Best Earl Strickland Stories/Quotes
- Thread starter juanbond
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Ive seen Earl in person a few times years back, and was happy to watch him again at the tourney in Vegas a month ago. Well, opening night he was playing like Earl, and beat the guy pretty good. He made a sincere comment to his opponent who for the life of me I cant remember, about a tough lie of balls. The guy took it wrong and they start arguing. It went out into the hallway where things got heated. Screamed obscenities filled the air and the guy was trying to bump chests with Earl. It was not looking good, so me and a couple other guys were walking close by and trying to get inbetween them. Well, all said and done, the other guy leaves. Somebody asked Earl what happened and he (in his EARL voice) starts loudly telling about a "400 lbs woman" in the front row who called him an "a**hole". Which Earl promptly replies "Look in the mirror honey, you are calling ME an a**hole?"
I look over and Corey and Gabe are laughing their butts off. I was talking to him a little later and he told me that the reason stuff like that goes on is that you "referring to me and the rest of his fans" dont stick up for him........
Let me say this, Earl..... love him or hate him....Earl is one of the top 2 or 3 players that ever lived. He is truely one of the greats. For people who have just started playing, or have never seen him play..... he is a machine. Once he gets rolling he is pretty much unstoppable.
He just needs to stop worrying about everybody else, and what they say or do and play his game.
Chuck
I look over and Corey and Gabe are laughing their butts off. I was talking to him a little later and he told me that the reason stuff like that goes on is that you "referring to me and the rest of his fans" dont stick up for him........
Let me say this, Earl..... love him or hate him....Earl is one of the top 2 or 3 players that ever lived. He is truely one of the greats. For people who have just started playing, or have never seen him play..... he is a machine. Once he gets rolling he is pretty much unstoppable.
He just needs to stop worrying about everybody else, and what they say or do and play his game.
Chuck
I got the pleasure of watching Earl in full bloom just this past weekend. He had just lost a winners side match which was a race to 6. In his next match which was a race to 4 he was in the process of breaking and running the rack and he shot a ball in the corner pocket and it went in and popped back out onto the table. He became pretty irritated and took his trusty Cuetec and proceeded to rake the remaining balls which included all of his opponents suit of balls. His opponent started to break down his cue and Earl looked at him with this stunned look and asked him "What are you doing?". The other player looked at him very seriously and said "it was a race to 4". The match was tied at 3 games each before Earl blew up and inadvertantly conceded the game. That was classic Earl.
Earl at his worst
I was there the day Earl tanked to Jamie Goodwin at the Ohio state open in Akron.I like most of the younger guys came to see Earl but what I ended up seeing is still the worst display of sportsmanship by a professional pool player I ever witnessed.After conceeding 5 or 6 racks to get it to hill/hill earl misses a ball staight in to lose 11 to 10.After some sh*t talking to the crowd he tells Joe Kerr that he wasn't going to play this tournament anymore and he only came because Starchers paid his expenses.As if that wasn't enough a local 12 year old asked for his autograph and he told him he didn't have time to sign fu**king autographs!Joe Kerr wrote a article in pool and billiard about the whole thing.I would still pay to see Earl play
I was there the day Earl tanked to Jamie Goodwin at the Ohio state open in Akron.I like most of the younger guys came to see Earl but what I ended up seeing is still the worst display of sportsmanship by a professional pool player I ever witnessed.After conceeding 5 or 6 racks to get it to hill/hill earl misses a ball staight in to lose 11 to 10.After some sh*t talking to the crowd he tells Joe Kerr that he wasn't going to play this tournament anymore and he only came because Starchers paid his expenses.As if that wasn't enough a local 12 year old asked for his autograph and he told him he didn't have time to sign fu**king autographs!Joe Kerr wrote a article in pool and billiard about the whole thing.I would still pay to see Earl play
bigg7 said:
Joe Kerr!?!? that must of been some time ago....IMO I love to shit talk someone who's a poor loser, but I'll never start any...always let the sore loser start squawking...I would have Earl either crying or throwing punches at me if he talked his shit at me....but about the 400 lb. women I would be LMAO.....
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at the Sands Reno
I heard a story that Earl once won the Reno Open at the Sands and with the $10K first prize money, proceeded to lose it all gambling (playing blackjack?) all night at the casino.....the next morning he was heard to say that the Sands got him drunk and caused him to lose all that money and that he would never come back to play in that tournament....Now again, it was a story I heard....I don't know how true it is, but one thing for sure, he did come back and play in subsequent tournaments at the Sands...
I heard a story that Earl once won the Reno Open at the Sands and with the $10K first prize money, proceeded to lose it all gambling (playing blackjack?) all night at the casino.....the next morning he was heard to say that the Sands got him drunk and caused him to lose all that money and that he would never come back to play in that tournament....Now again, it was a story I heard....I don't know how true it is, but one thing for sure, he did come back and play in subsequent tournaments at the Sands...
at the 2002 BCA Open he called a fan a piece of shit, and told him to go root for Efren, he didnt need him for a fan. he lost that match to Lee Huwagen, and played Jim Rempe late on tuesday night. i sat in the VIP row right next to Earl, and he got mad, depressed, and out of it, and on the way back to the table looks at me and tells me he recognizes me. he then asks me if i am his friend, and i tell him of course, everybody needs a buddy. he says damn right, especially me. then, after trailing like 6-1 and playing badly, he kicks it in gear and gets Rempe to hill-hill before he loses 11-10.
me and Allison and Janet Schimel were all talking about his antics just before Allison's wednesday night match with Loree Jon Jones. it was kinda funny, Schimel had just got there on wednesday, and didnt know anything about it. i was telling her about some of this, and Allison turns around and tells Janet: "Yeah, And He Called A Fan A Piece Of Shit Too!"
it was kinda funny hearing Allison tell Janet Schimel that in her English accent and the funny look on Schimel's face after Allison told her...........
DCP
me and Allison and Janet Schimel were all talking about his antics just before Allison's wednesday night match with Loree Jon Jones. it was kinda funny, Schimel had just got there on wednesday, and didnt know anything about it. i was telling her about some of this, and Allison turns around and tells Janet: "Yeah, And He Called A Fan A Piece Of Shit Too!"
it was kinda funny hearing Allison tell Janet Schimel that in her English accent and the funny look on Schimel's face after Allison told her...........
DCP
Oh lets see
"I know how to lose, because I am a loser!"
After screwing charlie williams out of a shot by fouling the cue ball. Charlie goes to get ball in hand and earls say "but scott did not see it" and charlie had to shoot from were it was.
Billy Incordona asked earl "earl, why do you let your emotions out? Is it because it pumps you up and helps you get into gear or does letting it out help you forget about it" Earl replies "No, there was a guy cheering when I MISSED and I didnt like that. Thats like cheering at a funeral at someones demise"
In cardif when he won the world championship he played a japanese player cant remember his name but earl hooked him and the japanese fellow grabbed a jump cue and earl told him to be a man and not jump his way out of trouble.
In the master tournament I believe in 2001 he was playing efren in the finals and during his stroke you hear a loud shrill in the background. Its the shrill that alex pagulyon makes when he get a good roll if you have ever heard it but anyway earl is shooting and alex makes that loud shrill and earls stops looks into the stands I guess finding the tournament director or barry berhman he says "you need to tell pagulyon to shut his mouth."
"I know how to lose, because I am a loser!"
After screwing charlie williams out of a shot by fouling the cue ball. Charlie goes to get ball in hand and earls say "but scott did not see it" and charlie had to shoot from were it was.
Billy Incordona asked earl "earl, why do you let your emotions out? Is it because it pumps you up and helps you get into gear or does letting it out help you forget about it" Earl replies "No, there was a guy cheering when I MISSED and I didnt like that. Thats like cheering at a funeral at someones demise"
In cardif when he won the world championship he played a japanese player cant remember his name but earl hooked him and the japanese fellow grabbed a jump cue and earl told him to be a man and not jump his way out of trouble.
In the master tournament I believe in 2001 he was playing efren in the finals and during his stroke you hear a loud shrill in the background. Its the shrill that alex pagulyon makes when he get a good roll if you have ever heard it but anyway earl is shooting and alex makes that loud shrill and earls stops looks into the stands I guess finding the tournament director or barry berhman he says "you need to tell pagulyon to shut his mouth."
Early Bird
That's what I used to call him when we were buddies, because he would come in early to practice for his matches.
What I've observed about Earl is that when he wins he's not so bad. When he loses or is losing he is a holy terror. I could fill a book with Earlisms that are neagtive, but he has a good side that is rarely talked about.
I was there when Earl ran the eleven racks (he made three Nines on the break). In fact, I racked the balls for the last five racks (No Nines). After the match was over, everyone wanted Earl's autograph. He sat at a small table and took out a big stack of new publicity photos he had just gotten. People lined up across the poolroom to get his autograph.
Earl signed every photo "To so and so, The night I ran eleven racks. Earl Strickland". He wrote this along with the persons name on every one. It took him over two hours to sign them for everyone who wanted an autograph. Earl kept looking up and saying "Anyone else?"
Finally he was done. There wasn't a soul in the place that didn't get a signed photo, except maybe me. He stood up and asked about getting a ride to the hotel. CJ said the shuttle was waiting for him, so I went with Earl back to the hotel. He didn't say a lot on the ride over, but on the elevator I asked him what he was thinking when he shot that long, off angle 1-9 combination to win the tenth game, and make the ten racks required to win the million dollars. It was not an easy shot, and he studied it for some time before shooting.
He looked at me and said "Jay, I just wanted to give it a legitimate chance." I'll never forget that one comment by Earl.
That's what I used to call him when we were buddies, because he would come in early to practice for his matches.
What I've observed about Earl is that when he wins he's not so bad. When he loses or is losing he is a holy terror. I could fill a book with Earlisms that are neagtive, but he has a good side that is rarely talked about.
I was there when Earl ran the eleven racks (he made three Nines on the break). In fact, I racked the balls for the last five racks (No Nines). After the match was over, everyone wanted Earl's autograph. He sat at a small table and took out a big stack of new publicity photos he had just gotten. People lined up across the poolroom to get his autograph.
Earl signed every photo "To so and so, The night I ran eleven racks. Earl Strickland". He wrote this along with the persons name on every one. It took him over two hours to sign them for everyone who wanted an autograph. Earl kept looking up and saying "Anyone else?"
Finally he was done. There wasn't a soul in the place that didn't get a signed photo, except maybe me. He stood up and asked about getting a ride to the hotel. CJ said the shuttle was waiting for him, so I went with Earl back to the hotel. He didn't say a lot on the ride over, but on the elevator I asked him what he was thinking when he shot that long, off angle 1-9 combination to win the tenth game, and make the ten racks required to win the million dollars. It was not an easy shot, and he studied it for some time before shooting.
He looked at me and said "Jay, I just wanted to give it a legitimate chance." I'll never forget that one comment by Earl.
Good story about Earl I personally get along with him real well, at the last DCC we watche a good 1-pocket game for a couple of hrs. just bsssin it 's to bad more people can't see that part of his personality, I have a bad temper also and I have embarrassed myself a few times, I think the problem is being a perfectionist can drive you nuts, now i just go outside and scream real loud.
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Yea I love earl as much as the next guy. He makes pool fun to watch. I agree about earls temper he is just a competitor and he gets nasty sometimes but that doesnt mean that he's a jerk, he just doesnt like losing/Leil gay said:
from a post of mine a while back
Starchers!....I was there back about 93'? on business......and actually ran into Earl...literally. I just got done hitting balls, and was walking up to the counter, and we bumped into eachother by acident. I was like, sorry man, and he said, no problem, how's the tables playing?.....and I stuttered out something like duhhh...ummmm pretty good.....cause I just realized who he was.
I sat and watched him hit balls for a while. When He's rolling....it's almost like the balls are scared not to go in. You see some players deliberate for ever over shots....Earl just keeps on rolling...I think He's one of the lucky people who are doing exactly what they were born to do!
As for the other side of the man?....I'm not gonna bad mouth him....I can be a dik too if I want to.
Gerry
Starchers!....I was there back about 93'? on business......and actually ran into Earl...literally. I just got done hitting balls, and was walking up to the counter, and we bumped into eachother by acident. I was like, sorry man, and he said, no problem, how's the tables playing?.....and I stuttered out something like duhhh...ummmm pretty good.....cause I just realized who he was.
I sat and watched him hit balls for a while. When He's rolling....it's almost like the balls are scared not to go in. You see some players deliberate for ever over shots....Earl just keeps on rolling...I think He's one of the lucky people who are doing exactly what they were born to do!
As for the other side of the man?....I'm not gonna bad mouth him....I can be a dik too if I want to.
Gerry
The first time I ever laid my eyes on Earl Strickland was in the year 2002. He was competing in the Capital City Classic at the Ramada Inn in New Carrollton, Maryland. Of course, I had heard of him in my younger days, but only through what I had read in the billiard mags.
One morning before the matches began, Earl was in the ballroom practicing. He was in his own zone and proceeded to hit ball after ball after ball. After every ball was pocketed, he would then rack 'em for himself, working on his break. Earl wiped each and every ball before he placed them in the rack. I thought this odd, wiping each and every ball, each time he racked for himself. Then when the tournament commenced, he continued this ritual, wiping each ball with a piece of cloth before he would gingerly place them in the rack.
Later on in the day, I was sitting with the late Larry Lisciotti and friends, discussing this Earl ritual of wiping each ball before he placed them in the rack. I asked Larry why in the world would anybody do that, thinking Larry would agree with me that it was odd. Larry's response enlightened me and stated that even one speck of dirt between the balls could alter the outcome of one's break, especially someone like Earl Strickland who is known for his powerful break and, yes, being a perfectionist on any field of green. It is no secret that Earl Strickland desires to play pool in a professional environment with good equipment, so that he, as a player, can give his best performance.
At last year's U.S. Open, Earl came in fourth place. He is a five-time U.S. Open winner, and the sixth win was within his sights. Alex Pagulayan ended up in the winner's circle. Between matches throughout the week, Earl Strickland was mingling with the crowds, hanging out in front of the Chesapeake Conference Center, and enjoying a few laughs. It was great to see Earl Strickland having a good time and enjoying himself.
JAM
One morning before the matches began, Earl was in the ballroom practicing. He was in his own zone and proceeded to hit ball after ball after ball. After every ball was pocketed, he would then rack 'em for himself, working on his break. Earl wiped each and every ball before he placed them in the rack. I thought this odd, wiping each and every ball, each time he racked for himself. Then when the tournament commenced, he continued this ritual, wiping each ball with a piece of cloth before he would gingerly place them in the rack.
Later on in the day, I was sitting with the late Larry Lisciotti and friends, discussing this Earl ritual of wiping each ball before he placed them in the rack. I asked Larry why in the world would anybody do that, thinking Larry would agree with me that it was odd. Larry's response enlightened me and stated that even one speck of dirt between the balls could alter the outcome of one's break, especially someone like Earl Strickland who is known for his powerful break and, yes, being a perfectionist on any field of green. It is no secret that Earl Strickland desires to play pool in a professional environment with good equipment, so that he, as a player, can give his best performance.
At last year's U.S. Open, Earl came in fourth place. He is a five-time U.S. Open winner, and the sixth win was within his sights. Alex Pagulayan ended up in the winner's circle. Between matches throughout the week, Earl Strickland was mingling with the crowds, hanging out in front of the Chesapeake Conference Center, and enjoying a few laughs. It was great to see Earl Strickland having a good time and enjoying himself.
JAM
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Smorgass Bored said:
I've never seen a picture of Earl Strickland, like that one you describe.
Earl Strickland is the only American pool player that I know of who has won five U.S. Opens and maintained his winning ways throughout several decades with championship titles too numerous to list here.
Even today, Earl Strickland is a formidable opponent in any venue he steps foot in, and make no mistake about it, he's still got what it takes to win the big kahuna. Yes, Smorgie, big fish do eat little fish.
Since I am a frequent traveler on the tournament trail, I do run into Earl Strickland from time to time. He has always gone out of his way to greet me with a friendly smile and is genuinely nice to me and mine. The Earl Strickland I know is a good person who, like all of us, has had to deal with the curve balls thrown his way. The secret is knowing which ones to swing at!
JAM
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Come down to Florida, Earl plays a lot down here. Lives in Spring Hill now.
Both Inside Pool and Billiards Digest just had nice articles on him.
When playing Gerda in 8-ball he said "this game is too easy" and then lost the match.
I was there when he said, "I know how to lose, I'm a loser". What a shame that a person of his talents and abilities thinks so little of himself. Or was he just saying that for the camera crew - a twisted sense of humor. Just trying to be funny.
And when did he start raking in 3-5 balls when he missed a shot? Is that something new or has he always done it? I actually saw him try to thin a 1 ball and he missed it by an inch so he raked all the balls.
And how many times has he looked at the fans and said, "you're glad I missed that shot" "you were hoping I would miss".
Jake
Both Inside Pool and Billiards Digest just had nice articles on him.
When playing Gerda in 8-ball he said "this game is too easy" and then lost the match.
I was there when he said, "I know how to lose, I'm a loser". What a shame that a person of his talents and abilities thinks so little of himself. Or was he just saying that for the camera crew - a twisted sense of humor. Just trying to be funny.
And when did he start raking in 3-5 balls when he missed a shot? Is that something new or has he always done it? I actually saw him try to thin a 1 ball and he missed it by an inch so he raked all the balls.
And how many times has he looked at the fans and said, "you're glad I missed that shot" "you were hoping I would miss".
Jake
My Earl Stickland Story
I am a fan of Earl's for better or worse. I have seen him play in Reno and Vegas and on T.V. many times. I was in Vegas for the BCA amateur tournament in 2000 (I think, might have been 1999) and ran into him in the hallway of the penthouse of the Riviera late on Thursday night. He was already out of the tournament. I was a little awe stuck and definitely nervous to get the chance to talk to him.
Here I am with one of my pool heroes and the only question that's on my mind is "what's the most money you've ever beat anyone out of?". I thought it would be a million dollars or something.
He told me he beat Billy Johnson out of 20 or 25K on his own money (can't remember exactly because I have been known to party in Vegas). The one thing I do remember is that he came out of retirement from gambling to play "Morro" a race to 10 ahead (giving the 8) for 50K OPM and won.
I also asked him if he ever got the million dollars for running 10 racks at the "Million Dollar Challenge" (or whatever it was called) and he told me he got a settlement but wouldn't tell me how much.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I am a fan of Earl's for better or worse. I have seen him play in Reno and Vegas and on T.V. many times. I was in Vegas for the BCA amateur tournament in 2000 (I think, might have been 1999) and ran into him in the hallway of the penthouse of the Riviera late on Thursday night. He was already out of the tournament. I was a little awe stuck and definitely nervous to get the chance to talk to him.
Here I am with one of my pool heroes and the only question that's on my mind is "what's the most money you've ever beat anyone out of?". I thought it would be a million dollars or something.
He told me he beat Billy Johnson out of 20 or 25K on his own money (can't remember exactly because I have been known to party in Vegas). The one thing I do remember is that he came out of retirement from gambling to play "Morro" a race to 10 ahead (giving the 8) for 50K OPM and won.
I also asked him if he ever got the million dollars for running 10 racks at the "Million Dollar Challenge" (or whatever it was called) and he told me he got a settlement but wouldn't tell me how much.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
At the 2003 Carolinas Open in Goldsboro, NC, Earl Strickland had just flown in from Europe, after competing in a major tournament. With jet lag and the whole 9 yards, he still came directly to Fast Eddie's because he had committed himself to be there.
When he entered Fast Eddie's, he was donning a pair of yellow goggles. All eyes were on Earl as he proceeded to practice with the unusual-looking yellow goggles. I asked him about the goggles, and he explained how they helped him to see the balls more clearly and then elaborated about how they can heighten one's right and/or left side of the brain and enhance one's awareness when in the heat of the battle. These same goggles were currently being used by golfers, as I learned later when I went to the website to find out more about them.
During that Carolinas Open, Earl was suffering from a kidney stone ailment and experienced horrible pain, but he never let that stop him from competing in the tournament. He was very sick, but still gave it his all, which is a tribute to his professionalism, not wanting to reneg on his commitment to the Carolinas Open organizers.
I've always gotten a kick out of the pool paraphernalia that Earl uses, his tattered glove, his sports goggles, and most recently, he has come up with a new device to enhance his golf stroke, as I learned from listening to an interview he gave on Aaron C.'s broadcast.
Here's a picture I took of Earl and Keith at the 2003 Carolinas Open. Even though Earl Strickland was not feeling well, he still stepped up to the plate in Goldsboro, and the fans were not disappointed.
JAM
When he entered Fast Eddie's, he was donning a pair of yellow goggles. All eyes were on Earl as he proceeded to practice with the unusual-looking yellow goggles. I asked him about the goggles, and he explained how they helped him to see the balls more clearly and then elaborated about how they can heighten one's right and/or left side of the brain and enhance one's awareness when in the heat of the battle. These same goggles were currently being used by golfers, as I learned later when I went to the website to find out more about them.
During that Carolinas Open, Earl was suffering from a kidney stone ailment and experienced horrible pain, but he never let that stop him from competing in the tournament. He was very sick, but still gave it his all, which is a tribute to his professionalism, not wanting to reneg on his commitment to the Carolinas Open organizers.
I've always gotten a kick out of the pool paraphernalia that Earl uses, his tattered glove, his sports goggles, and most recently, he has come up with a new device to enhance his golf stroke, as I learned from listening to an interview he gave on Aaron C.'s broadcast.
Here's a picture I took of Earl and Keith at the 2003 Carolinas Open. Even though Earl Strickland was not feeling well, he still stepped up to the plate in Goldsboro, and the fans were not disappointed.
JAM
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One year in the finals of the World 9 Ball Championships, Earl was playing Nick Varner. Earl was playing great all week, and he got a big jump on Nick and was up 8-4 in a race to 9. Earl ends up with no shot on his last break, misses executing a safety and Nick starts his comeback. Nicks edges closer and then misses a tough cut shot on the 2 ball, which brings Earl back to the table with 7 balls separating him from the World Championship. Earl runs up to the six ball, and just as he strokes the shot, some idiot in the crowd blinds him with a camera flash. It was one of the most deliberate sharking incidents I had ever witnessed. Earl was pissed. He came up short in his position for the 7. He went on and on about how the guy blinded him purposely and went into a semi-tirade. True to the champion that Earl is, he banked the 7 cross-side like a rocket as if he was unphased. He ran out and won the world championship.
This is my favorite Earl story because it brings up the fact that though Earl has his temper, there are those that purposely try to ignite it for their own entertainment. Earl is by far the greatest 9 ball player of my lifetime. Earl has more fight and determination in his little finger than most players have in their body and it shows in his accomplishments. As others have said already, there is another side of Earl that doesn't get the press. It's too bad that everybody focuses on his episodic outbursts instead of who he really is.
This is my favorite Earl story because it brings up the fact that though Earl has his temper, there are those that purposely try to ignite it for their own entertainment. Earl is by far the greatest 9 ball player of my lifetime. Earl has more fight and determination in his little finger than most players have in their body and it shows in his accomplishments. As others have said already, there is another side of Earl that doesn't get the press. It's too bad that everybody focuses on his episodic outbursts instead of who he really is.
