Reply to Jasonlaus:
I don't want to start another "where are my rails?" or "that's a Schmelke!" AZB cluster bomb but after reflecting on your comments that I really don't love the game because I'm bored playing by myself and that I should sell my table and move on," I feel that a reply is necessary.
A major part of the fun of pool for me and I suspect most others is the chance to be with others.
It is exciting to match skills and wits with other players, especially ones you admire, and if you happen to beat them, getting a feeling of pride, much greater than beating the ghost or completing drills in the basement.
Some of the people I like the best I have met in pool halls and I miss that chance right now.
Having my league teammates cheer me on in a close match or console me if I lose are missed in solo activities.
I like being on teams, I like visiting with ten or twenty friends on league night. I like looking at other people's cues and cases and seeing how they play and maybe picking up a new idea or technique.
Sometimes you can see a small thing you are doing wrong or could do better by watching others.
I like pool battles after Christmas dinner with family and friends.
Etc.Etc.
I also don't think it is appropriate or fair to call somebody out as not really loving the game of pool because they said they are bored playing by themselves after three months. I played by myself for most of my adult life while raising a family so I know that for me it is not as much fun and can often be boring.
And please don't suggest I sell my table and move on. I have had a life long love affair with pool that I want to continue; here's how I can tell:
1. Got a Brunswick Brentwood table when I was around 13 years old (1962).
2. Got a Brunswick Willie Hoppe cue when I was 15 (1964) and had it customized by A.E.Schmidt.
I still have that cue and had it restored some 25 years ago by Danny Tibbitts. Took it to league night a few months ago to show it to younger players who had never seen any cue like it.
3. Borrowed money from my mother to buy a ticket to the US Open when it was in St. Louis (1967).
4. Played for money at Grand-Olive Billiards while in high school and saw Minnesota Fats and Willie Mosconi play exhibitions during that time. Also met Tom Ferry there, who before his death was a frequent AZB poster and great player.
5. Played at Howard Paulina Billiards and the Golden Cue while in college in Chicago.
6. Bought a Gandy table in 1983 a few weeks after we moved into our first house that could fit a table.
7. Played on that table by myself or with kids until 1993-ish when I bought the Olhausen table I have now.
8. When my son left for college I joined the APA and have been on two APA teams since.
9. Joined an ACS league three years ago.
10. Went to Wisconsin in 2018 to watch my friend Jerry Briesath get inducted into the Wisconsin Billiards Hall of Fame.
I'll stop at 10. I love pool and have had a wonderful life with it -- most of it because of meeting and getting to know other people, not playing in my basement.
Maybe someday you and I can play together. I'll still have a table!
The end.
