A novel idea

Joe T

Well-known member
Form a national pro/am league that relies on nothing but a little unity among its players;

Ultimately we would like to have 64 of America’s best billiards clubs each hosting 8 high level or aspiring players, everyone is welcomed. There are several important and motivating factors that lead us to launch the ABCL;

#1 drastically reduces the time and expense players have previously had to deal with while competing on a national non handicapped level. The typical pro tournament will cost a player $1,000-$1,500 to attend, add to that the money lost while being away from family, business or school for a week at a time and you have a very tough hurdle to overcome 6-8 times per year, virtually impossible to justify for many and probably the main reason our sport misses out on a lot of high quality people/players.

With this united format a player can compete in 6 national events per year (no less than 40 matches played) for a total of $1,050 while competing locally and perhaps for free if they can gain a local sponsor, when they travel its short (1-3 days), sweet and paid for (Min $1,000 for National trip).

#2 produce a product that can help our entire industry. With 64 clubs and 500 of America’s best players competing weekly throughout the entire year we will have a product that is actually worth outside attention, think Nike Tour or now Web.com tour for Golf. All professional sports having farm type systems that feed and lead up to something bigger and better, we want that for our players and our industry.

#3 What can be done with 64 united clubs;
No less than 6 National Championships per year that cost a player no more than $175ea.
Daily matches streamed free from different clubs around the country.
Free fantasy billiards, video lessons and other contest that will help entertain our fans and supporters.
We will have a sensible place in which to point when our future players ask
“What should I do now?”

Sounds great right, a legit tour or league that is worthy of sponsorship but doesn’t depend on it. Well we could use a little help spreading the word, our first season is now in progress and while many have seen the bigger picture, have acted and helped to make it happen, many more can. It is not because they don’t like the idea that they haven't acted; it is because we are not accustomed to uniting on our own. Typical someone waves some money and some of us show up; with this new format we wave our own money and create our own destiny. I urge you to ask your local club to become part of the American Billiard Club League and ask them if you can be one of their elite 8!

If you would like to play in or see the ABCL being played at your local club you can sign in here and I’ll help you make it happen. Anything you can do to help us get a head start on season 2 (Sept) is appreciated. A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who reached out to help in season 1!

American Billiard Club League on face book https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBilliardClubLeague?fref=ts
www.AmericanRotation.com or
jttenball@gmail.com (I think I have to rename my email?)

PS to the Bonus Ball fans, players and supporters; we wish nothing but the best for Bonus Ball. Professional players being paid to play and playing towards a season Championship is a dream come true for all of us. We are not trying to compete with Bonus Ball; we are trying to help current players pursue their passion and raise future players for such leagues. Good luck in August!
 
Hi Joe,

I LOVE what you are doing. If it's not too far out of range, I would strongly suggest that you consider Skinny Bob's, in Round Rock, TX.

There are a lot of really good and truly great players that frequent this place, and the establishment itself is top-notch, with 14 very-well-maintained Gold Crown III tables, and a very pleasant atmosphere.

Skinny Bob's also happens to be the home of the Texas Open. It is centrally located (Deep in the Heart of Texas), so we often see visiting top players from Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, as well as many other Texas towns.

They are also doing their fair share of promoting pool, hosting many regional tournaments (with added money) in several disciplines (9b, 10b, 1P, 14.1, and more) throughout the year, in addition to hosting one of the most successful weekly BCA leagues in the region. I would not be surprised one bit if they hosted and added money to an American Rotation tournament. I would surely play in such a tournament, as well.

If you need any assistance, please feel free to get back in touch with me. Although I am in no way affiliated with the establishment itself, my friends and I (especially one friend in particular) know many of the players that would consider joining your league, as well as the folks you would need to contact in order to have a serious discussion about your league.

Skinny Bob's
Round Rock, TX
(512) 733-1111

I wish you and the pool world all the best with this new concept. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Sincerely and gratefully,

-Blake
 
Hi Joe,

I LOVE what you are doing. If it's not too far out of range, I would strongly suggest that you consider Skinny Bob's, in Round Rock, TX.

There are a lot of really good and truly great players that frequent this place, and the establishment itself is top-notch, with 14 very-well-maintained Gold Crown III tables, and a very pleasant atmosphere.

Skinny Bob's also happens to be the home of the Texas Open. It is centrally located (Deep in the Heart of Texas), so we often see visiting top players from Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, as well as many other Texas towns.

They are also doing their fair share of promoting pool, hosting many regional tournaments (with added money) in several disciplines (9b, 10b, 1P, 14.1, and more) throughout the year, in addition to hosting one of the most successful weekly BCA leagues in the region. I would not be surprised one bit if they hosted and added money to an American Rotation tournament. I would surely play in such a tournament, as well.

If you need any assistance, please feel free to get back in touch with me. Although I am in no way affiliated with the establishment itself, my friends and I (especially one friend in particular) know many of the players that would consider joining your league, as well as the folks you would need to contact in order to have a serious discussion about your league.

Skinny Bob's
Round Rock, TX
(512) 733-1111

I wish you and the pool world all the best with this new concept. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Sincerely and gratefully,

-Blake
Thank You Blake. I try my best to pick out the best spots from what I hear but nothing beats first hand knowledge and local support, will do my best to get them in on season 2.
 
I know the feeling about it being in your blood!!! I wish I started playing earlier in life, maybe today is be pretty good at it!!!
 
Where can we see which rooms this league will be at and the players involved?

Also what skill level is needed to participate?
 
Where can we see which rooms this league will be at and the players involved?

Also what skill level is needed to participate?


Hi Frank, Temp website still being built to show rooms and players but can give you an ear full here;
We have 3 rooms in NE, waiting on 3 rooms in NY NJ PA (Can't believe with all the strong players there that they're having a tough time gettng 8) 2 in NC, 3 in FL, 2 in AL, OKC, INDY, waiting on Cincinnati, Columbus & Buffalo, they got last minute info. I went out last minute to try and get 32 rooms and looks like we'll have 16 for the first season (the goal is 64 in 1 year)

For players in NE we missed on Mike Dechaine not sure why as I didn't get to talk to him and Snookers was full with 8, I know a couple of aspiring players wanted to compete with him though. We did get Tom D'Alfonso, Ray Mac and Steve Tavenier for the iron and we had a couple of A/B players step up to the plate too.

In NY I know Manny at Steinway wants Earl in but between Bonus Ball and his upcoming match with Shane i don't think he is going to make the first season but they have strong players anyway, one of which I'm glad to see playing will be Tony Robles, probably Frankie, Mett, Alaska, I think Manny is sponsoring Mett's son :) would like to see more of that. Actually in Buffalo we're trying to get a young 12 or 13yr old in??

The whole VA MD area struck out!! Not because the room owners didn't want to get in but they had a tough time getting 8 to commit. This seems to be our major hurdle; Open level players are not and have not been use to this type of format so they don't yet know what to think. They are so use to being nomads that pick their spots it's going to take a while to get them to see this is just one big low cost tournament that starts with 7 matches at home.

Down in FL we have some strong players; Raymond Linares who just won his THIRD consecutive collegiate title. Adam Wheeler is heading them up in Orlando, James Roberts and Donnie Mills just had a 148-150 match the other day and Tony Crosby is also playing out of Strokers. Rolando is the house pro there and he might be the best in the business.

Both Bumpers in AL have gr8 owners Robert Hall & Dave Rowell that play at high levels and they’ve done a good job to get 8 at each, many of which are stepping up to support the area and improve their games.

Over in OKC we missed out on James and I’m snot ure who the stronger players are but I do remember Mark Dimmick and I’m glad he’s in. Ken has put together the 8 for us and turned me on to the Challonge page he uses to run his events, I just haven’t had time to use it; hopefully he’ll give the quick course while we’re in Vegas.

And in Indy, we got killers! Thanks to one of our special az friends, lol one of which should be George Breedlove, not sure if he can commit but I sure hope so he has always been one of my favorite players. Missed out on my man Nick Varner in Evansville! I was hoping we could get 6 or 7 and then get Nick in there.

That’s the scoop for now. I have been working everyday to try and help get players and room owners together but it’s definitely tough this time of year to spring a new one on them. Almost forgot we have Marty Carey and Corey Harper warming up the rooms in your neck of the woods, probably for season 2 though.

We have 1 female that I know of, she is playing up north of Boston at Amazin Billiards. She doesn’t have a lot of experience yet but I can tell you having had some lessons with her, she is a rare package, talent, smarts and determination. I’m hoping that playing rotation with those guys is going to help speed up her learning process!

I wish it would have been easier to get 32 off the bat but do understand why we didn’t. We plan on getting 4-8-16 more each season and when we get to 64 of America’s best rooms with 512 high level and aspiring players we are going to have legit, self sustaining product for the players and for the industry.
 
Form a national pro/am league that relies on nothing but a little unity among its players;

Ultimately we would like to have 64 of America’s best billiards clubs each hosting 8 high level or aspiring players, everyone is welcomed. There are several important and motivating factors that lead us to launch the ABCL;

#1 drastically reduces the time and expense players have previously had to deal with while competing on a national non handicapped level. The typical pro tournament will cost a player $1,000-$1,500 to attend, add to that the money lost while being away from family, business or school for a week at a time and you have a very tough hurdle to overcome 6-8 times per year, virtually impossible to justify for many and probably the main reason our sport misses out on a lot of high quality people/players.

With this united format a player can compete in 6 national events per year (no less than 40 matches played) for a total of $1,050 while competing locally and perhaps for free if they can gain a local sponsor, when they travel its short (1-3 days), sweet and paid for (Min $1,000 for National trip).

#2 produce a product that can help our entire industry. With 64 clubs and 500 of America’s best players competing weekly throughout the entire year we will have a product that is actually worth outside attention, think Nike Tour or now Web.com tour for Golf. All professional sports having farm type systems that feed and lead up to something bigger and better, we want that for our players and our industry.

#3 What can be done with 64 united clubs;
No less than 6 National Championships per year that cost a player no more than $175ea.
Daily matches streamed free from different clubs around the country.
Free fantasy billiards, video lessons and other contest that will help entertain our fans and supporters.
We will have a sensible place in which to point when our future players ask
“What should I do now?”

Sounds great right, a legit tour or league that is worthy of sponsorship but doesn’t depend on it. Well we could use a little help spreading the word, our first season is now in progress and while many have seen the bigger picture, have acted and helped to make it happen, many more can. It is not because they don’t like the idea that they haven't acted; it is because we are not accustomed to uniting on our own. Typical someone waves some money and some of us show up; with this new format we wave our own money and create our own destiny. I urge you to ask your local club to become part of the American Billiard Club League and ask them if you can be one of their elite 8!

If you would like to play in or see the ABCL being played at your local club you can sign in here and I’ll help you make it happen. Anything you can do to help us get a head start on season 2 (Sept) is appreciated. A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who reached out to help in season 1!

American Billiard Club League on face book https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBilliardClubLeague?fref=ts
www.AmericanRotation.com or
jttenball@gmail.com (I think I have to rename my email?)

PS to the Bonus Ball fans, players and supporters; we wish nothing but the best for Bonus Ball. Professional players being paid to play and playing towards a season Championship is a dream come true for all of us. We are not trying to compete with Bonus Ball; we are trying to help current players pursue their passion and raise future players for such leagues. Good luck in August!

Joe, I wish that I was there in the USA to take part in this. One of the things that has kept pool alive in Europe and which I miss a lot was league play for grownups.

What I mean by that is that the format of playing sessions that require some skill against tough opponents where you have a definite goal to advance was wonderful.

League pool in the USA is great but also lacking in this regard. Your American Rotation (name I still don't like) is a great game and a great test of skill. The way you have it laid out for the teams is genius. You should be overbooked at this point.

All I can say is that sadly pool in America is severely fractured with so so many groups trying to carve out a niche that it's really hard to find unity. It's also a little bit of a crowded space with all the existing leagues and tournaments and tours.

I really really really hope that you are able to make this happen. And I hope that if I ever move back to America I can play well enough to be on a team.
 
John being in China is only slightly different than being here in Knoxville... I doubt we could field 8 competitive players these days and it is looking like any hope for a host room will be 2 hours away... I would likely be willing to make the weekly drive to it but who knows how they will fill out their 8spots....

I still have a hard time imagining the northeast rooms not getting 8 fast and the Alabama rooms being able to come up with 8 pro speed players. Been years tho since I traveled those roads every week...

Chris
 
Joe, I wish that I was there in the USA to take part in this. One of the things that has kept pool alive in Europe and which I miss a lot was league play for grownups.

What I mean by that is that the format of playing sessions that require some skill against tough opponents where you have a definite goal to advance was wonderful.

League pool in the USA is great but also lacking in this regard. Your American Rotation (name I still don't like) is a great game and a great test of skill. The way you have it laid out for the teams is genius. You should be overbooked at this point.

All I can say is that sadly pool in America is severely fractured with so so many groups trying to carve out a niche that it's really hard to find unity. It's also a little bit of a crowded space with all the existing leagues and tournaments and tours.

I really really really hope that you are able to make this happen. And I hope that if I ever move back to America I can play well enough to be on a team.

Thanks John, I know you would have been right up at the top of the sign up sheet.

You're spot on with all the seperate groups and I wish I had a way to bring them all together but as hard as my current mission is, that one would probably be 10x harder.

64 of America's best clubs hosting 512 high level & aspiring players.
 
John being in China is only slightly different than being here in Knoxville... I doubt we could field 8 competitive players these days and it is looking like any hope for a host room will be 2 hours away... I would likely be willing to make the weekly drive to it but who knows how they will fill out their 8spots....

I still have a hard time imagining the northeast rooms not getting 8 fast and the Alabama rooms being able to come up with 8 pro speed players. Been years tho since I traveled those roads every week...

Chris

Alabamians showing some heart and support.
 
Form a national pro/am league that relies on nothing but a little unity among its players;

Ultimately we would like to have 64 of America’s best billiards clubs each hosting 8 high level or aspiring players, everyone is welcomed. There are several important and motivating factors that lead us to launch the ABCL;

#1 drastically reduces the time and expense players have previously had to deal with while competing on a national non handicapped level. The typical pro tournament will cost a player $1,000-$1,500 to attend, add to that the money lost while being away from family, business or school for a week at a time and you have a very tough hurdle to overcome 6-8 times per year, virtually impossible to justify for many and probably the main reason our sport misses out on a lot of high quality people/players.

With this united format a player can compete in 6 national events per year (no less than 40 matches played) for a total of $1,050 while competing locally and perhaps for free if they can gain a local sponsor, when they travel its short (1-3 days), sweet and paid for (Min $1,000 for National trip).

#2 produce a product that can help our entire industry. With 64 clubs and 500 of America’s best players competing weekly throughout the entire year we will have a product that is actually worth outside attention, think Nike Tour or now Web.com tour for Golf. All professional sports having farm type systems that feed and lead up to something bigger and better, we want that for our players and our industry.

#3 What can be done with 64 united clubs;
No less than 6 National Championships per year that cost a player no more than $175ea.
Daily matches streamed free from different clubs around the country.
Free fantasy billiards, video lessons and other contest that will help entertain our fans and supporters.
We will have a sensible place in which to point when our future players ask
“What should I do now?”

Sounds great right, a legit tour or league that is worthy of sponsorship but doesn’t depend on it. Well we could use a little help spreading the word, our first season is now in progress and while many have seen the bigger picture, have acted and helped to make it happen, many more can. It is not because they don’t like the idea that they haven't acted; it is because we are not accustomed to uniting on our own. Typical someone waves some money and some of us show up; with this new format we wave our own money and create our own destiny. I urge you to ask your local club to become part of the American Billiard Club League and ask them if you can be one of their elite 8!

If you would like to play in or see the ABCL being played at your local club you can sign in here and I’ll help you make it happen. Anything you can do to help us get a head start on season 2 (Sept) is appreciated. A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who reached out to help in season 1!

American Billiard Club League on face book https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBilliardClubLeague?fref=ts
www.AmericanRotation.com or
jttenball@gmail.com (I think I have to rename my email?)

PS to the Bonus Ball fans, players and supporters; we wish nothing but the best for Bonus Ball. Professional players being paid to play and playing towards a season Championship is a dream come true for all of us. We are not trying to compete with Bonus Ball; we are trying to help current players pursue their passion and raise future players for such leagues. Good luck in August!

:thumbup:

Hi Joe,

You and I have never met but I have competed on the Joss and NE AB tours, have looked at the great game improvement stuff on your web site. Congratulations on your contributions to the game and also! good luck with your new league, I'm sure that after everyone reviews your league and what it has to offer room owners as well as players and sponsors it will be a win win situation.

While I am too old for competition (73) I want to volunteer my services to you and your league in whatever capacity that you see fit.

In the past I have competed at the Derby City Classic mainly because I like the format of bank pool, one pocket, 9 ball, the cost for me to play at the DCC was between $2,000-$2,500 each time and the best I ever did at the tournament was $500, as you can see the reason I participated was to support the pro players.

I am from New Hampshire and their isn't much competition here, so that is the reason that I've had to travel, I also! enjoy the competition at Snookers in Providence but I choose the tournaments that I play in.

I'm planning to play in the bud light platinum 4th annual ABC amateur 9 ball challenge qualifier this Saturday from 11:30am to 4:00pm if your in the area? stop in to say hello.

Again, best of luck with the new league.

John
 
:thumbup:

Hi Joe,

You and I have never met but I have competed on the Joss and NE AB tours, have looked at the great game improvement stuff on your web site. Congratulations on your contributions to the game and also! good luck with your new league, I'm sure that after everyone reviews your league and what it has to offer room owners as well as players and sponsors it will be a win win situation.

While I am too old for competition (73) I want to volunteer my services to you and your league in whatever capacity that you see fit.

In the past I have competed at the Derby City Classic mainly because I like the format of bank pool, one pocket, 9 ball, the cost for me to play at the DCC was between $2,000-$2,500 each time and the best I ever did at the tournament was $500, as you can see the reason I participated was to support the pro players.

I am from New Hampshire and their isn't much competition here, so that is the reason that I've had to travel, I also! enjoy the competition at Snookers in Providence but I choose the tournaments that I play in.

I'm planning to play in the bud light platinum 4th annual ABC amateur 9 ball challenge qualifier this Saturday from 11:30am to 4:00pm if your in the area? stop in to say hello.

Again, best of luck with the new league.

John

We haven't met but I do know who you are and have admired your game at least a couple of times at Snookers.

Thanks for taking the time and for your past and present support. Just so you know Dharma at Grand China Billiards in Salem NH did a gr8 job of putting together 8 players for us. Not sure how far that is from you but maybe we can get you a spot in season 2 ;)

I won't be able to make the Snookers event as I'm about to head out the door to the BCAPL Nationals but play great and thank you!
 
Joe, please correct me if I am mistaken on any points here but this is my take on this league.

I easily got 8 players together. The hard part is getting the top players to play because they are busy trying to travel all over to make their money. We missed 4 of our top 6 players in the OKC area, but I didn't think I would get Chip, Joey, and James. In fact I haven't seen James around in a long while. I just happened to see him and Debbie at a tournament one Sunday and hit him up about playing. I was only able to get a text sent to Chip which went unanswered. I did get to chat with Joey a bit about it. He liked the idea but was unable to commit due to being on the road so much. Sean King went so far as to sign up until he realized the night we were playing on interfered with his existing schedule.

Anyways, I sold this in OKC as a semi pro league for players who want to find out what they can do against the better players around. I anticipate Gordy and Mark to be "our guy" from OKC moving up but who knows...maybe one of us regular Joe's will beat the odds and take their place!

That is what this league makes possible. The chance for a relatively unknown player to gain the respect of his peers and confidence in himself. And who knows...those are powerful drugs which might spawn a champion!

If you want to follow our league results they can be found at http://abcpl.challonge.com/072013okc


Ken
 
We haven't met but I do know who you are and have admired your game at least a couple of times at Snookers.

Thanks for taking the time and for your past and present support. Just so you know Dharma at Grand China Billiards in Salem NH did a gr8 job of putting together 8 players for us. Not sure how far that is from you but maybe we can get you a spot in season 2 ;)

I won't be able to make the Snookers event as I'm about to head out the door to the BCAPL Nationals but play great and thank you!

Hi Joe,

China Billiards is not far from where I live (Bedford) I'll drop in and introduce myself to Dharma.

Thanks for the information.

Good luck in Vegas.

John
 
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