Bank Pool Ring Game and One Pocket HOF

G

Grady

Pro Player
I was surprised, upon returning home, that I didn't see anything about the Bank Pool Ring Game on the net. Six players put up $2,000 each. They started at $50 a bank and raised it every 45 minutes or so until the bet was $500 per bank.
At that point Shannon had $11,300 of the $12,000, while Brian Gregg had only $700. There were a few balls left on the table. After clearing them Brian had $1,700. Scott Smith told Brian that he had to raise it and how much would be his choice. After thinking about it a minute, Brian said that $800 a bank would be fine. Brian made most of the early banks in this, the last rack. After he and Shannon were about even in money, Brian came to the table and ran seven banks and out to win the money.
At my event in Gulfport last month Shannon ran 8 banks and out to win the $18,000. I then said that that was the best pool I had ever seen and I meant it. But Brian's run was as good a pool and the greatest comeback under pressure that I've ever seen.
I highly recommend that everyone buy this DVD. I haven't listened to the commentary but I can sure vouch for the pool playin'.
For Steve Booth's One Pocket HOF, I called all four magazines. Only Conrad Burkman of Billiard News showed up at the banquet. It turned out to be one of the best evenings of my life, as "Bugs", "Beanie", Diliberto, Ronnie Allen," Freddie the Beard" told stories and honored the new inductees. Efren certainly had fun from the looks of the big smile on his face. "Bugs" was in a wheelchair and not so well, which saddened us all. However this didn't slow him or any of the others down, as pictures were taken, autographs signed, plaques presented and a general great time had by all.
The banquet was completely sold out. Tears were shed ( I think Ronnie and I were the worst). The whole affair was classy. There was much love and respect in that room and I thank Steve Booth for starting something that is long overdue. I cannot wait for next year. Onepocket.org has lots of pictures available. Diana of AZbilliards took many photos that are always top notch.
If your magazine doesn't carry this magnificent story I'd appreciate it if you'd complain. Thanks.
 
I am sorry I missed the event. OnePocket.org has been in exsistance since June of 2004 (right after the Hard Times Summer Jamboree).

I met Steve Booth when he came to California on a west coast trip and scheduled the trip to be able to play in the One Pocket event. To his pleasure, one of the first matches he played against Ronnie Allen. Steve looked like he was in pool hall heaven.

Thanks Steve for organizing the HOF event at the DCC and I am very pleased that it was sold out. If I could have got the time off, I would have been there.

Thanks Grady for being available to host the event and all the ring games.

2004 has been a good year for pool.
 
Grady, I really enjoyed talking with you and I want you to know that I agree that it was a great comeback in the ring game. The whole crowd went wild. Even the guy that lost the side bet with me was applauding Brians run.

Also congratulations to you and the recipients of the HOF award. It's about time. Although I don't know Bugs personally, I have met him and been told lot's of great things about him. I am happy he got to make the trip to DCC. He is in our prayers. Sam
 
Hi Grady,
It must feel good to have people finally listening to our legends and to place credit where due. I know you have worked as hard as anyone to make this a better sport (for the players).

You deserve, as well the other inductees, to be recognized as Hall of Fame recipients. Credit to Steve Booth for organizing onepocket.org and his passion for promoting the best of all pocket billiard games (IMHO).

I knew little about the game, but after a good showing in the 93' LA Open 9-Ball division, I was taking an early flight out and didn't want to sleep in fear of missing my flight. I packed my bags at midnight and then went down to the room to see if there was any action.

Incardone was hitting balls, as was Mark Tadd and Shannon Daulton. I remember watching Billy having allot of fun with Daulton trying to figure out how to use a short jump cue, where Daulton repeatedly made this rediculous shot over and over again. Billy would try and just laugh (I am sure he has figured it out by now).

Then about 1am Rucker walked in. Within 20-30 minutes Billy had matched up with Bugs. After only a couple of hours I saw things about one-pocket that were invaluable to any player wanting to become a more well rounded player at all games.

I have not stopped playing one-pocket ever since I got off my flight home. Then I have watched and even played against you in a couple of your exhibitions on the west coast, and that just fueled the fire more.

Thank you for being the player and person you are, to our great game of Billiards. Keep pushin' the ring games, keep promoting all games and know you are honored by and for your passion.

Thanks Grady. You are a great inspiration to me and to thousands of others.
 
AzHousePro said:
Grady, you can find our write up at http://www.azbilliards.com/derbycity2005/index.cfm?storynum=2381 and Diana's photo gallery from the dinner at http://www.azbilliards.com/gallery/showgallery.cfm?gallerynum=87

Mike
Click to expand...
Thanks Mike!
I'd like to take a moment to thank some of the people that made the first One Pocket Hall of Fame dinner such a success.

First of all, I'd like to thank Grady Mathews for doing such an outstanding job as Master of Ceremonies -- without any formal notes or even a formal event agenda! Grady just came up with one great story after another in introducing each of the inductees.

I'd like to thank Greg Sullivan and Mark Griffin from Diamond Billiards, and all the staff of the Derby City Classic for their role in hosting the event -- I know you guys already had your hands full with 1000 or so tournament entrants and you don't need anything extra on your plate! Greg, I'm sorry your health didn't permit you to attend, and I wish you the very best in a rapid and complete recovery!

Thanks to the inductees and their families/entourage for coming -- although receiving the induction might be a big honor, I understand your health comes first, and I appreciate the sacrifice some of you made to come -- especially Bugs and Beenie, who were not planning the trip to Louisville otherwise. For all of you, the class you all showed in accepting the awards plays no small role in elevating the stature of the One Pocket Hall of Fame itself.

Thanks to Diana Hoppe for providing photos for the inductees to sign, and for taking great photos of the event as well! Also thanks to Dennis Cox, for your excellent photos, and your quick and professional job of getting copies to me. Paul Berg -- you too, as soon as I see them :) :) Ed, thanks for taping the event!

Thanks to Freddy Bentivegna for entertaining the crowd with your great story telling!

Thanks to Steve Lomako for spearheading the cue raffle that balanced the banquet bills, and raised a real nice chunk of change for Bugs' travel and medical expenses. Randi, thanks for your help with the raffle, and of course with a whole lot of other things before the big night.

Although the One Pocket Hall of Fame is about a six month old idea, the Banquet itself was pulled together on very short notice -- based on Grady's suggestion at his Gulfport event just a month earlier. It's a miracle it came together the way it did, but here's why it was such a good thing to do even on such short notice: Some of these guys are getting older real fast, and there is just no guarantee that they would be able to come at all if we waited for some future time when we might have been able to better organize and prepare.

For any of you there at the banquet, it was so clear that it's a really good thing that this took place when it did, so especially guys like Bugs and Beenie could enjoy it as much as they did, and that's what it's all about! The past year has been really tough on One Pocket, with legends like Steve Cook, Earl Heisler and Larry Lisciotti all passing...

Finally, thanks to everyone who came and supported the event -- and extra thanks to those of you who chipped in significantly extra -- you know who you are!

See you all next year!
 
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