I'm playing in my second season of straight pool at Bayshore Billiards and think i should write a review of how the league is doing. Some background first- i've been a basement player for many years since there aren't any pool halls within 50 miles of my house on eastern Long Island. Pool is how i unwind and get my relaxation and i take it very seriously, but have been playing alone and last year decided to see how i stacked up among serious players and joined the straight pool league at Amsterdam Billiards in NYC. A well run, established league with many strong players. they placed me in division 2 out of 5 -1 being the most skilled. I held my own and played 2 seasons last year and only missed the playoffs due to the fact that i have to drive 100 miles each way and missed a few games and was understandably penalized . I didnt mind the drive as i was finally playing pool with competition instead of alone. I was going to sign up again this past september when i saw a post here about Bayshore 14.1 handicapped League. Since the drive to Bayshore is only 60 miles each way i figured id give it a shot. Let me tell you it was the best decision i could make. Steve Kurz runs a well organized league and is also a great player. I wasn't sure if i'd like the handicapped format but i believe it is strengthening my game because when i play strong players i know they can erase the weighted points with one good run as Steve did to me recently. When I am spotting someone alot of points the game starts off with a lot of pressure right away and if the weaker player is shooting well i have to play strong from the start or i'm in trouble. Your Handicap is adjusted week to week depending on weather you win or loose. Now- every once in a great while your lucky enough to meet a really special person. The owner of Bayshore Billiards, Steve Piesner, is one of those rare people. I didn't even know he was the owner for a few weeks and would have conversations with him and he is just an easy going guy who obviously loves pool. He somehow got Pete Tonkin to donate a $2500.00 cue for season one first prize. and even gave his playoff winnings back to the rest of the prize money. At the end of season one he announced he was giving all players who didnt make the playoffs a $50.00 playing time gift certificate. The hall is clean,The Tables are very well maintained. The people working there are friendly as can be- Blair, who is an outstanding player as well as an excellent instructor, Mike Miller (Mike Morgan Cues) does great repair work as well as build top notch custom cues, and Adrianna at the bar who always has a friendly smile. oh yea- season 2 has gone from 14 players to 22 and Steve Piesner has worked his magic again and got Bob Manzanno to donate a custom cue for the winner. i wonder if its gonna be as nice as my new Tonkin cue....JC
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