Yep, 53 years old when I started playing pool seriously. Oh, I'd played since my dad bought us a cheap 6-footer for the garage when I was in my early teens, but for years I was only a "banger". I didn't understand or want to invest my time in all the nuances of the game such as cue ball control, english, using rails for shape, etc. I basically shot a ball and went for my next shot from wherever the cue ball ended up.
I had a pretty good eye and was known within my circle of family/friends as a good ball pocket-er. Problem was, I would only set foot in a pool hall 3 or 4 times a year.
Fast forward to 2006. I was in a bowling league with a couple that played in APA leagues (let's please not turn this into an APA-bashing thread). Me and the man would shoot a game or two on a bar box in the lounge before bowling started and I'd fare pretty good against him. He suggested that I come to his bar and shoot in his league. Well, I had never even heard about pool leagues before (shows you where my head was at what few times I had been in a pool room). It sounded intriguing, so I thought I'd give it a try.
To make a long story short (too late, eh?), I thoroughly enjoyed league to the point that eventually I started to learn some of the necessary skills to become a well-rounded pool player. This wanting to improve my game and learn as much as I can led me to getting my home table and purchasing better equipment (cues, cases, etc.). I watched tons of Youtube video, went to a few professional tournaments, and picked the brains from some of the better players in our league. Eventually I improved to the point where I was captaining my own teams and had the most knowledge to assist in time-outs.
As I continued to improve I decided to "spread my wings" a bit, so I began to look for other alternatives to furthering my playing ability. I began playing in a BCA rules league in a room with better players than my previous league, and this helped me improve. Eventually I played in local tourneys, several different leagues (even a straight pool league which I finished the year in first place in the second tier of players). I got better.
By the time I hit 60 years old I was shooting the best pool of my life, having won a few local tourneys, winning league MVP's, etc. I was as they say....holding my own against the big boys.
Then BOOM, it all came crashing down around me. My 92 year old father got down to the point where he needed 24-7 care, so he moved in with the wife and I (I was retired, she still worked). This put a complete stop on my league and tournament play. When he passed away, I began developing medical problems (heart, diabetes, prostate) that left me feeling poorly and in no shape to go out to the pool halls. Finally got my health straightened out, but when I looked up I was approaching 64 years of age. Since pool is a diminishing skill, I knew I was in trouble.
I am now finding my stroke wobbly and my ability to see the shot is off. My wife and I decided to join an APA league again after 3 years of pool inactivity (except for home practice against her). I lost my first match upon returning (hill-hill) and shot a bit better than I expected to. I love this game and the ability to play better than the average player, and I know I'm going to miss playing the way I was before life got in the way.
I have zero regrets from taking care of my father though...one of the best years of my life.
The whole point of this thread I suppose is that if you are young to middle-aged, enjoy the skills you have and appreciate your good health.
It can all come crashing down upon you in a heartbeat (literally).
Shoot well, my friends!!!
Maniac
I had a pretty good eye and was known within my circle of family/friends as a good ball pocket-er. Problem was, I would only set foot in a pool hall 3 or 4 times a year.
Fast forward to 2006. I was in a bowling league with a couple that played in APA leagues (let's please not turn this into an APA-bashing thread). Me and the man would shoot a game or two on a bar box in the lounge before bowling started and I'd fare pretty good against him. He suggested that I come to his bar and shoot in his league. Well, I had never even heard about pool leagues before (shows you where my head was at what few times I had been in a pool room). It sounded intriguing, so I thought I'd give it a try.
To make a long story short (too late, eh?), I thoroughly enjoyed league to the point that eventually I started to learn some of the necessary skills to become a well-rounded pool player. This wanting to improve my game and learn as much as I can led me to getting my home table and purchasing better equipment (cues, cases, etc.). I watched tons of Youtube video, went to a few professional tournaments, and picked the brains from some of the better players in our league. Eventually I improved to the point where I was captaining my own teams and had the most knowledge to assist in time-outs.
As I continued to improve I decided to "spread my wings" a bit, so I began to look for other alternatives to furthering my playing ability. I began playing in a BCA rules league in a room with better players than my previous league, and this helped me improve. Eventually I played in local tourneys, several different leagues (even a straight pool league which I finished the year in first place in the second tier of players). I got better.
By the time I hit 60 years old I was shooting the best pool of my life, having won a few local tourneys, winning league MVP's, etc. I was as they say....holding my own against the big boys.
Then BOOM, it all came crashing down around me. My 92 year old father got down to the point where he needed 24-7 care, so he moved in with the wife and I (I was retired, she still worked). This put a complete stop on my league and tournament play. When he passed away, I began developing medical problems (heart, diabetes, prostate) that left me feeling poorly and in no shape to go out to the pool halls. Finally got my health straightened out, but when I looked up I was approaching 64 years of age. Since pool is a diminishing skill, I knew I was in trouble.
I am now finding my stroke wobbly and my ability to see the shot is off. My wife and I decided to join an APA league again after 3 years of pool inactivity (except for home practice against her). I lost my first match upon returning (hill-hill) and shot a bit better than I expected to. I love this game and the ability to play better than the average player, and I know I'm going to miss playing the way I was before life got in the way.
I have zero regrets from taking care of my father though...one of the best years of my life.
The whole point of this thread I suppose is that if you are young to middle-aged, enjoy the skills you have and appreciate your good health.
It can all come crashing down upon you in a heartbeat (literally).
Shoot well, my friends!!!
Maniac
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