Bonnie Hoffman could see the forest and the tree

[BillieBilliards]

Remember Bonnie Hoffman from the WPBA tour?

She found the path to the right spot on the new Pointers page at http://billiebilliards.com/pointers.html.

One of my main interests in founding the Women’s Professional Billiard Association was so that females who walked into the billiard community after I did would find an easier walkway. I met Bonnie when she was ten years old playing in the BCA 8 Ball Championship. She gave me imputus to keep going in my pursuit to form a strong womens' players organization.

 

[Quesports]

Great story of an era that is all but over! How many ten year olds are playing today and where will pool be without young players in the future? I am very fortunate to be able to remember how exciting it was to sneak into a pool hall at the age of 14. You were supposed to be 16 to get in and the owner looked me over very suspiciously but gave me a pass as long as I behaved. Of course it was a mens only pool hall. Recently I met the now retired owner and he told me the story of the first girls that came into his place. It was in the early 70's and he quickly told them it was for men only, they left got a local cop and went straight back in claiming discrimination. Well he relented and then showed them the only 'bathroom' that he had, they bolted out of there after that never to be seen again! I miss the old place with the creaky old oak floors and the shoe shine parlor up front.. Pool may survive but it will not be the same that is for sure!

 

[rogwin]

Remember Bonnie Hoffman from the WPBA tour?

She found the path to the right spot on the new Pointers page at http://billiebilliards.com/pointers.html.

One of my main interests in founding the Women’s Professional Billiard Association was so that females who walked into the billiard community after I did would find an easier walkway. I met Bonnie when she was ten years old playing in the BCA 8 Ball Championship. She gave me imputus to keep going in my pursuit to form a strong womens' players organization.

Nice story about Bonnie. It bring up some old memories. I used to live in Florida in the 80's, same area as Bonnie and her Dad (Louie). See them at the poolroom often. Watch her play many times in action matches. Very nice people. Have you heard from her lately? Thanks for the write up.

 

[BillieBilliards]

Nice story about Bonnie. It bring up some old memories. I used to live in Florida in the 80's, same area as Bonnie and her Dad (Louie). See them at the poolroom often. Watch her play many times in action matches. Very nice people. Have you heard from her lately? Thanks for the write up.

I tried to look Bonnie up on the internet to see what she's doing. I couldn't find her. I hope she has a great career in whatever she's doing.
BTW: Currently I am teaching 2 eleven year old girls how to play. So there are still girls interested in playing pool. They have to be accompained by an adult to the pool room. My take was to get the Moms involved in the class. Now everybody goes to the pool room to practice at least once a week besides taking the lesson.
To the room owner who showed the girls the stinky bathroom: I ran into that problem all the time when I started playing. I politely let the room owner know that if he didn't clean up the bathroom he'd be reported to the board of health. A stinky bathroom is bad for both men and women. Take Julian's on 14th Street in NYC. The roomowner, Ronnie, finally realized he couldn't get rid of me. He cleaned up the bathroom and found an increase in his business. One day, he approched me and thanked me for opening his eyes. He counted me as one of his best customers for many years.

 

[Pushout]

I remember Bonnie, alright! Had a huge, and I mean huge, break! For a little gal she should could pound the rack. Just goes to show, you don't have to be a big guy/gal to have a great break.