Grady said:
Jamie was supposed to send a deposit. He didn't, after sounding enthusiastic about the ring game. We even talked about players showing up as they didn't for his effort. He didn't call me either. So I assumed that he's not in.
Ritchie may still play. Ricky from Mobile said he'd put Ritchie in but again, I have no deposit. When I do things like this, it's absolutely first come, first served. These things being said, I'd be honored to have Ritchie play.
Buddy's sponsor bailed out. I hope he finds someone else as we'd love to have him.
It says alot about the state of our sport when a true Legend like Buddy Hall
can not or will not post the entry or find a sponsor.
In all honesty is hard to believe 6 players can not find sponsors for this
event. This is in Schmidts "neighborhood" and he is a very good banker(player). I would have thought John would be all for it.
Grady I feel for you trying to promote pool as I have always wanted to give it a go helping or promoting one. I think amateur players are far more reliable
for tournament play and sponsoring. Maybe you could hook up with the APA or
BCA and promote a few events. Something like Gradys Traveling Tournament.
About 6-10 events around the country with a bigger tournament at the end
for teams that qualified. An in house Mosconi cup so to speak with each
qualifying team/individual from a different regions around the country. Have a few pros at each event available for lessons and doing exibitions. Its would give
sponsors plenty of bang for their buck with a traveling event. At the final
event have plenty of stuff to do for non qualified teams/individuals to do
like minis for singles and teams.
I think promoting pool has got to be tough and not being able to easily fill
a 6 man ring game at a great venue is a shame.