I would like to hear some Jersey Red stories. Anybody got something? The man was deeply respected by the greatest players I know. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jack Breit though
Tell a Jersey Red story
- Thread starter Drawman623
- Start date
This promises to be be a great thread. I've heard of his name, game and prowess, but know little. Looking forward to learning more @ him.
No story...but I love this shot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLNlohPh37I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLNlohPh37I
the red man made his home room at a poolhall i worked at in the early 90s....he could remember things that just seem unreal....stats, scores, and boxing matches from the 40s to the present time...i use to listen to him tell stories about boxing matches and he could tell you round from round...he was such a giant person and i was just happy to listen...there were days he would come in the room early and play 15 ball runout.... it was amazing watching him move around the table...he truely made every shot look easy....he would often play decent road players for small change....he wasnt wealthy but every time he opened his mouth it was priceless....i am glad that i was able to see him play even if it wasnt in his prime...but the best part of the redman was the man himself....A TRUE CLASS ACT......RIP REDMAN..
Jersey Red had a lot in common with his close friend and occasional road partner John Ervolino. Played all the games well, had an almost unfathomable knowledge of the game, was a great story teller who seemed to remember every match he'd ever played and saw pool's good, bad and ugly up close and personal.
Liked to gamble, but was sometimes just as happy as a stake-horse. Met him a few times at the Golden Cue in Queens, New York in the 1970's. People would gravitate toward him. He had a unique ability to play well on almost no sleep. When Jersey Red was in action, there was plenty of side action on the rail, and he always expected and usually got tips from those who'd won side action by betting on him.
A throwback for sure. Not many like him left.
Liked to gamble, but was sometimes just as happy as a stake-horse. Met him a few times at the Golden Cue in Queens, New York in the 1970's. People would gravitate toward him. He had a unique ability to play well on almost no sleep. When Jersey Red was in action, there was plenty of side action on the rail, and he always expected and usually got tips from those who'd won side action by betting on him.
A throwback for sure. Not many like him left.
I would like to hear some Jersey Red stories. Anybody got something? The man was deeply respected by the greatest players I know. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jack Breit though
I played him in a tournament years ago. We are on an end table and our game is not attracting much attention. We are pretty much along with our match but it is going slow and I have him stuck around 8 to 3 in a race to 11.
As the other matches finished up people began migrating down to our match. Now we have a pretty good crowd. Red, seemed to wake up and began talking to the crowd.
He won a game and while I was racking he is looking at my cues. He announces to the crowd, "No wonder I can't beat this guy, he plays with a Balabushka and breaks with a Szamboti". The whole place began laughing, I only won one more game. Not that I dogged it or anything, he just seemed to come alive and I almost never shot again. He completely changed. My wife said he seemed to become big and I seemed to become small.
Although he was older and certainly not near 100%, it was a real pleasure to get chance to play such a legend.
Thanks for the replies. I'm getting a better picture of this champion with every comment. Showman, student of the game, dyed in the wool gambler...
Rempe referred to Red as the "Real eye of the tiger."
Ronnie Allen had a deep respect for Jersey Red also. I may post a photo of the two of them with Eddie Taylor and Grady.
I envy you guys who met the man...heard his stories and even found yourself in the box with him playing for the cash.
Keep the recollections coming please
Rempe referred to Red as the "Real eye of the tiger."
Ronnie Allen had a deep respect for Jersey Red also. I may post a photo of the two of them with Eddie Taylor and Grady.
I envy you guys who met the man...heard his stories and even found yourself in the box with him playing for the cash.
Keep the recollections coming please
Sweat Snow
New member
The Ayutollah of One-Hola
I met the Redman in 1967 as a wide-eyed youngster and immediately had a new hero. I moved to the Houston area in the mid 70's and enjoyed his friendship for many years. I tried to get him to travel to tourneys with me over that time but was unsuccessful. Finally a couple of years before his passing he went to a one pocket tourney at CJ's in Dallas. Though he was well past his prime he could still compete at a high level til he got tired. "Winning One Pocket" had just come out and we loaded 5 cases of books in the trunk (autographed) and off we went.The event had a full field of the best in Texas and an array of road agents that were always in Texas thruout the years. When the tourney started I saw a change come over Red. He was gliding around the table shooting and talking like he was 25 yrs old again. He played great and won the tourney undefeated beating Buddy Dennis in the finals. I believe Buddy was the only one to win more than 1 game on him. Red glowed for the next week or so telling stories and showing shots as I believe this was his proudest moment in a lot of years. One year later CJ held this event again. This time it was a world class event. Players and legends from all over the country. Jose Parica, Cecil Tugwell, Grady, Jimmy Fusco, Matlock, Cornbread Red ( I think) Raphael Martinez, Hitchcock, Gabby, Lizard and many more who were capable of winning. I think there were 80 or 90 entries. Red continued where he left off last year, banking, kicking, kissing, and talking balls towards his hole. His 65 yr old frame inhabited with his youthful spirit. At one point onthe final day he was in an uptable battle with bank pool specialist Tony Fargo. With ten balls in the kitchen, 5 or 6 froze or within a quarter inch of the end rail. Red came over to me and said a bank pool player should be the favorite from here, go see if you can get a bet on me. I got down with my last fifty. Tony never made another ball. Tony told me afterward he played the best one-pocket of his life and never won a game. As the day wore on Red's feet started bothering him. He'd been on them over 11 hrs already and was waiting to play the semifinals which turned out to be against Jimmy Fusco. Red got ahead 2-0 going to 3 and 7-1 in the 3rd game. Jimmy was scratching his head and said he felt like he was 19 again, the first time Red had robbed him. Four times I remember Red firing table length long rail banks to his hole that rattled in the tight pockets. Twice Jimmy had to make the match ball for Red and follow it in. Red was visibly moving poorly on his tender feet after 14 hrs. Jimmy made a great 7 and out to finally win his first game and came back and won the match only to lose to Matlock in the finals with an empty tank after his last match. Red finished 3rd but I believe he would have won had there been another day for him to rest. This was his last major event and a testament to his greatness. Long live the memory of THE AYUTOLLAH OF ONE-HOLA!
I met the Redman in 1967 as a wide-eyed youngster and immediately had a new hero. I moved to the Houston area in the mid 70's and enjoyed his friendship for many years. I tried to get him to travel to tourneys with me over that time but was unsuccessful. Finally a couple of years before his passing he went to a one pocket tourney at CJ's in Dallas. Though he was well past his prime he could still compete at a high level til he got tired. "Winning One Pocket" had just come out and we loaded 5 cases of books in the trunk (autographed) and off we went.The event had a full field of the best in Texas and an array of road agents that were always in Texas thruout the years. When the tourney started I saw a change come over Red. He was gliding around the table shooting and talking like he was 25 yrs old again. He played great and won the tourney undefeated beating Buddy Dennis in the finals. I believe Buddy was the only one to win more than 1 game on him. Red glowed for the next week or so telling stories and showing shots as I believe this was his proudest moment in a lot of years. One year later CJ held this event again. This time it was a world class event. Players and legends from all over the country. Jose Parica, Cecil Tugwell, Grady, Jimmy Fusco, Matlock, Cornbread Red ( I think) Raphael Martinez, Hitchcock, Gabby, Lizard and many more who were capable of winning. I think there were 80 or 90 entries. Red continued where he left off last year, banking, kicking, kissing, and talking balls towards his hole. His 65 yr old frame inhabited with his youthful spirit. At one point onthe final day he was in an uptable battle with bank pool specialist Tony Fargo. With ten balls in the kitchen, 5 or 6 froze or within a quarter inch of the end rail. Red came over to me and said a bank pool player should be the favorite from here, go see if you can get a bet on me. I got down with my last fifty. Tony never made another ball. Tony told me afterward he played the best one-pocket of his life and never won a game. As the day wore on Red's feet started bothering him. He'd been on them over 11 hrs already and was waiting to play the semifinals which turned out to be against Jimmy Fusco. Red got ahead 2-0 going to 3 and 7-1 in the 3rd game. Jimmy was scratching his head and said he felt like he was 19 again, the first time Red had robbed him. Four times I remember Red firing table length long rail banks to his hole that rattled in the tight pockets. Twice Jimmy had to make the match ball for Red and follow it in. Red was visibly moving poorly on his tender feet after 14 hrs. Jimmy made a great 7 and out to finally win his first game and came back and won the match only to lose to Matlock in the finals with an empty tank after his last match. Red finished 3rd but I believe he would have won had there been another day for him to rest. This was his last major event and a testament to his greatness. Long live the memory of THE AYUTOLLAH OF ONE-HOLA!
Here is a gem of a collectable. Ronnie and I spent some time together at the 1 pocket HOF induction. He offered to sign my picture if he and Red. I asked him to personalize it to Jersey Red. Grady was master of ceremonies that night and did the same for me signing to Eddie Taylor.. An unforgettable evening.
The story that isn't told (again IMO a missed opportunity), is the JJ and Jersey Red story.
It is my understanding that Jersey Red taught and mentored JJ for a period of time. I like to watch JJ play one pocket, and IMO, JJ has a greater understanding of the game than a lot of his contemporaries.
THAT, would be an interesting read.
Ken
It is my understanding that Jersey Red taught and mentored JJ for a period of time. I like to watch JJ play one pocket, and IMO, JJ has a greater understanding of the game than a lot of his contemporaries.
THAT, would be an interesting read.
Ken
Red was living in Houston and NY blackie showed up. NYB asked Red to help him make a few bucks. Red gave him a hundred bucks and pointed out a guy there named Hitchcock Red. Blackie starts playing and gets $60 dollars loser, he comes over and says"maybe we should quit, do you know this guy ?" No you're not quitting. You're asking if I know this guy ? I gave you a hunnert bucks of my OWN, of course I know him, I've had the FBI following him for a month. Get over there and don't play the build up on MY money.
Rod.
P.S.They were old friends and Blackie did finally win.
Rod.
P.S.They were old friends and Blackie did finally win.
Hustler Days by RA Dyer is a great book, Red is a main character. The story you reference is detailed in there I believe.
Here's my Jersey Red story...
It was the summer of '80 & I was in Houston, TX with Buddy Hall & NY Blackie. We were making plans to go to Austin for the Texas Open & Jersey Red heard we were going & wanted to ride up with us. The next day, we swung by Red's place in Pasadena & began the long ride to Austin. I was in heaven! As I had originally started playing in New Jersey, I had heard many a story about the Red Rooster. The miles seemed to fly by as Red & Blackie told stories about the infamous New York City pool room, 7-11, & its huge cast of characters & well-known players. I was all ears & it seemed like we never stopped laughing...
The party continued from the minute we pulled up in front of Moyer's - the site of the Texas Open. I had never been to Austin before & it was exciting as hell to be at my first non-industry sponsored pool room tournament. In other words, it was a rockin' sockin' road player's paradise - especially for a newbie like me!
The place was packed...there was action on every table while others woofed at each other trying to match up or tried to make a side bet. It was as much a social event as a pool tournament with people having a great time reuniting with old friends or making new ones. We made our way over to the table where they were taking entries & signed up. No women's division in this one - there just wasn't that many of us in those days! Had to jump in with the men but I didn't care - I was used to that from the road plus I was looking to claim some scalps using my new skills courtesy of Blackie & Buddy!
Later that evening, they posted the draw with play starting the next day. I wandered over to see when & who I played & it turned out to be Jersey Red. Of course! LOL I was a little disappointed that I drew one of the champions for my first round but was excited too. How many people could say that they got to play the legendary Jersey Red?!!!
So, it's the next day & it's post time...I find my table by following the sound of Red's voice as he held court with the crowd. He had them wrapped around his finger & laughing as he verbally jousted with folks in the stands. We flipped a coin & I won the first break. Red picked someone out of the crowd & assigned the guy to racking the balls for him! Standing there while waiting for the guy to finish, I thought, "Well, at least I'll get to break ONE game!"
Then, somehow, I won the first game...& the next...& the next. And Red, was still jacking around with the crowd & paying no attention to the game - shooting carelessly when it was his turn. Even though I was playing pretty well for my speed, I remember thinking, "Is Red letting me win?!!!"
Then, all of a sudden, a fat, dirty-looking old guy puffing on a huge cigar hollers from the top of the stands, "Hey, Red!!! WTF!!! Are you going to let a frickin' skirt beat you?!!!" Red glared at him & spun around to look at the score. It was now 5-0 going to 7.
And that was the last time I got to the table (other than to rack) with an open shot. He either broke & ran out or played a safety. Red's version of a safety was either between a ball & the rail with a 5 rail kick or underneath the table! I'm talking about some advanced pool! LOL
Final score: Red 7 - me 5.
Oh, &, by the way, I glared at the old guy too! That was MY first experience with a knocker!!! If only...
Mary Kenniston
It was the summer of '80 & I was in Houston, TX with Buddy Hall & NY Blackie. We were making plans to go to Austin for the Texas Open & Jersey Red heard we were going & wanted to ride up with us. The next day, we swung by Red's place in Pasadena & began the long ride to Austin. I was in heaven! As I had originally started playing in New Jersey, I had heard many a story about the Red Rooster. The miles seemed to fly by as Red & Blackie told stories about the infamous New York City pool room, 7-11, & its huge cast of characters & well-known players. I was all ears & it seemed like we never stopped laughing...
The party continued from the minute we pulled up in front of Moyer's - the site of the Texas Open. I had never been to Austin before & it was exciting as hell to be at my first non-industry sponsored pool room tournament. In other words, it was a rockin' sockin' road player's paradise - especially for a newbie like me!
The place was packed...there was action on every table while others woofed at each other trying to match up or tried to make a side bet. It was as much a social event as a pool tournament with people having a great time reuniting with old friends or making new ones. We made our way over to the table where they were taking entries & signed up. No women's division in this one - there just wasn't that many of us in those days! Had to jump in with the men but I didn't care - I was used to that from the road plus I was looking to claim some scalps using my new skills courtesy of Blackie & Buddy!
Later that evening, they posted the draw with play starting the next day. I wandered over to see when & who I played & it turned out to be Jersey Red. Of course! LOL I was a little disappointed that I drew one of the champions for my first round but was excited too. How many people could say that they got to play the legendary Jersey Red?!!!
So, it's the next day & it's post time...I find my table by following the sound of Red's voice as he held court with the crowd. He had them wrapped around his finger & laughing as he verbally jousted with folks in the stands. We flipped a coin & I won the first break. Red picked someone out of the crowd & assigned the guy to racking the balls for him! Standing there while waiting for the guy to finish, I thought, "Well, at least I'll get to break ONE game!"
Then, somehow, I won the first game...& the next...& the next. And Red, was still jacking around with the crowd & paying no attention to the game - shooting carelessly when it was his turn. Even though I was playing pretty well for my speed, I remember thinking, "Is Red letting me win?!!!"
Then, all of a sudden, a fat, dirty-looking old guy puffing on a huge cigar hollers from the top of the stands, "Hey, Red!!! WTF!!! Are you going to let a frickin' skirt beat you?!!!" Red glared at him & spun around to look at the score. It was now 5-0 going to 7.
And that was the last time I got to the table (other than to rack) with an open shot. He either broke & ran out or played a safety. Red's version of a safety was either between a ball & the rail with a 5 rail kick or underneath the table! I'm talking about some advanced pool! LOL
Final score: Red 7 - me 5.
Oh, &, by the way, I glared at the old guy too! That was MY first experience with a knocker!!! If only...
Mary Kenniston
Here's my Jersey Red story...
It was the summer of '80 & I was in Houston, TX with Buddy Hall & NY Blackie. We were making plans to go to Austin for the Texas Open & Jersey Red heard we were going & wanted to ride up with us. The next day, we swung by Red's place in Pasadena & began the long ride to Austin. I was in heaven! As I had originally started playing in New Jersey, I had heard many a story about the Red Rooster. The miles seemed to fly by as Red & Blackie told stories about the infamous New York City pool room, 7-11, & its huge cast of characters & well-known players. I was all ears & it seemed like we never stopped laughing...
The party continued from the minute we pulled up in front of Moyer's - the site of the Texas Open. I had never been to Austin before & it was exciting as hell to be at my first non-industry sponsored pool room tournament. In other words, it was a rockin' sockin' road player's paradise - especially for a newbie like me!
The place was packed...there was action on every table while others woofed at each other trying to match up or tried to make a side bet. It was as much a social event as a pool tournament with people having a great time reuniting with old friends or making new ones. We made our way over to the table where they were taking entries & signed up. No women's division in this one - there just wasn't that many of us in those days! Had to jump in with the men but I didn't care - I was used to that from the road plus I was looking to claim some scalps using my new skills courtesy of Blackie & Buddy!
Later that evening, they posted the draw with play starting the next day. I wandered over to see when & who I played & it turned out to be Jersey Red. Of course! LOL I was a little disappointed that I drew one of the champions for my first round but was excited too. How many people could say that they got to play the legendary Jersey Red?!!!
So, it's the next day & it's post time...I find my table by following the sound of Red's voice as he held court with the crowd. He had them wrapped around his finger & laughing as he verbally jousted with folks in the stands. We flipped a coin & I won the first break. Red picked someone out of the crowd & assigned the guy to racking the balls for him! Standing there while waiting for the guy to finish, I thought, "Well, at least I'll get to break ONE game!"
Then, somehow, I won the first game...& the next...& the next. And Red, was still jacking around with the crowd & paying no attention to the game - shooting carelessly when it was his turn. Even though I was playing pretty well for my speed, I remember thinking, "Is Red letting me win?!!!"
Then, all of a sudden, a fat, dirty-looking old guy puffing on a huge cigar hollers from the top of the stands, "Hey, Red!!! WTF!!! Are you going to let a frickin' skirt beat you?!!!" Red glared at him & spun around to look at the score. It was now 5-0 going to 7.
And that was the last time I got to the table (other than to rack) with an open shot. He either broke & ran out or played a safety. Red's version of a safety was either between a ball & the rail with a 5 rail kick or underneath the table! I'm talking about some advanced pool! LOL
Final score: Red 7 - me 5.
Oh, &, by the way, I glared at the old guy too! That was MY first experience with a knocker!!! If only...
Mary Kenniston
Great story.
Very nice first post ever. Welcome and Green Rep to you !