I know there are a lot of guys on here who spent time in Southern California at one time or another. Just thought it would be fun to see how many remember some of the great (and not so great) players who populated the L.A. Pool scene.
We all remember Ronnie Allen, Richie Florence and Keith McCready. But do you remember Billy Kenyon, a straight shooting sonofagun who was a stuntman in the movies? What about the black champions like the Iceman, California Shorty, Rush-Out Red, Black Nate and the top dog Rags Woods? Most of us knew Cecil Tugwell, a truly great player (Cliff Joyner speed) who had to switch from playing right handed to left handed and still played at a high level. Lou Butera made his home and raised his family out here as well. His son Sal turned out to be a strong player in his own right.
Who else do you remember? Anyone know the Beatle, Dale Armstrong, out of Baltimore or Lefty Bob Lanforman from Minnesota? Popcorn (John Miller) brought many top players out west to sneak them in on the unsuspecting. Tommy Baker, out of Orange County, was Keith's chief rival in their youth. Cue maker Tim Padgett could play a mean game as well.
I'm sure there's more but these are the first one's who come to mind for me.
We all remember Ronnie Allen, Richie Florence and Keith McCready. But do you remember Billy Kenyon, a straight shooting sonofagun who was a stuntman in the movies? What about the black champions like the Iceman, California Shorty, Rush-Out Red, Black Nate and the top dog Rags Woods? Most of us knew Cecil Tugwell, a truly great player (Cliff Joyner speed) who had to switch from playing right handed to left handed and still played at a high level. Lou Butera made his home and raised his family out here as well. His son Sal turned out to be a strong player in his own right.
Who else do you remember? Anyone know the Beatle, Dale Armstrong, out of Baltimore or Lefty Bob Lanforman from Minnesota? Popcorn (John Miller) brought many top players out west to sneak them in on the unsuspecting. Tommy Baker, out of Orange County, was Keith's chief rival in their youth. Cue maker Tim Padgett could play a mean game as well.
I'm sure there's more but these are the first one's who come to mind for me.
