Mark Griffin said:
Since I am posting - I want to add that Grady is probably recognized as the premier promoter of one-pocket and bank type of events. Although a "little abrasive" at times, I think he has probably earned the right more than most.
I will support any event that Grady does - although as I said in another post, too many events just help make them all fail. Do events for the right reasons.
I, too, agree that TOO MANY events is not a good thing. A good example is what happened when Hilton Hotels tried to start a pool tour, several years ago.
Hilton Hotels came up with a tour plan, and there were big added monies, with tournaments scheduled all over the United States. As it turned out, only two Hilton Tour tournaments got off the ground, and the tour ended abruptly in Pittsburgh, with Hilton Hotels pulling out of the tour altogether. It ended almost as quickly as it had begun.
The second and last tournament of the Hilton Hotels in Pittsburgh was scheduled at the same time as many other pool tournaments. During this same weekend, at least on the East Coast, there was a Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour event at Turning Stone Casino, a New York State regional tournament in NYC (can't remember its name), and a Florida Pro tournament happening in Florida. With four pool tourneys happening at the same time, it split the players up, which resulted in each event not getting as big a turnout as they had hoped.
I was elated when this tour started. The promoter's vision of this Hilton Tour was big. He came to the U.S. Open one year, announcing this Hilton tour, and he was steered to the UPA to help him. The UPA, experiencing problems of their own, didn't deliver the players that the Hilton Tour had hoped for in Florida and in Pennsylvania. The lack of player participation, which consisted of a couple dozen UPA touring pros, was deemed as very poor. Hilton recognized after only two tournaments that pool was not a money-maker, and they wanted no part of it anymore. What an opportunity this could have and should have been for pool.
Mark Griffin said:
I also have to mention that the BCAPL is holding the Qlympics event in Louisville in November, and it includes 4 events that are US OPEN Championships. They are 14.1 (150/200 points), One Pocket, Full rack Banks, and 10 ball.
Added money should be around $30,000+. Which by the way is coming out of my pocket - unfortunately no sponsors and no angels.
But as I said before, I will still support any event the Grady does. And I wish his room the very best!!
Mark Griffin
www.playbca.com
I have a feeling the Qlympics in Louisville will be a huge success, Mr. Griffin.
As will Grady's tournament at Grady's pool room.
Because of the lack of a legitimate sanctioning body in the U.S., it is difficult to schedule dates for pool tournaments. It is sad when somebody posts up a schedule for a tour or an event well ahead of time, only to have some entity schedule theirs at the exact same time.
With the absence of the BCA's involvement in the American professional pool scene, I'm not sure what the answer is for pro players in the United States, which is my interest. I have been called a racist, a bigot, a member of the KKK, and other niceties because of my desire to see American professional pool elevate. I will continue to stand by my feelings and take the beating on this forum by non-American posters as well as the pool organization groupies who remind me of ambulance chasers.
I would like to see an American nationality-restricted tournament, such as a United States championship. They do it in other countries, but NEVER here in the States. We welcome players from around the world to compete in American events. I also would like to see a men's governing body of professional pool effect a change for the better. The current state of affairs seems very uncertain.
I lost my enthusiasm to follow the American tournament trail as far as professional pool goes. I enjoy going to great tournaments like DCC, U.S. Open, all Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour events, and look forward to Qlympics and Grady's upcoming tournaments. They're fun. I like seeing my friends, hanging out with Diana Hoppe on the offs, looking at her cool pictures and laughing. I enjoy meeting the legendary great players and chatting, like I did with Weenie Beenie at the U.S. Open, Buddy Hall at the Carolinas Open, and Billy Burge at the DCC. I really enjoy running into AzBilliards alumni, putting a face to the name.
Today, when I go to a pool tournament, I go to have a good time, whether my horse wins or loses. Winning is great, of course, but I liken tournaments today as a pool vacation. I also have health problems today, that I didn't have when I was younger, and whatever life I have left on this earth, I am going to live it to the fullest. I have not been to a pool tournament since July of 2006, and for good reason.
I wish you nothing but success, Mark. Keep on making things happen, for the betterment of pool. Your efforts are appreciated, as you are truly one of the good guys!
JAM
