1970s-1980s Keith McCready vs SVB

[ginsu]

i've only seen clips of keith play, and the matches i've seen (full ones) are recent where he's not obviosly at his peak. but i can see that he's one of those rare breeds of players who are just natural talents. the way he spins the ball effortlessly (somebody mentioned inside english, something i noticed too he does really well), the way he plays with that sidearm stroke - i'd have to dislocate my shoulder to do that!

and knowing his personality i can certainly believe he had the mental game and the heart to be the player many people have described. truly a rare breed of player - i need to get some videos of keith at his best, i hope there are some available.

Keith was not at his best in tournments, doubtfull there are tapes of him gambling and any you find from tourney play don't tell the story.. You had to be there. The only record of his greatness is those who saw it live. You can beleive us or not. I well tell you this, at his best, Keith could get to a level few others have ever been and that's the truth.

 

[CaptiveBred]

There is the 1 pocket tape of hime palying for 10k. I think its about 3 hours or something... Its been a while since I saw it but I think it was KM and ??? playing Harry Platis... I think it was something like that...

Thats at least one video of him gambling from a while ago... Late 80s early nineties I think.

If there is more, let us know.

 

[ginsu]

There is the 1 pocket tape of hime palying for 10k. I think its about 3 hours or something... Its been a while since I saw it but I think it was KM and ??? playing Harry Platis... I think it was something like that...

Thats at least one video of him gambling from a while ago... Late 80s early nineties I think.

If there is more, let us know.

That's past his hey day. I don't think there is any tape while he was at his best.

 

[kvinbrwr]

Keith was a Rock Star

"Back in the day" if you walked into a room where Keith was playing, the atmosphere was completely different and all energy was coming from, or focused on, Keith. He was (past tense only because he chooses not to play) pool's only "Rock Star" and, judging from the posts here, its clear we all miss him.

Watch the Color of Money and its clear, every scene Keith appears in, he completely controls and is the center of. It was the same when he was in action, it was HIS stage, HIS scene, HIS table, HIS game, it must have been hideous for his opponents.

Or, a Nightmare.

 

[Fast Lenny]

I heard the same story. From reliable sources, no less. I understand it was a matchup with a road player consisting of 3 races to 7. This apparantly happened on the barbox at the old Hard Times in Costa Mesa. The road player won the first break, made nothing, and then sat down to watch Keith run out. Amazing if true but after watching Keith for many years, I think it's entirely possible.

This was on a 9 ft. which makes 21 seem impossible,i guess it was 10 ahead and Keith was down a game,he ran 11 and then ran the next 10 for the total of 21,must have been the quickest 10 aheads ever.

 

[8ballEinstein]

On some level I can understand that younger folks would question Keiths' abilities in his prime. They seem unbelievable. But Keith was just that. He was the most amazing player I've ever seen in my 27 years in the pool scene.

Some people have to understand the context in which Keith played. After the Johnson City and Stardust events, there were hardly any big tournaments going on. If you were playing big time pool in the mid to late 70's, the only real avenue you had were head to head matchups. At the very top level you needed talent, heart and stamina (long sessions were standard practice at the time). Keith honed those skills to a point of being the most feared player of his time.

In the early 80's, Richie Florence started promoting his big tournaments and the top players started gathering again. Although Keith would be impressive, he didn't finish high very often. He was simply out of his element.

About 1981, I remember being at the Caesars Tahoe event put on by Florence. Keith was shooting amazing pool but got knocked out early. Did it faze him? Not in the least. I saw him the next day when Cornbead Red said to him, "I understand you got your man for 17 thousand last night". With a broad smile he said, "Yeah". The story was repeated several times over the years with Keith doing his magic after the tournament was over.This was where he really shined. Tournaments never cut it for Keith.

 

[Craig]

It's amazing how people try and dig up something about people doing drugs or what ever in sports.

Point is it doesn't matter what people do on the side lines it's their business. If you put your money up and gamble then this means that you understand that two things will happen you either WIN or you LOSE, it's called gambling right no one held a gun to your head and made you do it.

So if the person your gambling with drinks Alcohol or uses drugs, you know this going into it, so if your azz gets beat dont blame it on the substance it is simply gambling.

So with that being said who gives a Ratt's Azz what somebody does.

It didn't matter whether KM was geek up or coming out of church the man busted them all.

 

[hemicudas]

I didnt mean any disrespect to Keith, I have spoke to him many times in the pool rooms, and tournments years ago and we got along well everytime we spoke, he dosent know me I'm sure of that. I made alot on the rail betting on his matches.

I like your posts, Fatboy but Keith should know exactly who you are. When you make "A LOT" on the rail betting on his matches you should have tossed him a jelly roll every time, face to face. He would then remember you with affection. And yes, I always did. If I won 10 grocery dollars my guy got a single.

Like you say, nothing personal though.

 

[Fatboy]

I didnt mean any disrespect to Keith, I have spoke to him many times in the pool rooms, and tournments years ago and we got along well everytime we spoke, he dosent know me I'm sure of that. I made alot on the rail betting on his matches.

I like your posts, Fatboy but Keith should know exactly who you are. When you make "A LOT" on the rail betting on his matches you should have tossed him a jelly roll every time, face to face. He would then remember you with affection. And yes, I always did. If I won 10 grocery dollars my guy got a single.

Like you say, nothing personal though.

its all relitative, alot to me then was a hundred or two, i was busted in those days-i was a kid, a C-player, with no job, it was pennys to keith and the difference between a job or staying in the pool room to me.

SBV knows me we talk on the phone from time to time, and he has some comming from his win over Cory, if I win today he has more comming, if he loses I wont charge it against what I owe him now, now I can bet it up-I'm a big boy, before I was a kid with just a few $$'s scratching up anything I could, now that I can bet real $$$ I awalys take care of the players-I'm not a nit. When i bust Tooth it will be interesting to see who jelly rolls me.

i'm more than gererous with people when I go to dinner I awalys pay, I'm paying a pro's travel expenses right now and have given him mid 5 figure $$$. Why? because I can. He has been a friend for 20 years. I want nothing in return, i have paid my dues,

nothing personal.

 

[CaptiveBred]

lol - you ain't gonna play tooth lol

 

[Ltldebbie]

A Great Room

Keith,
Jog my memo, How did you come out the time you played one of the locos and all he had to do was hit the object ball .lol??? LES

Hey do the Brinks still own Reytown Rec. What a great room for a lonely pool player on the road. I took a taxi to see JoAnn from the Crown Center, she took me home to meet Don and then drove me all the way back to my Hotel. A million thanks. And it was Keith that sent me there.
Little Debbie
I'm not doing to bad for myself have you seen my little cakes and pastries.LoL

 

[Ltldebbie]

In 1972 I was playing the best 9 ball I ever played,and was considered along with Buddy and Wade as the strongest 9 ball players in the country. Jimmy Reid was also in that group. Matter of fact Reid played the best 10 ball i've ever seen anyone play,including today's players. Like Keith said it was about gears and Jimmy Reid certainly had one of the highest gears of anyone,along with Keith.Keith became one of the best players after that era and he may have had the highest gears of all the players of that time.Which included Hall,Sigel,and Louie. What made Keith so super strong was that he was the best shot maker out of everyone,with a fearless demeanor. He never had the cue ball of a Hall or Sigel but he just never missed which made him the most feared player alive.We can go back in forth about who was the best and never reach a conclusion,but when Keith caught his gear he was unbeatable.Keith has to be considered one of the best when you talk about how good a player CAN play. Both Keith and Reid had a higher gear than me,I was more consistant because my cue ball was better. Keith beat you putting packages on you,because he never seen a shot he could't make,and he really believed that,which obviously aided him in running racks.So consequently when he caught the right clicks your money was gone.So when you talk about gun slingers Keith was way way up there.

I couldn't understand a little of what you were talking about and I will let Keith speak for himself but I have heard him say more than a few times. "If I can see the ball I can make the ball." By the way, I have also witnessed hundreds of kick shots that went in. He didn't ALWAYS have to see the ball to make it. I remember your game, you were consistent but,.... you really weren't playing "all" the champions. It took a little of the pressure off. Sorry, I really try to be nice but, I do have my rep(for honesty)and handicapping the players. I've never seen Shane play in person. Its just like the ponies, you have to be there... My only claim to fame is that I have sweat many thousands of hours of world class games. I am probably the oldest living sweater. I still go and watch, if things get desparate enough I might even have to play my way out. Action is made not found.
Sorry,
Little Debbie PS What did you mean he never had the cue ball. Do you mean he couldn't park whitey. If so I disagree. IMHO

 

[kvinbrwr]

My Taste

its all relitative, alot to me then was a hundred or two, i was busted in those days-i was a kid, a C-player, with no job, it was pennys to keith and the difference between a job or staying in the pool room to me.

SBV knows me we talk on the phone from time to time, and he has some comming from his win over Cory, if I win today he has more comming, if he loses I wont charge it against what I owe him now, now I can bet it up-I'm a big boy, before I was a kid with just a few $$'s scratching up anything I could, now that I can bet real $$$ I awalys take care of the players-I'm not a nit. When i bust Tooth it will be interesting to see who jelly rolls me.

i'm more than gererous with people when I go to dinner I awalys pay, I'm paying a pro's travel expenses right now and have given him mid 5 figure $$$. Why? because I can. He has been a friend for 20 years. I want nothing in return, i have paid my dues,

nothing personal.

FatBoy

By some strange logic I figure you owe me a taste from your Shane US Open take. I was pulling for Shane hard and I'm sure you don't want to underestimate my psychic abilities. If you are short of cash I'd consider a Szam (plainish is fine after all it was mere psychic energy I was putting out).

I've heard tales of an old Sacramento pool guy that used to offer to match rolls with everyone, winner take all. The temptation was to "load up" and try to take him down, of course the fear was your loaded roll wouldn't be enough and you'd lose it all. Your offer to match rolls with Tooth is a riot and if he were to accept, the results would be legend. If he's the lock artist everyone says he is, perhaps he ask you to spot him a few 100K.

Kevin

 

[wincardona]

I couldn't understand a little of what you were talking about and I will let Keith speak for himself but I have heard him say more than a few times. "If I can see the ball I can make the ball." By the way, I have also witnessed hundreds of kick shots that went in. He didn't ALWAYS have to see the ball to make it. I remember your game, you were consistent but,.... you really weren't playing "all" the champions. It took a little of the pressure off. Sorry, I really try to be nice but, I do have my rep(for honesty)and handicapping the players. I've never seen Shane play in person. Its just like the ponies, you have to be there... My only claim to fame is that I have sweat many thousands of hours of world class games. I am probably the oldest living sweater. I still go and watch, if things get desparate enough I might even have to play my way out. Action is made not found.
Sorry,
Little Debbie PS What did you mean he never had the cue ball. Do you mean he couldn't park whitey. If so I disagree. IMHO

I really don't know if I know you but you misread my post. I gave keith a compliment and you thought I bashed him. Yes Keith was one of the best shotmakers ever,and he didn't handle the cue ball as well as Sigel,or Hall but then again who does. And in regard to your statement that I didn't play all the champions you are wrong, I played them all. Mizerak Hopkins,Fusco,Lisciotti,Florence,Allen,Breit,McCready,Mathews,Mataya,Hall,Wade Crane,Dickson,Kelly,Parica,Reyes,Varner,Strickland,and many many more. Incidentally I have a few hours of sweating under my belt too.

 

[bob_bushka]

Keith has a track record and a victims list a mile long. Shane is certainly becoming one of the premier players in the world, but his pedigree is still developing. The sky is the limit for the kid from South Dakota, but, for now, his credentials as a gambler don't make him worthy of mention with a Keith Macready.

Keith, Buddy, Vernon --- world beaters for the cash who proved it over and over and over and over. Shane --- we shall see, but he's got a long way to go if he's gonna be counted in their kind of company.

Well maybe that Shane is $50k richer some money players will want to play him now? lol

 

[Fast Lenny]

I really don't know if I know you but you misread my post. I gave keith a compliment and you thought I bashed him. Yes Keith was one of the best shotmakers ever,and he didn't handle the cue ball as well as Sigel,or Hall but then again who does. And in regard to your statement that I didn't play all the champions you are wrong, I played them all.Incidentally I have a few hours of sweating under my belt too.

Your right Sigel,Hall,and Varner all had a great cueball.

 

[Ltldebbie]

Instant Action

I really don't know if I know you but you misread my post. I gave keith a compliment and you thought I bashed him. Yes Keith was one of the best shotmakers ever,and he didn't handle the cue ball as well as Sigel,or Hall but then again who does. And in regard to your statement that I didn't play all the champions you are wrong, I played them all. Mizerak Hopkins,Fusco,Lisciotti,Florence,Allen,Breit,McCready,Mathews,Mataya,Hall,Wade Crane,Dickson,Kelly,Parica,Reyes,Varner,Strickland,and many many more. Incidentally I have a few hours of sweating under my belt too.

Is this Billy??? If it is cuddos to you. You are so right. This is the second time I've written this so I hope I get it right....The first time I pushed some button and it all went away. So I hope I'm not double posting.

If this is Billy, I know you played the champions.....but just not all the time. You had some pretty sweet games that would have never stepped up to play Keith, Sigel, Hopkins etc. You know what I mean. You were a master at flying just under the radar as far as reps went. I am so Sorry if I did not communicate well. But on the good news side I have been clean and sober for 23 years. My memory is definitely poor prior to that and a little one sided too. You are right and I am wrong. Bet you never thought you'd hear that coming from this womans mouth.
Hugs
Debbie
PS we were always looking for you because if you were there action would be there.

 

[cuetechasaurus]

There was a time when Billy was considered the best 9ball player on the planet. He wasn't insulting Keith, he was paying him a compliment and just telling it like it is.

 

[Ltldebbie]

Pocket size

The pockets are too big.

Are you cally boys, or should I say the real OC still arguing about pocket size. I Laughed so loud I woke the baby. Thanks.... They do have buckets in some of those places. That why I love it.

 

[cornfed]

Keith did not mention when he came to Castro Valley and played Bucktooth and gave Bucktooth the 6 ball with Charlie the Ape and beat Bucktooth and gave him the 5 ball and beat him again and quit said I'm tired and went back to L.A. Bucktooth said he called Keith on the phone and come and play some more you can win all the money you can carry. Bucktooth said I don't want the 5 ball which you beat me with just give me the 6 ball Keith came back they played 7 ahead for 1500 Bucktooth ran 7 racks and won the set Keith said he didn't like where the bar table was at so they picked it up carried it down stairs. fliped a coin for the break Bucktooth won and he broke the balls and ran another 7 racks and Keith quit this may be the only time a man never shot for his money in HISTORY........