A requested 9 Ball story

[Grady]

I hope I don't offend anybody by using my own history for some stories. I first met Louie Roberts when he came through Colorado in 1978
and stopped off at Grady's Billiards.
He was by himself. We played 9 Ball and while I wasn't known neccessarily for my 9 Ball, I felt that I had a chance against anyone in the world. So I never cared what somebody's name was or their reputation. I certainly had not heard of Louie at the time. I broke him, maybe $800 worth. He was disconsolate and said to me, "Look, I don't mind losing to you but will you do me a favor? Before I could answer he continued,"When my backer comes tomorrow don't tell him that you beat me."
"Sure, no problem," I replied.
When the backer arrived we played a 5 ahead set that took 19 hours, which Louie won, for $1,500.
From this point on we became not only great friends but also rivals of the best sort. He played me even One Pocket and in retrospect on the finest of nights he couldn't have won. On the other hand he probably defeated me at 9 Ball 65 per cent of the time.
Now, if Louie was your friend, you were going to take the worst of it with the money. You knew that in advance and were honored to take medium losses just to help him and to be his associate. Louie was beyond help, though. Believe me, I know. I tried often, with dismal results. When he passed, I cried and I grieved. "Louie, man," I'd say, gazing upward. "Why'd ya have to do this." The circumstances of his death still bother me. I'm not at all sure he commited suicide.
When Louie was in stroke I thought he was practically unbeatable at 9 Ball.
Next to Denny Searcy he had the most beautiful of strokes, powerful and accurate. Every once in a while I'd see him offer the best players in the world the 8 Ball and I'd also see them decline the offer.
I still think of Louie and miss him a lot.

 

[Mr. Wilson]

Thanks Grady.

Has there ever been anybody to fill that void for you since his passing?


Dave

 

[BillPorter]

Grady, thanks for a great story.

I didn't know Louie personally, but I watched him play on many occasions. He was a rare talent, and as you say, when in dead stroke, he was world class. I think he represented the road player that many young short stops wanted to be. He'd come into town, beat the local hero, leave with the cash and maybe the girl. Of course, it didn't always play out that way and it was certainly sad that he died so young. I could see how much you cared for him by reading your post. Here's a shot of Louie from a tournament in Austin, TX back in 1984.

 

[wahcheck]

Thanks Grady

I hope I don't offend anybody by using my own history for some stories. I first met Louie Roberts when he came through Colorado in 1978
and stopped off at Grady's Billiards.
He was by himself. We played 9 Ball and while I wasn't known neccessarily for my 9 Ball, I felt that I had a chance against anyone in the world. So I never cared what somebody's name was or their reputation. I certainly had not heard of Louie at the time. I broke him, maybe $800 worth. He was disconsolate and said to me, "Look, I don't mind losing to you but will you do me a favor? Before I could answer he continued,"When my backer comes tomorrow don't tell him that you beat me."
"Sure, no problem," I replied.
When the backer arrived we played a 5 ahead set that took 19 hours, which Louie won, for $1,500.
From this point on we became not only great friends but also rivals of the best sort. He played me even One Pocket and in retrospect on the finest of nights he couldn't have won. On the other hand he probably defeated me at 9 Ball 65 per cent of the time.
Now, if Louie was your friend, you were going to take the worst of it with the money. You knew that in advance and were honored to take medium losses just to help him and to be his associate. Louie was beyond help, though. Believe me, I know. I tried often, with dismal results. When he passed, I cried and I grieved. "Louie, man," I'd say, gazing upward. "Why'd ya have to do this." The circumstances of his death still bother me. I'm not at all sure he commited suicide.
When Louie was in stroke I thought he was practically unbeatable at 9 Ball.
Next to Denny Searcy he had the most beautiful of strokes, powerful and accurate. Every once in a while I'd see him offer the best players in the world the 8 Ball and I'd also see them decline the offer.
I still think of Louie and miss him a lot.

Thanks Grady for this interesting story with special insights into what was a talented poolplayer's makeup.....I was born and raised in San Francisco, and although I knew about Cochrane's, spent more time at Palace Billiards in the late 60's and early 70's....Could you give us a story about Cole Dixon? I always thought that was some name for a pool player...kinda reminds me of a gunslinger...

 

[PoolSharkAllen]

Grady, With Steve Mizerak's passing away, do you have any stories to share about him?

 

[Grady]

Because you asked

To replace Louie as my friend and peer as a warrior I had two men in mind but the rest is a sad story. The first's better half took deep offense at my calling Larry Liscotti an alcoholic and verbally assaulted my wife, then me. Yes, I really, really got angry and lost my temper on the internet but I apologized sincerely later. Interested parties note that there never was any apology the other way and there never is, with people like that. You see, the person is question is also an alky and my comments just hit too close to home.
The second guy I thought I had been friends with for more than 40 years. When we got into an altercation he tried to gouge out my eye. This creep is a felon. Where this happened I was asked if I wanted to press charges. I said no and actually hoped maybe I'd get an apology and we could start over. Fat chance!! Meanwhile, the place said that this man and his girlfriend were the worst guests they had ever had. Now, people like this, they don't even remember the next day what evil or mean thing they said or did last night.
I don't know what I did or said to offend Macguy or Cuetechasaurus. Whatever it was, real or imagined, I'm sorry, man. Let's let it go at that. I don't want to have to watch my back the rest of my life. While we're talking about that, if you must continue to attack me at least have the decency to post your pictures and current addresses.
Why can Freddie post about a world famous player and relate how the guy was a junkie and get accolades like, "Great post," and I get decapitated for saying one of my best friends was an alcoholic?
I'd now like to start again with many stories, with everything nice about everybody and the last thing I want is to offend anyone, Mr. Wilson.

 

[sixpack]

I hope I don't offend anybody by using my own history for some stories. I first met Louie Roberts when he came through Colorado in 1978
and stopped off at Grady's Billiards.
He was by himself. We played 9 Ball and while I wasn't known neccessarily for my 9 Ball, I felt that I had a chance against anyone in the world. So I never cared what somebody's name was or their reputation. I certainly had not heard of Louie at the time. I broke him, maybe $800 worth. He was disconsolate and said to me, "Look, I don't mind losing to you but will you do me a favor? Before I could answer he continued,"When my backer comes tomorrow don't tell him that you beat me."
"Sure, no problem," I replied.
When the backer arrived we played a 5 ahead set that took 19 hours, which Louie won, for $1,500.
From this point on we became not only great friends but also rivals of the best sort. He played me even One Pocket and in retrospect on the finest of nights he couldn't have won. On the other hand he probably defeated me at 9 Ball 65 per cent of the time.
Now, if Louie was your friend, you were going to take the worst of it with the money. You knew that in advance and were honored to take medium losses just to help him and to be his associate. Louie was beyond help, though. Believe me, I know. I tried often, with dismal results. When he passed, I cried and I grieved. "Louie, man," I'd say, gazing upward. "Why'd ya have to do this." The circumstances of his death still bother me. I'm not at all sure he commited suicide.
When Louie was in stroke I thought he was practically unbeatable at 9 Ball.
Next to Denny Searcy he had the most beautiful of strokes, powerful and accurate. Every once in a while I'd see him offer the best players in the world the 8 Ball and I'd also see them decline the offer.
I still think of Louie and miss him a lot.

An acquaintance of mine in Phoenix quit playing pool completely and feels guilty for Louie's passing because he was the "chump" that beat him in the tourney before he died.

I recently heard from a friend the other side of the story that you're alluding to regarding the circumstances of his death. I have to say that the argument my friend made is pretty convincing, albeit circumstantial. I now share your reasonable doubt that it was a suicide. Is there a chance of sharing the information we have and getting an investigation opened into this? Are there any police detectives or investigative reporters here that could dig a little deeper?

RC

EDIT - fixed typos.

 

[The Kiss]

The truth hurts, Grady...I love your stories of the road ect...Told as you saw it ..Not sugar coated just the way it was...What more could you ask for...???

Pool is an addiction like many other things so it is no wonder as to the persons and personalities that are involved....But without those people and personalities of the past and present the game would be boring and lifeless...So it is a double edged sword but still is what it is....

We all have good pool stories...But people like yourself have great stories and are appreciated by most...Just calling it as YOU saw it....

 

[huckster]

To replace Louie as my friend and peer as a warrior I had two men in mind but the rest is a sad story. The first's better half took deep offense at my calling Larry Liscotti an alcoholic and verbally assaulted my wife, then me. Yes, I really, really got angry and lost my temper on the internet but I apologized sincerely later. Interested parties note that there never was any apology the other way and there never is, with people like that. You see, the person is question is also an alky and my comments just hit too close to home.
The second guy I thought I had been friends with for more than 40 years. When we got into an altercation he tried to gouge out my eye. This creep is a felon. Where this happened I was asked if I wanted to press charges. I said no and actually hoped maybe I'd get an apology and we could start over. Fat chance!! Meanwhile, the place said that this man and his girlfriend were the worst guests they had ever had. Now, people like this, they don't even remember the next day what evil or mean thing they said or did last night.
I don't know what I did or said to offend Macguy or Cuetechasaurus. Whatever it was, real or imagined, I'm sorry, man. Let's let it go at that. I don't want to have to watch my back the rest of my life. While we're talking about that, if you must continue to attack me at least have the decency to post your pictures and current addresses.
Why can Freddie post about a world famous player and relate how the guy was a junkie and get accolades like, "Great post," and I get decapitated for saying one of my best friends was an alcoholic?
I'd now like to start again with many stories, with everything nice about everybody and the last thing I want is to offend anyone, Mr. Wilson.

Grady,
Of all the champion one pocket players I have travelled with they all said pretty much the same thing about you. That you are a warrior who was never afraid to make a game and bet your own. I have a question for you. I am aware that you are from a later generation than my Grandfather (Don Willis), but did you ever play him or witness him play anyone from the early part of your career? He told me his best years were from the end of WWII till the late 50's, but I know he would on occasion still get down well past his prime. He told me that in the 40's and 50's when he went out on a road trip he would always come home and buy something for the family. I wish someone had first hand knowledge of some of his exploits. Thanks in advance, and next time your in Ohio I would love to get togather and play some onepocket. I do not play your speed but I find it a challenge to play world class opposition some cheap ($50 a game) one pocket. There is a whole slew of local players that play out of Fiddlestix in North Canton Ohio who might match up if you are travelling through the area.

 

[Scott Lee]

Grady...I remember Louie's death being passed around the grapevine, but can't remember the exact year (maybe '88 or '89?). I know he had a bit part, standing in line, with Newman, in COM...but no speaking parts, like you had. I remember the first time I met Louie...at the World 9-Ball tourney in Burlington, IA...circa Oct. '75. Great player even then... BTW...I was in your poolroom on Platte Ave. several times in the 70's!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

 

[Grady]

Miz, Cole and Willis

I already did a lengthy story about Cole, Denny and Richie.I wrote about Steve in the memorial section here at AZ devoted to him but at some later time I'll do a more comprenensive job of telling you what I knew of the Miz.
As for Don Willis, I met him and liked him a lot. As you say he was a generation before me. I loved his style of champion. He hung around and travelled with Jimmy Moore and Wimpy. That says a lot right there. He was a devoted family man, a road warrior and a top 9 Ball player. He also played excellent cards, ping pong and was fairly athletic. I always admired the men like Willis who comported themselves like champions and gentlemen, through some rocky times.

 

[Grady]

Louie

I forgot to answer Scott about the time of Louie's passing. Scott, I have tha obit somewhere but I can't immediately find it. But your dates are too early. He was still alive at one of my Columbia tournaments(1990 and 1991). If nobody weighs in as to when he died I'll find that obit.

 

[freddy the beard]

Detroit Whitey

...Why can Freddie post about a world famous player and relate how the guy was a junkie and get accolades like, "Great post," and I get decapitated for saying one of my best friends was an alcoholic?

Jeez Grady, if you think that was strong, wait you see my next book, The GosPool where I delve into Detroit Whitey's deviant sex habits, especially his penchant for beastiality. If I can't say something bad about somebody, I probably won't say anything at all. However, I usually include a proviso declaring that I was myself an offender of most of the things I talk about -- except the beastiality -- that one I left alone.

the Beard

 

[Tom In Cincy]

Louie was the house pro out of High Pockets in Memphis TN in the late 80s and early 90s.

Louie played in the Joey Speath Memorial tournament in 1989 in Erlanger KY (just over the river from Cincinnati OH) BTW, Louie still owes me $50 from that tournament.

I also am pretty sure Louie played in the early 90s Lexington AllStars (Joe Kerr producition at first) There were two events (Spring and Fall) a year until they upped the added to $20,000 and made it a single event.

 

[cuetechasaurus]

To replace Louie as my friend and peer as a warrior I had two men in mind but the rest is a sad story. The first's better half took deep offense at my calling Larry Liscotti an alcoholic and verbally assaulted my wife, then me. Yes, I really, really got angry and lost my temper on the internet but I apologized sincerely later. Interested parties note that there never was any apology the other way and there never is, with people like that. You see, the person is question is also an alky and my comments just hit too close to home.
The second guy I thought I had been friends with for more than 40 years. When we got into an altercation he tried to gouge out my eye. This creep is a felon. Where this happened I was asked if I wanted to press charges. I said no and actually hoped maybe I'd get an apology and we could start over. Fat chance!! Meanwhile, the place said that this man and his girlfriend were the worst guests they had ever had. Now, people like this, they don't even remember the next day what evil or mean thing they said or did last night.
I don't know what I did or said to offend Macguy or Cuetechasaurus. Whatever it was, real or imagined, I'm sorry, man. Let's let it go at that. I don't want to have to watch my back the rest of my life. While we're talking about that, if you must continue to attack me at least have the decency to post your pictures and current addresses.
Why can Freddie post about a world famous player and relate how the guy was a junkie and get accolades like, "Great post," and I get decapitated for saying one of my best friends was an alcoholic?
I'd now like to start again with many stories, with everything nice about everybody and the last thing I want is to offend anyone, Mr. Wilson.

I apologize also Grady, I've said some very nice things about you in the past and made threads dedicated to you. I just got a little annoyed about something you said a few weeks ago. Please note that this is a public forum, and public figures like yourself are often subject to differing opinions, especially if someone misunderstands something you said. It's kind of like the media and how they react to something a celebrity does or says. Sometimes it can get a little blown out of proportion. I don't have a grudge against you, and I most certainly would never take any type of grudge or disupute on an internet forum personally. Anyone who does take a grudge like that into real life, well that's just silly.

 

[JimmyB500]

Hey Grady. Look at the AZ logo on any of the forum and you will see a vertical list of buttons. It has links, search, members, etc. Click the members and you will see the first page with 30 members of this forum on it. You will notice that there are one hundred and sixty five pages of people. You don't have to qualify in any way or pay anything to join. There are people from all different countries. There are old folks and teenagers. I mean 13 and 14 years old. There are people at home altering their mental state in all different ways with booze and pills and powders of all different kinds. There are people who know that they will never meet you again if they ever did before. There are trolls on all discussion groups. There are folks who have a hobby of starting arguements and thinking that they are accomplishing something. If you were in an action room somewhere, you would be treated like a celeb while they would probably not be allowed to enter the place. Now I read all of your posts and enjoy them very much, but I don't talk about it nor do I care to post very often. All I'm saying is that you just are not going to get 100% positive comments, especially if you say the least bit controversial thing about anybody.

I went to the fall, 2003 one-pocket and 14.1 tournament that Grady did in Columbia SC and had a great time. Grady was very busy that week. He was applying new rules for 1pk whereby the balls all spotted up if so many got above the line. He was making annoucements. Trying to talk to everyone that wanted to. Naturally playing in both tournaments. Even trying to monitor the entrance to make sure people were heading in the right door and not sneaking in. I saw him referee straight pool matches the right way. Anyway he was very busy. Right at a most inconvenient time a very young fellow came bouncing up to Grady and spoke. He was alone and not dressed very well at all and he wanted Grady to show him how to break properly at 14.1. I thought for sure that Grady would put him off at that time. Not A Chance. Without hesitation Grady calmly said yea, lets get a table and I'll show you. I walked over to the table with them, uninvited, and took the mini-lesson also, even though I pretty much knew already. I just wanted to listen. Anyway that's what kind of guy he is.

 

[freddy the beard]

You say you want who in the foxhole?

Grady and I have been arguing and battling each other for 30 years. That's just a natural clash of our extremely competitive natures. However, if I had to go to war, I would want Grady in the foxhole with me.

the Beard

 

[jay helfert]

I didn't know Louie personally, but I watched him play on many occasions. He was a rare talent, and as you say, when in dead stroke, he was world class. I think he represented the road player that many young short stops wanted to be. He'd come into town, beat the local hero, leave with the cash and maybe the girl. Of course, it didn't always play out that way and it was certainly sad that he died so young. I could see how much you cared for him by reading your post. Here's a shot of Louie from a tournament in Austin, TX back in 1984.

Thanks Bill. I was Louie's stakehorse at that tournament. One night we went to a local pool hall (slightly out of town), and Louie gave up some weight (as usual) and won a bunch of money (over a grand). We were leaving and in the parking lot drives Jimmy King waving a fistful of money out the car window. Louie wants to stay and I don't. I give him half the bankroll and he rolls in about 7AM dead broke.

I staked Louie off and on for the next five years, with intermittent success. Off the bottle, he was deadly. Once drinking, he was a complete sucker. His last major tournament was at the Sands in Vegas (Parica won) in 1990 or 1991. From there he went to Phoenix and was dead a week later. I've heard varying reports of his death too.

What I do know is that Louie would get very self destructive on alcohol and could be quite combative too. I once fought with him physically (in our hotel room) off and on for about an hour at the Classic Cup in Chicago. I won't go into why right now.

Louie and Holly (his beautiful young wife) stayed with me in Los Angeles for about one month in 1986. He was a great guy when sober, but was always scheming how to get a drink. I wouldn't allow him to drink in my home, as my 14 year old daughter lived with me at this time. I had to watch him like a hawk though, because he would sneak out a window (literally) and run down to the nearest liquor store and buy a tall one.

Louie had more pure charisma than any pool player I've ever known. His personality was magnetic. He could have been a superstar if he could control his alchoholism. I believe Louie was 40 when he died.

 

[jazznpool]

Hey Grady,

I greatly enjoy your sharing your history with pool with us. As a hall of fame caliber player, gambler, and room owner you have one hell of a vantage point. I've never thought that you went out of your way to be vindictive or mean-spirited in giving your account of a person or situation. If you were to totally sugar-coat your stories or accounts they wouldn't be as interesting. All of us have some warts...some more than others.

When are you planning to come to SoCal again? It would be great to do your history of pool/ one-pocket seminar somewhere. Best regards,

Martin

To replace Louie as my friend and peer as a warrior I had two men in mind but the rest is a sad story. The first's better half took deep offense at my calling Larry Liscotti an alcoholic and verbally assaulted my wife, then me. Yes, I really, really got angry and lost my temper on the internet but I apologized sincerely later. Interested parties note that there never was any apology the other way and there never is, with people like that. You see, the person is question is also an alky and my comments just hit too close to home.
The second guy I thought I had been friends with for more than 40 years. When we got into an altercation he tried to gouge out my eye. This creep is a felon. Where this happened I was asked if I wanted to press charges. I said no and actually hoped maybe I'd get an apology and we could start over. Fat chance!! Meanwhile, the place said that this man and his girlfriend were the worst guests they had ever had. Now, people like this, they don't even remember the next day what evil or mean thing they said or did last night.
I don't know what I did or said to offend Macguy or Cuetechasaurus. Whatever it was, real or imagined, I'm sorry, man. Let's let it go at that. I don't want to have to watch my back the rest of my life. While we're talking about that, if you must continue to attack me at least have the decency to post your pictures and current addresses.
Why can Freddie post about a world famous player and relate how the guy was a junkie and get accolades like, "Great post," and I get decapitated for saying one of my best friends was an alcoholic?
I'd now like to start again with many stories, with everything nice about everybody and the last thing I want is to offend anyone, Mr. Wilson.

 

[KBP]

Have always loved your stories. Glad you decided to continue. I use the ignore a good bit on this forum. Keep the stories coming.
Kay