Al Coslosky

[Terry Ardeno]

Anybody remember him? I have his basics but does anyone have any stories or memories of him? Very good 14.1 player from Eastern Penna.
Thanks.

 

[jay helfert]

Anybody remember him? I have his basics but does anyone have any stories or memories of him? Very good 14.1 player from Eastern Penna.
Thanks.

I feel guilty because I know all these old timers. Rolly polly Al was a funny looking (and sloppy dressing) Easterner, who played Straight Pool just under the top players of his era. Only Balsis, Crane and Lassiter were favorites over him back then. This was the decade (the 60's) before Mizerak, Rempe, Varner and Hopkins rose to pomiinence. Although Steve (the Miz) and Jimmy Rempe were already becoming well known.

I think Al actually won the 14.1 at Johnston City one year. Naturally, he could play 9-Ball as well. I have no memories of seeing him gamble, although I think he did, particularly at 14.1. He seemed to be well liked by the other players, and he would join in the gabfests back then. I would sit there and just listen and not say a word.

Al Coslosky was an A speed player!

 

[freddy the beard]

I feel guilty because I know all these old timers. Rolly polly Al was a funny looking (and sloppy dressing) Easterner, who played Straight Pool just under the top players of his era. Only Balsis, Crane and Lassiter were favorites over him back then. This was the decade (the 60's) before Mizerak, Rempe, Varner and Hopkins rose to pomiinence. Although Steve (the Miz) and Jimmy Rempe were already becoming well known.

I think Al actually won the 14.1 at Johnston City one year. Naturally, he could play 9-Ball as well. I have no memories of seeing him gamble, although I think he did, particularly at 14.1. He seemed to be well liked by the other players, and he would join in the gabfests back then. I would sit there and just listen and not say a word.

Al Coslosky was an A speed player!

Perfect description. Nice guy, nice player. Never seen him lay a bet in Johnston City.
the Beard

 

[Pushout]

I seem to remember somebody by that last name who played in the the New York State 9 ball Championships and the BC Open a few times. Did Al have a son or a nephew who played?

Sorry, I know it wasn't Al. Would have been too young.

 

[jay helfert]

I seem to remember somebody by that last name who played in the the New York State 9 ball Championships and the BC Open a few times. Did Al have a son or a nephew who played?

Sorry, I know it wasn't Al. Would have been too young.

I believe Al continued to play until the 80's, when he would have been around his late 60's to early 70's. I think he passed away about 15 years ago.

 

[Terry Ardeno]

I believe Al continued to play until the 80's, when he would have been around his late 60's to early 70's. I think he passed away about 15 years ago.

He died in November 1979 at the age of 64.
Jay, thanks for your response to this thread. The portrait you painted of him on your first reply was pretty accurate. I've seen his picture & he looked like you described. You were able to give me some insight into his personality, as did Freddie's notation that he didn't gamble at JC.

I wish that someone (hint-hint) would write a book and give at least a 1-2 page description on all the greats of yesteryear. I enjoy collecting info on these old timers as well as our current greats. The personal recollections like you've shared are so helpful because there's not a whole lot of written material on these players. When you, Grady or Freddie post, it's very valued.

 

[jay helfert]

He died in November 1979 at the age of 64.
Jay, thanks for your response to this thread. The portrait you painted of him on your first reply was pretty accurate. I've seen his picture & he looked like you described. You were able to give me some insight into his personality, as did Freddie's notation that he didn't gamble at JC.

I wish that someone (hint-hint) would write a book and give at least a 1-2 page description on all the greats of yesteryear. I enjoy collecting info on these old timers as well as our current greats. The personal recollections like you've shared are so helpful because there's not a whole lot of written material on these players. When you, Grady or Freddie post, it's very valued.

I didn't realize he's been gone that long. I think he was still playing until near the end though.

 

[Pushout]

I believe Al continued to play until the 80's, when he would have been around his late 60's to early 70's. I think he passed away about 15 years ago.

The guy I knew was named Joe. Just remembered this afternoon. Probably early or mid thirties when I knew him.