Best Bar Box Player in the World?

[sizl]

Buddy Hall certainly gets the nod for longevity. For awhile, Jerry Bento was hittin 'em pretty spiffy on the barboxes...

Whats the word on Jerry? Does any1 have any info on him these days? Is he still playing? The last time I seen him was about 15 years ago when Jerry, Keith and Johnny was on the road. We played golf at Olympia Spa and then went to a tournament at Starcade in Ft.Walton. It was truly a great week!

 

[sideshotscott]

best?

I made a post and mentioned Jesse Bowman being the best bar box player (In my opinion only) in the world. It drew controversery ~ Ok, let's hear it, who is the best in your opinion?

Eydie

I AM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,lol

 

[sharandrew]

Have you heard of Weldon Rogers, David Rhodes Tacoma Whitey, Louie Lemke, Jay Swanson all could play on a bar table.

 

[Jimmy M.]

They say Bakersfield Bobby played pretty sporty on the bar box in his day.

 

[OldHasBeen]

Imo

IMO - The Best bar box player today is David Matlock. He was the best back in the 70's until Buddy dethroned him but he is now in the same form & Buddy isn't.
I have also just receintly heard he is back looking for action. Him & James Waldon were in St. Louis last (Sunday) night and we were talking.
I think they would match up with anyone.
TY & GL

FYI - Lots a LARGE action in St. Louis right now. Johnny Ross won 10 large last night from Andy Quinn getting the 6 in 10 ball. Lots of other 5 & 10 LARGE games being played today & all this week.

 

[satman]

I'll go along with Matlock. He seems to be back to his old form and knockin em in the middle. I'ts true that Buddy was the best and may still be, I have the utmost respect for his game when the money is up. After all, he was the only player to beat Efren even for the cash when he first came here. I know Weldon Rogers and saw him torture some road players in Ft. Wayne, In. The last time I saw him play, He wasn't hitting them too well. I've never seen Efren play the bar tables, but if it is played with a cue, he's tough action. I have seen Jeese play, and he is smooth and a lot of talent, but not the best. There are a lot of players out there right now that can stack up the racks on you. But day in and day out,I'll probably bet on Matlock on the bar-box. Sam

 

[Grady]

To Old Novice

I'll go along with Matlock. He seems to be back to his old form and knockin em in the middle. I'ts true that Buddy was the best and may still be, I have the utmost respect for his game when the money is up. After all, he was the only player to beat Efren even for the cash when he first came here. I know Weldon Rogers and saw him torture some road players in Ft. Wayne, In. The last time I saw him play, He wasn't hitting them too well. I've never seen Efren play the bar tables, but if it is played with a cue, he's tough action. I have seen Jeese play, and he is smooth and a lot of talent, but not the best. There are a lot of players out there right now that can stack up the racks on you. But day in and day out,I'll probably bet on Matlock on the bar-box. Sam

I hadn't intended to participate in this discussion but when outright lies are told I have no choice but to respond. Old novice, who told you I wouldn't play Vernon Eliot? That's crazy. The exact opposite is true. The only thing he ever had a chance to beat me at was banks.
You guys have mentioned a lot of guys that I beat playing even bar pool: One Eyed Tony( I defeated him in OK City), Joe Salazar( I put up everything I had and only missed one ball in winning the set), Buddy and I played lots of times on the bar table even, and we won and lost. Weldon, Bakersfield Bob and I played about the same on the barbox but I played better than them with the small ball and they were a little better than me with the big apple.
You gentlemen are right about Keith and Matlock but you're forgetting something. Parica played Matlock twice and they both won once.
NOW, I don't know much about these young bar table champions but I suspect that, just like the other pool games, they play a bit better than we did. I freely admit and recognize this fact.
But when you're talking about the old days, make no mistake about the real truth about Grady Mathews. I'd play anyone in the world bar pool or One Pocket. I even played most of the finest big table players even 9 Ball.
So in closing, please don't say things about me that aren't even close to the truth.Don't believe me? Ask Buddy or Weldon or anyone who really knows.
Have a nice day.

 

[Jimmy M.]

NOW, I don't know much about these young bar table champions but I suspect that, just like the other pool games, they play a bit better than we did. I freely admit and recognize this fact.

Grady, I hope you read my post and reply because you really have me curious here. Do you really think that today's generation of champion players play better? Where would you put Sigel or Buddy (in their primes) with today's young champions?

 

[Kerry Impson]

Mexican Joe was a very good player & hustler way back when. He made a lot of $ traveling with a good player named Toby.

That's Joe Villaponde (not sure about the spelling). His girlfriend way back when, Kris Turner, was a heck of a player as well - the first woman I ever saw just flat running out, breaking up clusters and stuff, back when I was learning how to play.

 

[Grady]

Grady, I hope you read my post and reply because you really have me curious here. Do you really think that today's generation of champion players play better? Where would you put Sigel or Buddy (in their primes) with today's young champions?

I've been asked this many times and while I have a definite educated belief as my answer, I'd rather keep that to myself. I could write two or three books JUST on this one subject and I've found that topics of this nature on the internet elicit weird, stupid responses. Without some kind of remuneration, I'd just as soon not be involved.
If I did answer you, then, I'd feel like I was honor bound to post follow-up responses and it would go on and on and on. Hope you don't consider me rude.

 

[Jimmy M.]

I've been asked this many times and while I have a definite educated belief as my answer, I'd rather keep that to myself. I could write two or three books JUST on this one subject and I've found that topics of this nature on the internet elicit weird, stupid responses. Without some kind of remuneration, I'd just as soon not be involved.
If I did answer you, then, I'd feel like I was honor bound to post follow-up responses and it would go on and on and on. Hope you don't consider me rude.

You could private message me and I'd keep your answer to myself.

I played you at the L.A. Open the year that Mark Tadd stole the show. You beat me hill/hill. I doubt you'd remember, but who knows, maybe you do. Come to think of it, maybe I played you more than once in a tournament.

 

[JimS]

I watched James Baraks beat Parica twice to take off a tournament at Whiteys in Burlington Ia. a couple years back and not long ago he beat JJ twice to take off a tourney in, I think, Memphis.

 

[Cannon]

Hey Grady

I hadn't intended to participate in this discussion but when outright lies are told I have no choice but to respond. Old novice, who told you I wouldn't play Vernon Eliot? That's crazy. The exact opposite is true. The only thing he ever had a chance to beat me at was banks.
You guys have mentioned a lot of guys that I beat playing even bar pool: One Eyed Tony( I defeated him in OK City), Joe Salazar( I put up everything I had and only missed one ball in winning the set), Buddy and I played lots of times on the bar table even, and we won and lost. Weldon, Bakersfield Bob and I played about the same on the barbox but I played better than them with the small ball and they were a little better than me with the big apple.
You gentlemen are right about Keith and Matlock but you're forgetting something. Parica played Matlock twice and they both won once.
NOW, I don't know much about these young bar table champions but I suspect that, just like the other pool games, they play a bit better than we did. I freely admit and recognize this fact.
But when you're talking about the old days, make no mistake about the real truth about Grady Mathews. I'd play anyone in the world bar pool or One Pocket. I even played most of the finest big table players even 9 Ball.
So in closing, please don't say things about me that aren't even close to the truth.Don't believe me? Ask Buddy or Weldon or anyone who really knows.
Have a nice day.

You better look back...........it wasn't me that said that.

 

[Cannon]

Hey again Grady

I've been asked this many times and while I have a definite educated belief as my answer, I'd rather keep that to myself. I could write two or three books JUST on this one subject and I've found that topics of this nature on the internet elicit weird, stupid responses. Without some kind of remuneration, I'd just as soon not be involved.
If I did answer you, then, I'd feel like I was honor bound to post follow-up responses and it would go on and on and on. Hope you don't consider me rude.

You probably don't remember, but I am the guy that took you to the do-nut shop in Nashville a few years back. I won a C note betting on you in one of your matches.

 

[big pun]

best bat table player in the world

i personally think brian groce is the best bar table player in the world and if anyone would like to prove me wrong all they have to do is come to columbus indiana!!!!!!!!!

 

[JAM]

Speaking of bar tables...

There's a bar table tournament which occurs every year in Asheville (I think), North Carolina. Last year, I know they filled up well ahead of time.

I am unable to locate one advertisement for this tournament. Yet, it seems all the players know about it, most likely by word of mouth. It's an annual event which attracts some of the best bar table players from all over.

Does anybody know the name of the venue or any further info about this
event?

Thanks in advance!

JAM

P.S. My favorite bar table player used to wear a T-shirt which said "The World's Got the 8." I never saw "Keither with the Ether" or "Evil" when he was on top of his game, but I have been told by others that top players came from all over the country to California trying to get a piece of his action, and they left town with empty pockets. It's only hearsay on my part, but I've collected quite a few action stories from the '70s and '80s era which makes me believe that at one moment in time in the history of pool, Keith McCready was at least one of the "BEST BAR TABLE PLAYERS IN THE WORLD." Of course, I'm a little prejudiced, too!

 

[OldHasBeen]

"My Only Regret @ the DCC"

JAM - My only regret at the DCC was not being able to share a few cold ones with You & Keith. I was really looking forward to it but I understand Keith's brother was very ill and I understand completely. Family comes first.
I am already looking forward to next years DCC and I am sure we will get together then.
TY & GL

ps - Anyone know the firm dates for next year yet?

 

[billychips]

Brian Groce

i personally think brian groce is the best bar table player in the world and if anyone would like to prove me wrong all they have to do is come to columbus indiana!!!!!!!!!

BIG PUN,
Would like to set up a match between Brian Groce and Corey. I know Brian and Denver so lets see if we can get a game. It would be great to watch and we can bet as much as Columbus, Indiana wants. But be careful, they played a few years back on a bar box, 10 ahead for a few pennies, and Brian won one game. Let me know!

 

[biggame]

I would bet that Brian wont play jesse any just ask him if he would he will say not even if Brian is the best why did he get beat by linning getting the 6 ball just ask him about that to.

 

[Bob Romano]

I know both Jesse and Brian and would put my $$$ on Jesse. They are BOTH excellent players. If you have never seen Jesse play in the past, you are missing something!

Eydie