Last I heard he turned to preaching.
Bill Mielke - A damn good shortstop out of Wisconsin. I saw him grind down a lot of good players, he had no quit in him. His drinking may have gotten the best of him.
Crazy Bruce - From New Jersey by way of Miami. He was certifiable, one screw loose at all times. Played good Eight Ball but was always his own worst enemy. Heard he made it big in real estate. Could barely read or write!
"Johnny Dollar" Overton - From Ohio and Indiana. He was the first real pool hustler I ever saw in action. He snuck around Dayton beating up on light weights like me. Heard his grandson is John Overton, the pro golfer.
Paul Baker - From Iowa, another triple sneaky and smart hustler who played good golf and pool. His hustle was to go in the pool room and tell everyone he was a golf hustler. And also go to the golf course and tell them he was a pool hustler. Worked for him!
Little Frankie - From New York. He was playing for serious money when he was only 13. A predecessor to Keith, an East Coast version. The cockiest little kid you ever saw. He cussed like a man and he was just a little boy. He could play too!
Augie Donatelli - He came out to California with Freddy and was the better player of the two back then (except for Banks). It took a strong player to beat Augie.
Buddy Dennis - One smooth operator. He was so low key you wouldn't even notice him in the poolroom. That is until he beat the best player in the house out of all his money. :smile:
"Three Fingered" Ronnie Sypher - Out of Baltimore, he was a strong money player and a pretty fun guy to hang around with. I wonder what happened to him.
Steve Carter (deceased?) - A fairly good player that was another head case. I took him around a little out here and he never could do much. Last I heard he put on a tournament and disappeared with the money. This was over 20 years ago.
Where's Toby anyway? I really liked that little guy. He had more heart per square inch than any living human! And Roger Griffis is another very good player that fell off the map. He beat Efren to win the Hollywood Billiards tourney in 1990.
A more famous player that I really liked was Marvin (Henderson). We spent a lot of time together in the 60's just hanging out and getting high. I loved hanging with Marvin, we always had a good time. I miss that ole son-of-a-gun! And what a player he was, simply the best around wherever he went. Although when Richie came up so fast out here Marvin took a pass on him. He was no dummy.
I can probably come up with a lot more, but these are just a few I was wondering about.
