AzBilliards Memorial Day Parade!

JAM

JAM

I am the storm
Silver Member
May 1868 marked the first celebration of Memorial Day in the United States. Back then, it was called “Decoration Day,” a time when people decorated tombstones with exotic floral arrangements, remembering the war dead.

I sometimes look at today’s pocket billiards world and wonder how it evolved to what it is today, a tournament-inclined culture consisting mainly of 9-ball, whose roots emanated from a variety of games and sundry characters. Adventuresome champions from the far corners of the earth have come to our shores, hoping to get a taste of that American pool pie, much sweeter I hear than anywhere else in the world.

So, in honor of those veterans who contributed to pocket billiards, I hereby create this thread to represent the 2005 AzBilliards National Memorial Day Parade to honor those men and women who devoted their life to the game.

For me, I see a float with two sparring pool greats: Willie Mosconi versus Minnesota Fats. Willie's professionalism and integrity, always dressed in a suit, made pool a gentleman's sport, and Fats represents the action players, the gambling subculture that some would like to see go away. Each represents a different image, but somehow their personas are amazingly intertwined, much like what pool is today.

I would be interested to hear from others who, in their view, has made a significant impact on pool as we know it today.

JAM
 
JAM said:
I would be interested to hear from others who, in their view, has made a significant impact on pool as we know it today.

JAM
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The generals are remembered, but without all the little guys, they would be nothing. Same can be said for pool. Where would all the road warriors be without the legions of marks? Pool is a culture, and everyone no matter how obscure lends to the way it is shaped. So I suggest, remembering all of our brothers and sisters, that have passed. Two that come to mind, that went far too early, Burton Spain and Tony "The Hurricane" Ellin. I am lucky, that I have not lost any of my personal pool playing friends yet. Within pool there is the sub-culture of pool related forums. It is from this sub-set, that I offer rememberance to, Jim Meador and Frank Glenn.

Tracy
 
JAM said:
May 1868 marked the first celebration of Memorial Day in the United States. Back then, it was called “Decoration Day,” a time when people decorated tombstones with exotic floral arrangements, remembering the war dead.

I sometimes look at today’s pocket billiards world and wonder how it evolved to what it is today, a tournament-inclined culture consisting mainly of 9-ball, whose roots emanated from a variety of games and sundry characters. Adventuresome champions from the far corners of the earth have come to our shores, hoping to get a taste of that American pool pie, much sweeter I hear than anywhere else in the world.

So, in honor of those veterans who contributed to pocket billiards, I hereby create this thread to represent the 2005 AzBilliards National Memorial Day Parade to honor those men and women who devoted their life to the game.

For me, I see a float with two sparring pool greats: Willie Mosconi versus Minnesota Fats. Willie's professionalism and integrity, always dressed in a suit, made pool a gentleman's sport, and Fats represents the action players, the gambling subculture that some would like to see go away. Each represents a different image, but somehow their personas are amazingly intertwined, much like what pool is today.

I would be interested to hear from others who, in their view, has made a significant impact on pool as we know it today.

JAM
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I'll first pay homage to some of my good friends, who were also player reps of mine, who are in the "ring game in the sky" ! Gary and Joey Speath, Steve "Cookie Monster" Cook, and "Cornbread Red" ! I have many fond memories of all of these guys! Other champion I miss are Jay Swanson and Tony Ellin. I suppose Rafael Martinez must be added to the list, though I don't know if his passing was ever substanciated. It's a tough lifestyle and not many live to a ripe old age! God Bless and rest in peace!

Sherm
 
A nice time to remember a good friend of my named Irving Crane, to whom the game's dignity meant so much and who did so much to enhance it.

Often forgotten is Charlie Ursitti, the brain behind the Mosconi vs Fats Challenge and later the Mosconi vs Balukas Challenge, both ABC Wide World of Sports events. Charlie was also a prolific tournament director and event producer. Charlie was Mosconi's manager for years. I still see him on occasion. Last time was at a Carom Cafe 3-cushion event, where we had a nice chat.

Charlie, like all the others who rolled the dice for the good of our sport, are the sport's true heros. Names that come to mind in this regard are Ray Martin, Pete Margo, Allen Hopkins, CJ Wiley, Shari Stauch, Vicki Paski, Charlie Williams, Pat Fleming and so many others.

And, of course, a few of the players have risen above the competition to help make our sport more visible. Certainly, the most obvious of these are Jeanette Lee, Ewa Laurance, Allison Fisher, Minnesota Fats, Steve Mizerak and Mike Massey, but there are so many others who've carried the banner for our sport with pride and diligence.

My parade of the many who've carried the banner for our sport with passion and dignity would be a crowded affair. I'll check with Mayor Bloomberg whether Fifth Avenue is available!
 
sjm said:
A nice time to remember a good friend of my named Irving Crane, to whom the game's dignity meant so much and who did so much to enhance it.

Often forgotten is Charlie Ursitti, the brain behind the Mosconi vs Fats Challenge and later the Mosconi vs Balukas Challenge, both ABC Wide World of Sports events. Charlie was also a prolific tournament director and event producer. Charlie was Mosconi's manager for years. I still see him on occasion. Last time was at a Carom Cafe 3-cushion event, where we had a nice chat.

Charlie, like all the others who rolled the dice for the good of our sport, are the sport's true heros. Names that come to mind in this regard are Ray Martin, Pete Margo, Allen Hopkins, CJ Wiley, Shari Stauch, Vicki Paski, Charlie Williams, Pat Fleming and so many others.

And, of course, a few of the players have risen above the competition to help make our sport more visible. Certainly, the most obvious of these are Jeanette Lee, Ewa Laurance, Allison Fisher, Minnesota Fats, Steve Mizerak and Mike Massey, but there are so many others who've carried the banner for our sport with pride and diligence.

My parade of the many who've carried the banner for our sport with passion and dignity would be a crowded affair. I'll check with Mayor Bloomberg whether Fifth Avenue is available!
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LOL. We need to establish a National Pocket Billiards Day, SJM. :p

I believe the Brunswick brand is well known in the industry and may have been around the longest. Not knowing a lot about the history of the company, I don't know who the founders are and how they got into making pool equipment, but the company enjoys a sterling reputation in the industry. So the Brunswick brand and whoever created it needs to be in this parade!

Women in pool needs to be represented. Dorothy Wise comes to mind. During a time when ladies weren't even allowed in some billiard parlors, she managed to break the barriers and lead the way. Representing Dorothy, I'd like to see Jean Balukas up front and center, representing our lady pros, with every single member of the WPBA marching in formation behind her, stepping high in unison with their cue sticks resting on their shoulders, like soldiers of war. Wish I could think of suitable song to be playing as they march by Macy's! :p

JAM
 
The best 9-ball player ever needs a float - Luther Lassiter!

How about a cuemaker float - With G. Szamboti, Balabushka, Rambow and Jerry Franklin.

Jim
 
Additional information for your parade.

JAM said:
LOL. We need to establish a National Pocket Billiards Day, SJM. :p

I believe the Brunswick brand is well known in the industry and may have been around the longest. Not knowing a lot about the history of the company, I don't know who the founders are and how they got into making pool equipment, but the company enjoys a sterling reputation in the industry. So the Brunswick brand and whoever created it needs to be in this parade!

Women in pool needs to be represented. Dorothy Wise comes to mind. During a time when ladies weren't even allowed in some billiard parlors, she managed to break the barriers and lead the way. Representing Dorothy, I'd like to see Jean Balukas up front and center, representing our lady pros, with every single member of the WPBA marching in formation behind her, stepping high in unison with their cue sticks resting on their shoulders, like soldiers of war. Wish I could think of suitable song to be playing as they march by Macy's! :p

JAM
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J M Brunswick started his manufacturing company in 1845 but was making a lot of different items however he was a billiard buff and decided if he made more solid tables he could expand the industry. In 1873 or so he expanded and joined forces with the name Balke and formed Brunswick-Balke. In the meantime Michael Phelan also known as the father of pool in America decided to start his own manufacturing company in the 1860's after winning the first high stakes pool match in the U.S. where he won $15,000(how ironic). HIs company was Phelan-Collender. In 1884 he merged with Brunswick to form Brunswick-Balke-Collender. As a side note Brunswick also got into the bowling and phonograph business. They manufactured bowling equipment and phonographs in 1920 which included 78 rpm records by jazz and opera singers which I have a couple of.
 
nfty9er said:
...In the meantime Michael Phelan also known as the father of pool in America decided to start his own manufacturing company in the 1860's after winning the first high stakes pool match in the U.S. where he won $15,000 (how ironic)....
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Thanks for the history factoid, Nfty9er! :)

$15,000 for a high-stakes pool match in the U.S. in the 1860's, wow! :eek:

That must have seemed like $150,000 in those times! ;)

JAM
 
JAM said:
LOL. We need to establish a National Pocket Billiards Day, SJM. :p

I believe the Brunswick brand is well known in the industry and may have been around the longest. Not knowing a lot about the history of the company, I don't know who the founders are and how they got into making pool equipment, but the company enjoys a sterling reputation in the industry. So the Brunswick brand and whoever created it needs to be in this parade!

Women in pool needs to be represented. Dorothy Wise comes to mind. During a time when ladies weren't even allowed in some billiard parlors, she managed to break the barriers and lead the way. Representing Dorothy, I'd like to see Jean Balukas up front and center, representing our lady pros, with every single member of the WPBA marching in formation behind her, stepping high in unison with their cue sticks resting on their shoulders, like soldiers of war. Wish I could think of suitable song to be playing as they march by Macy's! :p

JAM
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I'm quite certain that the billiards pioneer John Brunswick is in the BCA Hall of Fame.

Also, as you say, the women of today must all trace their roots and many of thier opportunities to the three legendary players who paved the way for them: Ruth McGuiness, Dorothy Wise and Jean Balukas. Know where you're coming from on the subject of women in poolrooms. The first four women I ever saw play the game well were Jean Balukas in 1971, Dorthy Wise in 1976 and Fran Crimi and Billie Billing in 1977. Let's not forget that even when women WERE allowed in poolrooms, a poolroom wasn't always a safe place for a woman, and this also delayed the process of integrating women into our sport.

And while we're on the subject of those not afforded sufficient opportunities for far too long in pro pool, let's take note of Cisero Murphy, arguably the Jackie Robinson figure of pro pool.

Let's also give the poolroom proprietors, the top instructors and the best cue makers their due, as well, for they have meant so much to our sport.

Pool is a tapestry the size which we all have a tendency to underestimate. I'm happy to catch my breath and focus on my appreication for the many who've made it such a beautiful tapestry.
 
A suitable song

[/QUOTE]Wish I could think of suitable song to be playing as they march by Macy's! :p
[/QUOTE]

How about "STROKIN'" by Clarence Carter? lol
 
Wish I could think of suitable song to be playing as they march by Macy's! :p
[/QUOTE]

How about "STROKIN'" by Clarence Carter? lol[/QUOTE]

As the road players passed by, I thin Ramblin' Man by The Allman Brothers would be a logical choice.
 
sjm said:
As the road players passed by, I thin Ramblin' Man by The Allman Brothers would be a logical choice.
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Great song for the roadsters! I also happen to like "I've been everywhere, Man," the version by Johnny Cash!

I was totin my pack along the long dusty Winnamucka road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
If your goin' to Winnamucka, Mack with me you can ride
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Whichta, Tulsa, Ottowa, Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama, Mattua, LaPaloma, Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo, Tocapillo, Pocotello, Amperdllo.

I'm a Killer
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Lousiana, Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texas (County), Monterey, Fairaday, Santa Fe, Tollaperson, Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloussa, Tennessee, Tinnesay, Chickapee, Spirit Lake, Grand Lake, Devil's Lake, Crater Lake.

For Pete's Sake
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Omerback, Shereville, Jacksonville, Waterville,
Costa Rock, Richfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport, Hakensack, Cadallic, Fond du Lac, Davenport, Idaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamondtina, Pasadena, Catalina.

See What I Mean
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelburg, Colorado, Ellisburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado, Larimore, Adimore, Habastock, Chadanocka, Shasta, Nebraska, Alaska, Opalacka, Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City, Souix City, Cedar City, Dodge City.

What A Pity
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel - I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

Today, there was a Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The oldest veteran from World War came to the celebration representing the armed forces. Although he is recorded as being 105 years old, he said he lied about his age when he was 16, so that he could get in the service, and that he's really only 104! :p

I wonder who the OLDEST pool player alive is today. Whoever it may be, he or she would have to be placed a convertible car for the parade. Who would be in this car representing pool's senior veterans?

JAM
 
JAM said:
I would be interested to hear from others who, in their view, has made a significant impact on pool as we know it today.

JAM
Click to expand...
In my opinion it's not possible to overestimate the influence of 1961's The Hustler. Without that film, which single-handedly exploded pool back into the public consciousness, this site wouldn't be here; nor would all the other pool related activities which occupy so much of our lives. Consequently a debt of gratitude is owed Walter Tevis. But even moreso we owe the writer/producer/director Robert Rossen, who brought us that wonderful film, which is the Holy Grail of contemporary pool.

Doc
 
How bout St Louie Louie Roberts....one of the few pool players that I know that actually had a MILITARY career.
 
Walter Tevis was inducted into the BCA Hall Of Fame for his service to the industry. And as for a "Billards Day" song to sing as we march with our cues on our shoulder there's only one choice for me - "Dirty Pool" by Stevie Ray Vaughn.
 
watchez said:
How bout St Louie Louie Roberts....one of the few pool players that I know that actually had a MILITARY career.
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Jimmy Burke, now of Arizona, but originally of Weehawken New Jersey, was a top professional that fought in the Korean War.
 
sjm said:
Jimmy Burke, now of Arizona, but originally of Weehawken New Jersey, was a top professional that fought in the Korean War.
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Jimmy could get the 7 ball from Louie.
 
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