Is there any chance that this Tito character was in Jonesboro, Arkansas around 1993-94? Short, skinny guy with slick, black hair? Would have been in his early 20's (maybe) around that time? Everyone thought he was Hispanic, but the rumor was that Mike Sigel trained him in Hawaii. I could see him being a Hawaiian kid. I got the chance to play him for fun at Ron's Recreation in Jonesboro after watching him play for several months. I was playing the sportiest pool of my life and he beat me 6-4 in 9-ball on the big table. I couldn't help but think he was tryin to hide his speed a bit, as he really wanted some action. I told him that I wasn't a gambler and I just wanted his best game. I asked him about who trained him and he said, "Sigel in Hawaii....". But, I often wondered if he said that just because he knew the rumor.
I had heard later that Tito had moved on and was shot somewhere in the South. It didn't surprise me, simply because everyone hated him at Ron's, or so it seemed, whether it be out of jealousy or the fact that he ran his mouth a lot. Someone even made their feelings known about him on the men's bathroom wall.
I happened to run into Chuck Burns (brother of Vester Burns) and he recounted the same recollection of Tito.
Granted, I've not been around a lot, but Tito is still the best player I ever played. He was extremely quick, graceful and dragged the cueball around on a string. I've honestly still never seen anyone play like that. Ever.
And he LOVED to play the 9-ball Ghost.
Anyone else ever see the guy? Wish I had a pic.