I'm enjoying this one

Jerry Forsyth

Jerry Forsyth

Well-known member
We just put up a new featured video. It is from the old TV version of 14.1 called 10/20. This is a good one. It features Irving Crane and many others but the aspect that I am enjoying is the announcer. He makes pool sound like it is the most exciting thing on earth. He uses a totally different vehicle to get there but his attitude reminds me of Sid Waddell.

Check it out on the left hand side of the home page. Let me know what you think.
 
That's cool Jerry! My first real teacher, Frank Oliva, was one of the driving forces behind 10/20.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Jerry Forsyth said:
We just put up a new featured video. It is from the old TV version of 14.1 called 10/20. This is a good one. It features Irving Crane and many others but the aspect that I am enjoying is the announcer. He makes pool sound like it is the most exciting thing on earth. He uses a totally different vehicle to get there but his attitude reminds me of Sid Waddell.

Check it out on the left hand side of the home page. Let me know what you think.
Click to expand...
 
I need a link.

I would love to check it out but don't know where your home page is.
 
That's awesome...

Did he really do the "behind the back" shot...just after 21 min? Lol, it is really amazing how well they played, I couldn't play under that kind of pressure...whenever I missed, he yells..."NOTHING"!!! I'd wanna smack him. That's unreal.
 
Very enjoyable viewing. What a different time and culture that was. Thanks for putting that video up!
 
8onthebreak said:
Did he really do the "behind the back" shot...just after 21 min? Lol, it is really amazing how well they played, I couldn't play under that kind of pressure...whenever I missed, he yells..."NOTHING"!!! I'd wanna smack him. That's unreal.
Click to expand...
Crane would often play behind-the-back shots in practice and never shot left handed. His shot at around 8:25 looked a little iffy.

From the position play at the start, it was like they had never played on the table before. The death pocket nearest the camera didn't help.

I think if the announcer hadn't slowed things down in the middle of Crane's last inning (about 23:00) he could have passed Tozer's high run. It's hard to find good help.
 
Last edited:
Scott Lee said:
That's cool Jerry! My first real teacher, Frank Oliva, was one of the driving forces behind 10/20.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
Click to expand...

I had never heard of this game. Watching the new homepage video, the announcer claims the game to be "new." I wonder how long it lasted as a competitive game.

I like it personally. It's straight pool with a lot more defense. It allows runs and opportunities for break shots and others. One doesn't get "tired" on account of super hi runs.

Do any of the old timers know how long this lasted on tv AND when did players stop playing this cool game.
 
I think the rules have a lot of problems. Safeties are penalized. What is a safety? If I miss a tough shot and leave no shot (nor intend to leave a shot) is it a safe? If my opponent is in time trouble, how much can I stall? The game is interesting but it needs work.

Also, the bonus for highest score (equal to over three weeks of winning matches) is problematic. Pete says to Willie, "Look, Mr. M., Ponzi has the high score lead with a 43. Both of us can beat that with a few chances. There's no good reason for us to get into a safety battle and waste turns and points. When you miss, leave'em open and I'll do the same. We can split after the finals."

For those who need a 10-20 fix, here is another episode:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBExQ1csXBw

Do you see which shot Jimmy Moore fouled on by current rules? (in Part 3)

Crane makes an incredible kick combo followed by an amazing break shot.

The final few innings are against the clock and Moore takes the third foul for a 6-point penalty.
 
Last edited:
The announcer, Joe Wilson, was on the microphne the day that Crane ran the 150 and out on Balsis. Its on youtube somewhere.
 
Well lookee there, someone tried a new game on television and managed to have many episodes. Never heard of any one trying that before. :-)
 
Toncat is right; the announcer was "Whispering" Joe Wilson, who also called Crane's 150-and-out on Joe Balsis. He, along with Frank Oliva, was the inventor of 10/20; he's also credited with putting TV bowling on the map, back in the '50s. VERY nice man, who really loved pool. I believe 10/20 ran for just 13 weeks, back on Chicago's early version of the Fox network. GF
 
I don't ever recall the show on any NY channels...but my recall isn't what it use to be. Johnnyt
 
I really liked Irving Crane's first break.
He almost broke the second law of thermodynamics.:eek:
 
Jerry Forsyth said:
We just put up a new featured video. It is from the old TV version of 14.1 called 10/20. This is a good one. It features Irving Crane and many others but the aspect that I am enjoying is the announcer. He makes pool sound like it is the most exciting thing on earth. He uses a totally different vehicle to get there but his attitude reminds me of Sid Waddell.

Check it out on the left hand side of the home page. Let me know what you think.
Click to expand...

The commentator, Joe Wilson, is the same voice behind Irving Crane's 150-and-out against Joe Balsis in 1966 -- this video (DVD) is available at Accu-Stats.

Yes, Joel has a different style than Sid Waddell, but you're right -- the same infectious enthusiasm is all there. He kind of reminds me of pool's "Mr. Rogers," and this is his neighborhood. "And oh look! Here comes the Irving Crane choo-choo!" :D (J/K!)

I wish we had more Joe Wilsons, Sid Waddells, and Howard Cosells these days. :(

EDIT: I just noticed George Fels' post above. Thanks George!

-Sean
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top