The Ballad of John and Lou, Part Three

[lfigueroa]

What a fantastic story. My hat is off to you Lou. I was one of the few that thought it was stupid for amateur players, like myself and most on here, to bet that amount of money. You are a sporty player.

Even though we will be seeing each other on AZ, I would still like to say to you, best wishes to you and Mrs. Lou.

With all the woofing and smack talking you came out of this classier than ever.

:thumbup2:

Thanks, dom. It is not always easy to travel the high road

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

I think I will make it a point to show Mrs. kollegedave this one. Next time we get together with the pool wives they will regale you with all types of praise for this final installment.

Then you and Gail will proceed to drink Mrs. kollegedave and myself under the table...again.

kollegedave

lol, you guys need to train harder.

Lou Figueroa

 

[Roadking]

So, out of curiosity, if it is "members like me that get it started", are you implying that I am responsible for JB's constant drama on here?

John creates his own drama, you & a few others only fuel it. Without any consequences.

 

[Mkbtank]

It was a pleasure meeting you as well Lou. I agree about the pressure that playing in those circumstances must have felt like. I'm sure I would have been shaking out of my shoes.

The ending regarding Gail was immensely touching and well written.

In closing.,,,, nice finish! Again!!

 

[lfigueroa]

That puts a bow on things very nicely.

As usual, a great read. I really hope you write a book one day.

Thank you, dub. At least now I can afford to have it published

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Great finish on the write up Lou! I agree if you don't want to go through the circus and play again so be it. You already did it once and won a well fought match.

My only question is, will you be coming out with a CTEISBS video? I'm kidding of course :grin:

lol, thanks, Simp. No videos for moi.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

It's true what Lou said, it goes further than just money. It is something you have to live with in your entire life. We are not professionals and it is not about losing and hoping to get them next year.

These chances are once in a lifetime and it is better to win than live the rest of your life knowing you lost the match. I consider this a very significant point or milestone in someone's life.

Somebody had to lose and somebody had to win.

Afterwards I told everyone that would listen that I could not imagine playing pool for a living.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Well I for one hope this is the last ballad. Hell Metallica only made 3 Unforgiven's. Some things can be done to death.

lmao. I is done.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Well written, Lou. I didn't really have a dog in the fight either way, but I've quite enjoyed the ride. Congrats on your win.

Thanks, StraightPoolIU. It was a hell of a ride.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Great read Lou!

Marty

Thank, Marty.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Fantastic finish Lou! I hope we can keep this one positive. Well done as usual. Congrats.

Thanks, MOJOE. I think it'll stay calm. Mike H. looks like he's ready to kill sumthin'

Lou Figueroa

 

[Roadking]

Lou I will say I watched a lot of the match and you did look cool as a cucumber.

 

[lfigueroa]

This says all that needed to be said. You're a class act Lou and a lucky man as well. Congratulations on the win. You were clearly the better player.

I'm relatively new to the forum. I never knew about the match or the history of any of this until about a week leading up to the match. Didn't know either guy at all except for seeing their posts here and there sprinkled amongst the forum from time to time. Had no opinion of either of them. However, since watching much of the match and reading all of the follow-ups, one thing became clear to me...What a scumbag this Barton guy is. My initial impressions of the guys when seeing them on the live feed was night and day. Lou came dressed very presentable and clean cut in a nice collared polo shirt, while John chose to wear that cheesy t-shirt to advertise his business. You can say what you want about this meaning nothing in the grand scheme of things, but seriously. You are playing the biggest match of your life, streaming live to thousands of people you have never met and you choose to come dressed in a cheap black t-shirt with generic lettering??? Again, this was simply my initial impression but, really...what a joke. Then I had the pleasure of watching the first few minutes of that ridiculous video John posted trashing one of his competitor's products the other day and that cemented it for me. Honestly I really couldn't care less about knowing or not knowing either guy. I'm not gonna lose any sleep over any of this and I really never imagined myself commenting on any of this, but to hear about the distress from Lou's wife, and toss in a rather slow day at work, and here it is. Take it for what you want.

Anyway, again Lou...congrats on the win. And great write-ups also. Hope you use some of the winnings to take Gail out to a nice dinner. Be well.

Thanks, JBB.

Gail's birthday is this later this month and her "jelly roll" will be in the form of a very nice necklace I've ordered from a designer in NYC.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Nice read Lou. Congrats on a well deserved victory. I also commend you on your demeanor before and after the match. You stayed classy !!

Thanks, PH. I'm trying.

Lou Figueroa
no altar boy

 

[lfigueroa]

Thanks for the great reads Lou .
Good things happen to good people .

Thanks, 8pack.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Well it's not really over. John and Lou prepared for their matches and came to fight with their game faces. Albeit --- very different styles. To many it appeared that a well groomed fighter verses a vicious gladiator were hell bent to win. And the many eager spectators took sides.

I didn't. Both gentlemen prepared and fought in the style that fits them and we naturally associate with the style we prefer. By damn --- they did their best and it was not only entertaining but also an education on many levels.

Thanks guys --- you were both great. But it's not over and I think we will all agree when John responds as he promised.

John --- show us that you are first class in your response and then it will be over.

Thanks, Joe. I did feel a little Russell Crowe-like

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Lou,

I'm friends w/John and always will be be, but I must say I really enjoyed reading all 3 parts. I even teared up a little at this last installment because I also have a great wife that has been there for me during "interesting" times during our 29 years of marriage (in May).

I look forward to hearing from John, but yours was a great read. Thanks for taking the time to write it down for us.

Dave

Thanks, Dave.

Having a great wife in your corner can make you a rock. We're going on 28 It ain't always sunshine and flowers but if you work at it it's worth it.

Lou Figueroa

 

[xplor]

Lets get Lou into the One Pocket Hall of Fame.
He is the most outstanding player in a long time.

 

[lfigueroa]

Nice writeup Lou and good playing. I was curious if you think you would have played better or worse if you were betting your own money? I have always bet my own money and do not play as good I feel when someone is in with me which is why I refuse to be staked (plus I do not play good enough), I worry too much about losing someone else's money.

Thanks, Lenny.

If the amount had been something I would be willing to cover on my own then I think I would have played better. I wouldn't have been as concerned about taking some risks in shot selection and strategy and would have been more aggressive.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

He said part of his own money was in that $10k as well. I was wondering whether he would agreed to the match if $10k was all his own.

I'm a $100 or $200 a set player and as it was I played for way more than that. There is no way I'm going to cover $10K on my own. That's too big a multiple.

Lou Figueroa