1970s-1980s Keith McCready vs SVB

[jay helfert]

No weight involved I would have Keith the favorite on the bar box and SVB on the 9'er.

Thanks Biil. That takes care of that as far as I'm concerned. Although playing Eight Ball or Ten Ball on a small box, Keith may have met his match. Don't get me wrong. Keith, Buddy and Matlock were great bar table champions, but so is Shane. He convinces me more every time I watch him play. No one has to be the favorite over him at any game!

Wait till he learns a little more One Pocket. I think he will embrace the game because of it's intricacies and complexity.

 

[bondsman]

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.

I used to hang out in Hard Time in Costa Mesa. That match might have been against Tracey Joe Salazar. On the Buddy Hall story, keith could not have been older than 16. Most of you seem to have forgotten Tracey Joe. he was an outstanding during that era. Not many palyed Joe on the bar box except Keith.

 

[JAM]

I used to hang out in Hard Time in Costa Mesa. That match might have been against Tracey Joe Salazar. On the Buddy Hall story, keith could not have been older than 16. Most of you seem to have forgotten Tracey Joe. he was an outstanding during that era. Not many palyed Joe on the bar box except Keith.

You are correct. Tracy Joe was quite the player on the bar box.

Here's a cute story about the two of them. A young Keith made an appointment to play the legendary Tracy Joe at a pool room that was off the beaten path.

Keith and a couple of his buddies drove out to the joint at the designated time. When they walked in, there was Tracy Joe waiting for him. The place was packed with curious onlookers wanting to sweat the match. Tracy Joe had his own fan club there in full force, too.

Before the first game, it was agreed that the post monies would be placed on top of the overhead light, a nickel each totalling a thousand bucks. It wasn't 10 crisp C-notes, though. Rather, it was a bunch of tens and twenties. I'm sure both players must have been playing on committee monies.

Tracy Joe and Keith wasted no time and began to battle. It was like one of those neck-and-neck horse races. When one of them got close to the finish line, the other one would catch up. They were tight races. Back and forth they went until the wee hours of the morning, and then Keith caught one of those infamous gears and put it in turbocharge, defeating Tracy Joe several races.

Keith and his entourage were the strangers in town and wanted to get out of there as quick as they could with the cheese. So after the last set, they didn't want to hang around and mingle. They immediately exited the premises.

The night sky was pitch black in the parking lot. Keith and his buddies piled in their car to begin their journey back home. Within minutes it seemed, the driver of Keith's car saw headlights behind him, coming towards their car at an extremely fast pace. The driver of Keith's car figured they were going to get robbed and started to step on it, hitting speeds of close to 100 MPH. Keith said he was frightened.

Soon the car behind them made a move on this two-lane highway and pulled up right next to their car on the left. Keith and his buddies looked in horror when they saw this car full of the bar's patrons and wondered how they were going to get out of this trap.

The driver's side window of the other car was rolled down, and there was Tracy Joe. He had a bunch of greenbacks in one hand, pointing at it with his other hand, and screamed, "Keith, you forgot the post monies on the light."

Keith's driver pulled over to the shoulder of the road. Tracy Joe walked up to Keith's car and handed him the cash. Keith's driver was relieved, as were the rest of the occupants. On the way home, they all enjoyed a good chuckle. They were so intent on leaving, thinking they could get robbed, that they forget to grab the post on top of the light, and the would-be robbers turned out to be the good guys, only wanting to do the right thing.

JAM

 

[yobagua]

In terms of "habits", during the 50's and 60's it was considered good to smoke and drink. The tobacco companies really had it easy with their tv advertising as well as the liquor companies. No government health restrictions whatsoever. Everyone smoked on tv even Lucy and Ricky.
Today sports people have dieticians, psychologists, and governing boards telling them whats good for the athlete. And so many warning labels. Too bad Efren didnt get the kind of info before he developed emphysyma.
I'm just saying Keith and his kind come from another era and cant be judged by today's standards. Shane seems to come from a good family with certain comforts. Anyone during my time with a pool table in his basement rec room was considered some kind of alien. We had a quonset hut for our house after the war. And anyone who owned their own home must have got it on the GI bill.
Two different times. You cant make comparisons.

 

[Fast Lenny]

Great story Jam!

 

[JAM]

...Two different times. You cant make comparisons.

I agree with your opinion. To compare a great pool player in the year 2007 to a great player who was on top of the world several decades ago is difficult to do, if not impossible. I have tried to express previously in this thread the reasons why I believe it is not a good comparison.

These "Who's the Best" threads will continue to pop up on this forum and entertain those who enjoy this type of dialogue. I usually do not reply to any of them. However, the comparison on this thread hits home with me, and as such, I have tried to express my stance on the subject matter as gracefully as I can.

When a player is on top of the world and winning, whether it be tournaments or the cheese in action, he is surrounded by fans, stakehorses, pool enthusiasts, and many so-called "friends." The pool public can be a fickle bunch. Today's champion may end up being tomorrow's punching bag for some.

Shane Van Boening is fortunate in that his family has a rich background in pool, as most folks know. As a young boy, I am sure he has enjoyed not only a nurturing environment, but also one which was supportive. It is so cool to see him blossoming into a thoroughbred pool champion.

In the year 2007, the tournament trail looks quite different than it did in 1977, to include the player rosters. Keith's tournament era consisted of great American champions like Sigel, Hopkins, Varner, Hall, Strickland, and Rempe, just to name a few, and according to him, he was MANY TIMES the proverbial "bride's maid," coming in second in tournaments, especially to Earl Strickland. Earl was a tournament soldier. Keith was an action man.

If you look at the U.S. Open as one measuring stick of American pool from the '70s and '80s, you will not see any players like the Efrens, Mikas, Niels, and Thorstens that you see today on the player rosters. The competitive playing field environment was quite different. AND I hasten to add that if Earl Strickland was about 20 years younger and dominated in today's pool world, I wonder if he would, indeed, snatch five U.S. Open titles in today's pool world. Not only was the equipment different, but the rules of 9-ball were as well.

In the '70s and '80s, action was prevalent. Though Keith traveled the tournament trail during these times, where he shined the brightest was during the after-hours action games. I believe these happenings were more important to him than the tournaments, and he sure did have a lot of so-called "friends" during this era.

You can compare Keith and Shane all day long. They are two different players that came from two entirely different worlds. If Shane grew up in Keith's early days environment, he'd be lucky to still be alive today.

In sum, I celebrate all pool players for everything that they have to offer. Shane is the flavor of the month today. I pity him if he has to ever read disparaging words of the times when he was on top of the world after he enters the autumn of his life. The pool culture can sometimes be cruel to its own, and how soon they forget the flavor of the month they used to celebrate from times gone by.

JAM

 

[Solartje]

I agree with your opinion. To compare a great pool player in the year 2007 to a great player who was on top of the world several decades ago is difficult to do, if not impossible. I have tried to express previously in this thread the reasons why I believe it is not a good comparison.

These "Who's the Best" threads will continue to pop up on this forum and entertain those who enjoy this type of dialogue. I usually do not reply to any of them. However, the comparison on this thread hits home with me, and as such, I have tried to express my stance on the subject matter as gracefully as I can.

When a player is on top of the world and winning, whether it be tournaments or the cheese in action, he is surrounded by fans, stakehorses, pool enthusiasts, and many so-called "friends." The pool public can be a fickle bunch. Today's champion may end up being tomorrow's punching bag for some.

Shane Van Boening is fortunate in that his family has a rich background in pool, as most folks know. As a young boy, I am sure he has enjoyed not only a nurturing environment, but also one which was supportive. It is so cool to see him blossoming into a thoroughbred pool champion.

In the year 2007, the tournament trail looks quite different than it did in 1977, to include the player rosters. Keith's tournament era consisted of great American champions like Sigel, Hopkins, Varner, Hall, Strickland, and Rempe, just to name a few, and according to him, he was MANY TIMES the proverbial "bride's maid," coming in second in tournaments, especially to Earl Strickland. Earl was a tournament soldier. Keith was an action man.

If you look at the U.S. Open as one measuring stick of American pool from the '70s and '80s, you will not see any players like the Efrens, Mikas, Niels, and Thorstens that you see today on the player rosters. The competitive playing field environment was quite different. AND I hasten to add that if Earl Strickland was about 20 years younger and dominated in today's pool world, I wonder if he would, indeed, snatch five U.S. Open titles in today's pool world. Not only was the equipment different, but the rules of 9-ball were as well.

In the '70s and '80s, action was prevalent. Though Keith traveled the tournament trail during these times, where he shined the brightest was during the after-hours action games. I believe these happenings were more important to him than the tournaments, and he sure did have a lot of so-called "friends" during this era.

You can compare Keith and Shane all day long. They are two different players that came from two entirely different worlds. If Shane grew up in Keith's early days environment, he'd be lucky to still be alive today.

In sum, I celebrate all pool players for everything that they have to offer. Shane is the flavor of the month today. I pity him if he has to ever read disparaging words of the times when he was on top of the world after he enters the autumn of his life. The pool culture can sometimes be cruel to its own, and how soon they forget the flavor of the month they used to celebrate from times gone by.

JAM

thanks JAM for the writing, how can you always be SO right!
2 posts, and the 2 only posts that i will remember. says enough .

 

[yobagua]

Wonderful post JAM. I just hope Keith and all the pool players I admire keep up their health and discontinue the terrible "habit" of smoking. I lost my mother and sister to lung cancer. They had a 2 pack a day habit. COuld you imagine if these young ones today had to play 12 hours a day in a smoke filled hall.
Remember Efrens terrible coughing fits? Since his doctor told him to stop he is doing great.

 

[JCIN]

JAM

That is one of the best writings I've read on this forum. JAM said an awful lot in a short space.
And correct me if I'm wrong, but is there not an open challenge to play the new kid on the block for 10 grand? Not sure who will stepup but I'd be willing to pay to watch.

Billy Incardona said it on the commentary of the Action Challenge 1 and it is true.

Shane has an open challenge to anyone in the world to play Bar Table 8 ball. I am pretty sure they could bet whatever they want. There has been one player who is serious about taking this challenge. Stay tuned.

As far as The Action Challenge title, no matter who wins, there are challengers waiting in the wings.

 

[JAM]

Billy Incardona said it on the commentary of the Action Challenge 1 and it is true.

Shane has an open challenge to anyone in the world to play Bar Table 8 ball. I am pretty sure they could bet whatever they want. There has been one player who is serious about taking this challenge. Stay tuned.

As far as The Action Challenge title, no matter who wins, there are challengers waiting in the wings.

Shane's action could soon be limited due to his recent triumphs. Earl Strickland is getting tarred and feathered on this forum for even thinking about stepping up to the plate against the South Dakota Kid.

Soon Shane just might just have to spot the world the 8 if he wants to get action.

Kidding aside, I am happy to see Shane tuned in on the tournament trail. The sky is the limit, and his future is bright. You can be sure I will be pulling for him at the upcoming WPC!

JAM

 

[ironman]

I agree with your opinion. To compare a great pool player in the year 2007 to a great player who was on top of the world several decades ago is difficult to do, if not impossible. I have tried to express previously in this thread the reasons why I believe it is not a good comparison.

These "Who's the Best" threads will continue to pop up on this forum and entertain those who enjoy this type of dialogue. I usually do not reply to any of them. However, the comparison on this thread hits home with me, and as such, I have tried to express my stance on the subject matter as gracefully as I can.

When a player is on top of the world and winning, whether it be tournaments or the cheese in action, he is surrounded by fans, stakehorses, pool enthusiasts, and many so-called "friends." The pool public can be a fickle bunch. Today's champion may end up being tomorrow's punching bag for some.

Shane Van Boening is fortunate in that his family has a rich background in pool, as most folks know. As a young boy, I am sure he has enjoyed not only a nurturing environment, but also one which was supportive. It is so cool to see him blossoming into a thoroughbred pool champion.

In the year 2007, the tournament trail looks quite different than it did in 1977, to include the player rosters. Keith's tournament era consisted of great American champions like Sigel, Hopkins, Varner, Hall, Strickland, and Rempe, just to name a few, and according to him, he was MANY TIMES the proverbial "bride's maid," coming in second in tournaments, especially to Earl Strickland. Earl was a tournament soldier. Keith was an action man.

If you look at the U.S. Open as one measuring stick of American pool from the '70s and '80s, you will not see any players like the Efrens, Mikas, Niels, and Thorstens that you see today on the player rosters. The competitive playing field environment was quite different. AND I hasten to add that if Earl Strickland was about 20 years younger and dominated in today's pool world, I wonder if he would, indeed, snatch five U.S. Open titles in today's pool world. Not only was the equipment different, but the rules of 9-ball were as well.

In the '70s and '80s, action was prevalent. Though Keith traveled the tournament trail during these times, where he shined the brightest was during the after-hours action games. I believe these happenings were more important to him than the tournaments, and he sure did have a lot of so-called "friends" during this era.

You can compare Keith and Shane all day long. They are two different players that came from two entirely different worlds. If Shane grew up in Keith's early days environment, he'd be lucky to still be alive today.

In sum, I celebrate all pool players for everything that they have to offer. Shane is the flavor of the month today. I pity him if he has to ever read disparaging words of the times when he was on top of the world after he enters the autumn of his life. The pool culture can sometimes be cruel to its own, and how soon they forget the flavor of the month they used to celebrate from times gone by.

JAM

Some of us grew up in that era and do appreciate days past.
They are my favorites and i suppose that is a part of getting old. I have my past as well and feel very fortunate to be here. I just wish young were a little longer.

 

[ribdoner]

Some of us grew up in that era and do appreciate days past.
They are my favorites and i suppose that is a part of getting old. I have my past as well and feel very fortunate to be here. I just wish young were a little longer.

YOUNG was forever when we lived it and nothing more than a blink once it's in the rear view mirror

 

[Neil]

...............

 

[ShootingArts]

how the hell did this happen?

YOUNG was forever when we lived it and nothing more than a blink once it's in the rear view mirror

From about 17 to 25 I could have gotten odds against me making it two years longer, I was burning the candle at both ends and the middle. I buried most of the the people I ran with a long time ago. I look in the mirror every morning and wonder how the hell did this happen?

Hu

From "Amanda"
I've held it all inward, God knows, I've tried,
But it's an awful awakening in a country boy's life,
To look in the mirror in total surprise.
At the hair on my shoulders and the age in my eyes.

 

[Fatboy]

In terms of "habits", during the 50's and 60's it was considered good to smoke and drink. The tobacco companies really had it easy with their tv advertising as well as the liquor companies. No government health restrictions whatsoever. Everyone smoked on tv even Lucy and Ricky.
Today sports people have dieticians, psychologists, and governing boards telling them whats good for the athlete. And so many warning labels. Too bad Efren didnt get the kind of info before he developed emphysyma.
I'm just saying Keith and his kind come from another era and cant be judged by today's standards. Shane seems to come from a good family with certain comforts. Anyone during my time with a pool table in his basement rec room was considered some kind of alien. We had a quonset hut for our house after the war. And anyone who owned their own home must have got it on the GI bill.
Two different times. You cant make comparisons.

i agree you cant make compairsons, its useless, however all the "good" things and warning labels seem useless as people in general these days dont seem as happy overall as they did back in the day of "habits" its either one thing or another, that will get you in the end

far as i'm concerned Bonds broke the HR record, Keith gave the world the 8 and SVB just won the Open... all different people all sucessful in their own way.

 

[Ltldebbie]

Who's that in the mirror??

i agree you cant make compairsons, its useless, however all the "good" things and warning labels seem useless as people in general these days dont seem as happy overall as they did back in the day of "habits" its either one thing or another, that will get you in the end

far as i'm concerned Bonds broke the HR record, Keith gave the world the 8 and SVB just won the Open... all different people all sucessful in their own way.

So very well said my freind...
We all had our moments of greatness,our 15 minutes of fame& I pray,that,.. that is what we are remembered for. NO LOYALTY for what we children of the 60's walked thru. Its better days and better times. Remember when....those are the lines of pool stories of which i have a few.
I have reinvented myself so many times I don't recognize myself in the mirror. I swear. I walked by a store window about 20 years ago and said who is that following me. I didn't even recognize myself. If I can only keep my mouth shut (I have never been able to disguise my voice...)

Becareful I'm that red headed grammy in the corner taken side bets. Those pool hall junkies are now grey panthers and we're back.

 

[ironman]

So very well said my freind...
We all had our moments of greatness,our 15 minutes of fame& I pray,that,.. that is what we are remembered for. NO LOYALTY for what we children of the 60's walked thru. Its better days and better times. Remember when....those are the lines of pool stories of which i have a few.
I have reinvented myself so many times I don't recognize myself in the mirror. I swear. I walked by a store window about 20 years ago and said who is that following me. I didn't even recognize myself. If I can only keep my mouth shut (I have never been able to disguise my voice...)

Becareful I'm that red headed grammy in the corner taken side bets. Those pool hall junkies are now grey panthers and we're back.

Gray Panther? Sometimes I feel more like a gray Donkey in the Kentucky Derby.

 

[jay helfert]

For the record, Keith McCready had more natural talent at pool than anyone I ever saw. He was truly a WUNDERKIND! Full of confidence and bravado, Keith feared no one, not even Mizerak the reigning world champion, Buddy, Sigel or anyone else for that matter. And ALL the players feared Keith! No one wanted to catch him in the draw. NO ONE!

If he could have followed the straight and narrow a little more, he would have won many more tournaments. But that is what made Keith unique. He might gamble all night and snooze his match the next day. He frequently forfeited matches, sometimes far along on the winners side. I can remember several tournaments where he forfeited an early round match and still made the final five or six players, playing on fumes at the end with no sleep whatsoever.

On second thought, not even a player like Shane would have liked playing Keith for money. Especially on a small box. When you watch a guy fire in near impossible shots and send the cue ball three rails for position, it will make you weak in the knees. And Keith could do this with regularity, and make it look like it was routine. No one I ever saw could make a harder shot look easy under pressure. Keith was the BEST pressure player who ever lived in my book! He truly did have icewater in his veins.

Even Cornbread was in awe of Keith, and he respected no one except a handful of gambling superstars like Buddy, Denny, Richie, Cole and Mataya.
Cornbread only was friendly with the true gunslingers of pool. He only liked me because I wrote an article that glorified him.

And yes, Keith could string those racks, kind of like Earl but for the cheese, not the glory. In Earl's youthful years he gave Keith a wide berth. Earl did gamble back then, but Keith gave him the "cure" one time and that was enough. When Sigel was in his prime, he ducked Keith and Larry Hubbart told Keith they weren't interested in gambling with him. I heard him say that to Keith in Las Vegas in 1979 or 80.

 

[John Barton]

obviously Keith was a phenomenal money player but Shane is a world champion and now has a US open title under his belt

Keith never did either

Right, but at the end of the tournament there was Keith ready to play any champion for the dough they just won plus some. They could keep the trophy.

It reminds me of the Don Willis story where a promoter was running around asking all the players to list their accomplishments. Don, of course, did not want to do any such thing but the promoter harrangued him until he relented.

Don looked over the stack, chose the guy who listed the most accomplishments and wrote on the page "I beat him".

Also I think the proper designation is that Keith hasn't done either YET. He is still playing, remember the third place at the open a few years ago? I don't think anyone likes to face Keither in a tournament.

 

[smashmouth]

this argument could go on forever and it's kind of fun, best money player vs best tourney player, this gen vs last gen, etc....

again, I personally favour the tourney players of this generation but without a doubt I'd rather watch the money players of yesteryear