I live in a one horse town, Grand Junction Colorado. I have since apologized to the horse.
Last Saturday at about 12:30 pm went to bet a horse in OTB , which is located in Bank 8 Billiards. This day saw a sign $20 to see Mike Massey and/or play all day for $20. Only saw 2 couples in twenties who seemed to be taking advantage of playing all day.
Bank 8 only pool hall in town, OTB in front.
Saw Mike setting up shots and hollered for him to come to rail of OTB , which he graciously did. Told him I was 7 years older at 79 and racked for Willie Mosconi in 1959.
2 years before movie Hustler. Mike asked me was it really back in 1961 ? Told him I was in AF 1062-1966 Mike served in military 1964-67. I said was great to see all those bar tables when I got out. He agreed.
Then I asked if he was still living in Utah. He said he was living on the road now. Then he shrugged shoulders and went back to the table. I had doctor's appointment for wife and left shortly. Wish I had came back later and paid $20 just to chat with Mike. Seemed like a straighter shooter.
Brought back old memories. Read something about technical advisor for a billiard movie recently was Champagne Eddie Kelly. Willie Mosconi was technical adviser for Hustler. I know Paul Newman never held a cue before the movie, Willie did all his shots. Jackie Gleason was proud of his pool skills and notice in movie FATS always has long pan shot, so friends will know it was him shooting.
Assuming Champagne is plain old Ed Kelly back in Kline's in Baltimore. Lost $50 backing Henry Gordon against Ed in early 60's. Henry leading 49-48 and he had so much english on what looked like winning shot ball went in corner and came out without leaving rail ! Ed Missed, Henry missed. Ed ran 2 and I was out $50. Ed was my hero. Not just shot a great stick at night, but a dancer instructor at Arthur Murrays at day. Women paying to dance with him, them hustling at night. What a hero.
Really regret not spending $20 Just to chat and watch Mike do his magic. Hope business picked up later that Saturday.
Last Saturday at about 12:30 pm went to bet a horse in OTB , which is located in Bank 8 Billiards. This day saw a sign $20 to see Mike Massey and/or play all day for $20. Only saw 2 couples in twenties who seemed to be taking advantage of playing all day.
Bank 8 only pool hall in town, OTB in front.
Saw Mike setting up shots and hollered for him to come to rail of OTB , which he graciously did. Told him I was 7 years older at 79 and racked for Willie Mosconi in 1959.
2 years before movie Hustler. Mike asked me was it really back in 1961 ? Told him I was in AF 1062-1966 Mike served in military 1964-67. I said was great to see all those bar tables when I got out. He agreed.
Then I asked if he was still living in Utah. He said he was living on the road now. Then he shrugged shoulders and went back to the table. I had doctor's appointment for wife and left shortly. Wish I had came back later and paid $20 just to chat with Mike. Seemed like a straighter shooter.
Brought back old memories. Read something about technical advisor for a billiard movie recently was Champagne Eddie Kelly. Willie Mosconi was technical adviser for Hustler. I know Paul Newman never held a cue before the movie, Willie did all his shots. Jackie Gleason was proud of his pool skills and notice in movie FATS always has long pan shot, so friends will know it was him shooting.
Assuming Champagne is plain old Ed Kelly back in Kline's in Baltimore. Lost $50 backing Henry Gordon against Ed in early 60's. Henry leading 49-48 and he had so much english on what looked like winning shot ball went in corner and came out without leaving rail ! Ed Missed, Henry missed. Ed ran 2 and I was out $50. Ed was my hero. Not just shot a great stick at night, but a dancer instructor at Arthur Murrays at day. Women paying to dance with him, them hustling at night. What a hero.
Really regret not spending $20 Just to chat and watch Mike do his magic. Hope business picked up later that Saturday.
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