I'm not sure quite how to start this, as I'm no poet of Pool such as Joey A, among others. But here goes.
Around 3-4 years ago, I met JoeyA at White Diamond Billiards and realized that many had great respect for this man and his vast knowledge of the game. I then studied his process, gaining knowledge and a different view of this game we call Pool. After about a year I thought my game had improved such as to challenge him to the Louisiana AZB Crown at the next White Diamond event. I then made it official with a callout, and making sure I had the correct criteria for the challenge. Joey so gracefully met my challenge with agreeing to whatever terms I saw fit. Being the 1-pocket player he is, and the 1-pocket player I am not(never played the game) he agreed to a single race to 7, playing 9-ball on a Valley.
So in the preceding months I trained myself, because I knew the battle yet stand before me. And when the time came I felt confident, and eager. But no matter the confidence, it was not enough to best the Great Joey A. For I had lost 7-5. However I held my head high, because I knew I made a valiant attempt to take down such a beast.
So months pass and I continue to improve. And one day we decide to make a trip to Joeys home room, Buffalo Billiards. In the days before I decided to challenge the Great JoeyA again, but this time I would be in his element. Although I improved, I felt weaker in the mind about my chances. He agreed to the same game, as we had developed a good friendship, and respect for each other. But again, I just didn't feel confident, and it showed. With Joey besting me again, at a score of 7-4.
So now we fast foreword to the present. My game stronger than ever, but in my head I know that The Great JoeyA is still the better player. None the less I issue my 3rd and final challenge, because I know if I can't win now, I will never win. He agrees to the same game as always, but this time I want to play where it all started...White Diamond Billiards. He agrees and I set my training in motion. Day in and day out, I try to better my mental state; I try to better my breaks; because I know this will be the last epic battle between the Tiger and the Pig(yes I'm fluffy).
So the day comes. It's Saturday, March 16th 2013, and we arrive at White Diamond Billiards around 9am. I start getting warmed up, waiting for Joey to arrive. Shortly after, I see Joey walk through the door. I continue to play around as he greats all of his brethren. Then I walk up to him, asking if he's ready. He says yes of course. Then I ask if he would like to warm up; and he says no. At first I thought to myself, "What have I gotten myself into." I knew because he hadn't needed to warm up that he must be playing extremely well. But I shook it off and got back to my state of "victory" in my mind.
The coin flips and off we go. About an hour later I wake up from my mental state and look at the score, and to my amazement it was 7-2.......but the beads lay on my side. I shake Joeys hand and tell him good match, as he does to me. I still am not sure what it took to best The Great Joey A, but I knew I had achieved it.
But I know in my head who the True King of Louisiana is, and he will get a shot at getting his Rightful Crown back upon his head. This time upon HIS terms.
~Mitch
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