Boy!!!

[jay helfert]

I just got home from Riverside and the Shooter's tourney. And I see this thread that Grady started. My first thought when reading Grady's post is that he shouldn't have jumped the gun. Grady and I have had our ups and downs over the years, but there has never been any question about his ability. He was one of the top players in the world in the 1980's and probably one of the two or three best One Pocket players (along with Allen H. and old man Ronnie) at that time.

I would prefer not to get into the debate about how deserving Grady is, for being invited to a Straight Pool championship. I think he played good at one time, but perhaps is no longer an elite player in this particular game.

But in One Pocket, Grady is indeed a legend and I suspect still competitive with all but the very best players. So he certainly belongs in a field of One Pocket champions in my opinion. With this in mind, I took it upon myself to communicate privately with Randy when he announced the "possible" World One Pocket Championship. I suggested to him that he should invite Grady as he is not only a worthy challenger but has a good following as well.

Randy's response to me was that he would certainly be considering Grady if all the details can be worked out for holding the tournament. He did not promise one way of the other, but left the door open. I thought that was great and it sounded like there was an opportunity for them to bury the hatchet and move on. After this thread, I'm not sure how Randy feels about inviting Grady. To tell you the truth, I'm afraid to ask him.

In closing I will say that I respect Randy's right to produce an event in the manner he sees fit, particularly if he is footing the bill. I hope I did not in fringe upon him in any way in revealing my communications with him. I just felt like, in fairness, this story should be told. Personally I have a sense of him being a very honorable man, and a benefit to the pool community. I would not hesitate to assist at one of his events if he invited me.

Once again, IF there is a World One Pocket Championship held any time in the near future, I would love to see Grady as one of the participants. I think he may have slipped a notch from his best days, but no one "knows" the game any better than Grady. If you watch him play a match, you will definitely learn something about the game you didn't know before.

 

[bruin70]

Now Firefox is running faster than my old IE browser. I am sticking with Firefox for a few weeks. This is really nice. Automatic spell-check. WOW!

It is nice how this thread has a happy ending for me!

JAM

JAM...when you want to go to a site, just type in the title in the url bar. firefox does a quick search for all related sites with that name. for instance, you can type in "azbilliards", and it will take you to the main page,,,, type "azbilliards forums" and firefox will take you to http://forums.azbilliards.com/ .

also,,,no more pop-ups

and go to tools/options and configure to your hearts content. go to /privacy and controll all cookies.

the only problem you may encounter are sites that are designed with ie in mind, and firefox will render them funny. in which case, install this https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/35

firefox rocks..m'dear. where in god's name have you been

 

[Terry Ardeno]

Opinion

My opinion on this is as follows....
Grady Mathews is one of my personal all time favorite people in pool and a bonafide living legend. 4 World 1 Pocket Championships, great, great commentator, promotor, gambling great, maker of instructional material, decent author (would rank much higher if the word "horse" was left out of "Bet High & Kiss Low") , has an instructional column in a major billiard magazine and probably most of all, beloved by countless fans.
Randy Goldwater is also a lover of our great sport and had done much to promote the game we care so much for. He is not afraid to finance and invest into pool, and his generosity does much to make more and bigger tournaments.

From my perspective, Grady is like the father who was a war hero and has some very strong opinions on how things should be. And, for the most part, like say, 99.99%, he's right. But like many people who feel intuitively that the clock is ticking and the window of opportunity is closing, he's not real happy with the way some things are.

Randy is like the rich uncle, who is not beyond spoiling the kids with trinkets, doodads and baubles from time to time. He just wants everyone to know and remember that he's doing something special, so you had better listen, if you want to be part of his special entitlements. And for the most part, he's helped us out by sponsoring and doing much for pool. But some of the family have noticed that he doesn't seem to care for ol' dad and it stands out that "ol' dad" is often left out of any of the generous gifts or privileges afforded to others in "the family." Even though "ol' dad" DOES DESERVE SOME SPECIAL CONSIDERATION in lieu of who he is and what he's done. And although that seems pretty clear, some in the "family" shirk back from saying anything that may not appease the kind hearted uncle, for fear of then being treated like "dad."

Grady "can appear to be upset" over perceived unfair treatment. Randy can appear to be smug and seemingly gleeful that he DOES have power and a say with that power. Grady wishes things were different, but the clock can't be rewound. Randy likes things as they are, because, in this particular cause, money talks. Randy "bought" the playground where he's holding, for example, a dodge ball tournament for the kids who play dodgeball. But, for some reason that I don't understand, although other kids who play dodgeball ARE invited to play, a once very good dodgeballer, and someone who is great for dodgeball and has done MUCH for dodgeball, is made aware of the tournament but only invited to watch from the other side of the fence. Why? We don't know. And so, while many players of dodgeball are going to be so happy and thrilled that FINALLY, someone who cares is helping them, then also, there's the once great champion, watching with white knuckles grasping the fence. From the other side.

This is hard to summarize, but my opinion is that Randy is a great guy for pool and I personally am grateful that he does much FOR pool. I also like it that he's not afraid to keep posting here and "mix it up" on these hallowed boards. Grady, on the other hand, is not going to be with us forever. And these forums are a part of how the history of pool is being compiled. Fans ahead of us will have access to what we all have written here. Will they remember this generation as one who puts our older champions on the iceburg, to just drift away? And I wonder if they'll come up with a good reason for why exactly was it so hard to just get along as pool brothers. And try to live as one big, happy FAMILY....

 

[Terry Ardeno]

I took it upon myself to communicate privately with Randy when he announced the "possible" World One Pocket Championship. I suggested to him that he should invite Grady as he is not only a worthy challenger but has a good following as well.

Randy's response to me was that he would certainly be considering Grady if all the details can be worked out for holding the tournament. He did not promise one way of the other, but left the door open. I thought that was great and it sounded like there was an opportunity for them to bury the hatchet and move on. After this thread, I'm not sure how Randy feels about inviting Grady. To tell you the truth, I'm afraid to ask him.

In closing I will say that I respect Randy's right to produce an event in the manner he sees fit, particularly if he is footing the bill. I hope I did not in fringe upon him in any way in revealing my communications with him. I just felt like, in fairness, this story should be told. Personally I have a sense of him being a very honorable man, and a benefit to the pool community. I would not hesitate to assist at one of his events if he invited me.

Once again, IF there is a World One Pocket Championship held any time in the near future, I would love to see Grady as one of the participants. I think he may have slipped a notch from his best days, but no one "knows" the game any better than Grady. If you watch him play a match, you will definitely learn something about the game you didn't know before.

Jay,
I was slowly pecking away while you posted this. I think this is one of your best posts ever. You summed up beautifully what I think so many of us feel.
We appreciate Randy a lot. We want to like someone who does much for the sport we also love. And if he DOES end up inviting Grady, not only would his stock rise thru the roof, all the onus would then fall on to Grady to accept the very gracious olive branch that would (hopefully) be offered him.
Too many peole love Grady way too much for them not to want to see him given a fair shake in the twilight of his great career.
The reality is, pool needs the Randy's as well as the Grady's.

 

[!Smorgass Bored]

And.......... a ME TOO !

Jay,
I was slowly pecking away while you posted this. I think this is one of your best posts ever. You summed up beautifully what I think so many of us feel.
We appreciate Randy a lot. We want to like someone who does much for the sport we also love. And if he DOES end up inviting Grady, not only would his stock rise thru the roof, all the onus would then fall on to Grady to accept the very gracious olive branch that would (hopefully) be offered him.
Too many peole love Grady way too much for them not to want to see him given a fair shake in the twilight of his great career.
The reality is, pool needs the Randy's as well as the Grady's.

DITTO !

Doug
( Tap, Tap, Tap )

 

[sde]

Jay,
I was slowly pecking away while you posted this. I think this is one of your best posts ever. You summed up beautifully what I think so many of us feel.
We appreciate Randy a lot. We want to like someone who does much for the sport we also love. And if he DOES end up inviting Grady, not only would his stock rise thru the roof, all the onus would then fall on to Grady to accept the very gracious olive branch that would (hopefully) be offered him.
Too many peole love Grady way too much for them not to want to see him given a fair shake in the twilight of his great career.
The reality is, pool needs the Randy's as well as the Grady's.

Two great posts!
I see you now have a reputation beyond repute.

Steve

 

[JimS]

I hope Randy has in mind what is best for the game.

I BELIEVE that Grady, once his emotions calm down a little, always has in his heart and mind what is best for the game.

 

[JDB]

I just got home from Riverside and the Shooter's tourney. And I see this thread that Grady started. My first thought when reading Grady's post is that he shouldn't have jumped the gun. Grady and I have had our ups and downs over the years, but there has never been any question about his ability. He was one of the top players in the world in the 1980's and probably one of the two or three best One Pocket players (along with Allen H. and old man Ronnie) at that time.

I would prefer not to get into the debate about how deserving Grady is, for being invited to a Straight Pool championship. I think he played good at one time, but perhaps is no longer an elite player in this particular game.

But in One Pocket, Grady is indeed a legend and I suspect still competitive with all but the very best players. So he certainly belongs in a field of One Pocket champions in my opinion. With this in mind, I took it upon myself to communicate privately with Randy when he announced the "possible" World One Pocket Championship. I suggested to him that he should invite Grady as he is not only a worthy challenger but has a good following as well.

Randy's response to me was that he would certainly be considering Grady if all the details can be worked out for holding the tournament. He did not promise one way of the other, but left the door open. I thought that was great and it sounded like there was an opportunity for them to bury the hatchet and move on. After this thread, I'm not sure how Randy feels about inviting Grady. To tell you the truth, I'm afraid to ask him.

In closing I will say that I respect Randy's right to produce an event in the manner he sees fit, particularly if he is footing the bill. I hope I did not in fringe upon him in any way in revealing my communications with him. I just felt like, in fairness, this story should be told. Personally I have a sense of him being a very honorable man, and a benefit to the pool community. I would not hesitate to assist at one of his events if he invited me.

Once again, IF there is a World One Pocket Championship held any time in the near future, I would love to see Grady as one of the participants. I think he may have slipped a notch from his best days, but no one "knows" the game any better than Grady. If you watch him play a match, you will definitely learn something about the game you didn't know before.

Great post Jay!

Unfortunately, I think things have been blown way out of proportion by some people, so it will be difficult to reconcile at this point.

However, I hope not and things will work out.

Although I definitely respect Grady's accomplishments to the game, I also respect Randy's contributions and certaintly don't fault him if he contributes and also handles the invitations.

I know if I was the major contributor and sponsor that I would ensure that I would have a say who is invited.

JMO.

 

[yobagua]

Woim, I dont know what you are infering about "Jose Parica". But you should find out what really happened at the end of that altercation. Many people dont know that Jose as small as he is was a Golden Glove boxer in the Phillipines. I do know that Jose can handle himself. He had to pay off some guy a lot of cash to avoid criminal court after he totally wasted some guy who came on to his wife.

 

[JAM]

I hope Randy has in mind what is best for the game.

I BELIEVE that Grady, once his emotions calm down a little, always has in his heart and mind what is best for the game.

We certainly don't need a civil war in pool. We as a nation need to stick together and strengthen what limited pool resources we do have. United we stand, as they say.

I bought this book by Jay Winik called "April 1865: The Month That Saved America." As I am reading it, I can't help but think of this recent pool divide.

Randy and Grady each have unique resources, and it would seem to this reader that both of them are strong-willed and determined. If their division remains, divided we will all fall in the end.

I would like to see the two of them work together, rather than speak via AzBilliards Discussion Forum. If the North and the South reconciled to end the American Civil War, then certainly, Grady and Randy could put their differences behind them and come up with a mutually agreeable understanding for the betterment of pool.

Imagine how great a world championship one-pocket tournament would be if the two of them worked together. They could bring valuable knowledge, resources, and experience to the table, and in the end, not only will it end this pool civil war, but we all will ultimately be the winners!

Let's end the bloody Battle at AzBilliards and strengthen pool as a sport.

USA, All the Way!

JAM

 

[kennyratt]

Grady & Randy

Jay,
I was slowly pecking away while you posted this. I think this is one of your best posts ever. You summed up beautifully what I think so many of us feel.
We appreciate Randy a lot. We want to like someone who does much for the sport we also love. And if he DOES end up inviting Grady, not only would his stock rise thru the roof, all the onus would then fall on to Grady to accept the very gracious olive branch that would (hopefully) be offered him.
Too many peole love Grady way too much for them not to want to see him given a fair shake in the twilight of his great career.
The reality is, pool needs the Randy's as well as the Grady's.

To Jay & Terry ; I agree!! Great posts.!!! Regards, Kennyratt

 

[vagabond]

Let's end the bloody Battle at AzBilliards and strengthen pool as a sport.


JAM

Dang,if the war ends how am I going to get the entertainment
Let me get serious here.I never commented on Grady before.I will make this comment once.
Grady,
U moved that cue ball from position A to position Z on the pool table better than most on the planet Earth.I wish that you knew better to move from one (Adult) phase of life to the other ( Elder ) phase.Instead of coming across as a old and grumpy you should try to present yourself in a dignified manner.People will then ,in a figurative sense, WORSHIP you for your abilities.
This will be my first and last comment on Grady`s adjustment problems to the pool world.

 

[jrhendy]

Dang,if the war ends how am I going to get the entertainment
Let me get serious here.I never commented on Grady before.I will make this comment once.
Grady,
U moved that cue ball from position A to position Z on the pool table better than most on the planet Earth.I wish that you knew better to move from one (Adult) phase of life to the other ( Elder ) phase.Instead of coming across as a old and grumpy you should try to present yourself in a dignified manner.People will then ,in a figurative sense, WORSHIP you for your abilities.
This will be my first and last comment on Grady`s adjustment problems to the pool world.

Sound advice, but hard to follow if you are on old guy. It would be hard to imagine a significant one pocket event without Grady in it. I should follow your advice myself, but a little pissing & moaning keeps the blood boiling and the ego doesn't get as old as the body does. John Henderson

 

[jay helfert]

Sound advice, but hard to follow if you are on old guy. It would be hard to imagine a significant one pocket event without Grady in it. I should follow your advice myself, but a little pissing & moaning keeps the blood boiling and the ego doesn't get as old as the body does. John Henderson

The only pissing and moaning I ever heard you do was when you couldn't get the bet out of the dirt fast enough.

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

Well, you can take this to the bank. If Grady Mathews was promoting pool in Mexico, he would be playing on Team USA and not on Team Mexico.

USA, all the way! American pool players gotta stick together, while a couple of 'em decide to jump ship.

JAM

TAP TAP TAP...you beat me to it. REP points abound!!!

 

[fish on]

Thanks Randy for a classy well run event.
I am a "c " player who plays some straight pool now.
The facilities were first class.
remember all bashers he is taking pool, out of the rooms to the public for the sport advancement!
The players were very accessible, these are the people you read about here.
I met Thorsten got to ask questions to him ,that only players of his accomplishments can answer, a photo with him was not a problem. This was the way it was all day.
The players in this environment were there for the asking, thank you players.
Wow have you seen Joachim Ouchen she is on fire!

I watched and TD a open qualifier.
Grady I would have enjoyed watching you play in it!
The interest would have been increased at the event and the pool world
would be talking how great you play straight pool!
I am sure with your credentials and 20k wager you made here,
there was no problem financially . I am also sure financial help if desired would have been possible as per John Schmidt US open champion.

Randy see you next year thanks from us bangers!!!
Let us encourage the people who are bringing our sport out to the public!

 

[vagabond]

Sound advice, but hard to follow if you are on old guy

as a general rule it applies to many including MYSELF.one can lead a happy life if one can accept the invetabilities that come with advancing age .Nobody can be a champion for life especially in the sports that involve the motor skills whether gross or fine type.

 

[JAM]

Grady, I realize you're working on a one-pocket tournament in the future.

However, I would like to respectfully suggest that if and when you ever decide to have a 9-ball event, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE change the rules to two-shot/push-out.

Nobody has done this since Gene Hooker's 10-Ball Championship at Trump's Marina Casino in Atlantic City, about 4 years ago, won by the Canadian Hewitt, with King James Rempe coming in second place.

This rule change for 9-ball would be new, innovative, and take a little bit of the luck out of the game.

Food for thought, while you're working on the one-hole event.

JAM

 

[Shawn Armstrong]

Grady, I realize you're working on a one-pocket tournament in the future.

However, I would like to respectfully suggest that if and when you ever decide to have a 9-ball event, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE change the rules to two-shot/push-out.

Nobody has done this since Gene Hooker's 10-Ball Championship at Trump's Marina Casino in Atlantic City, about 4 years ago, won by the Canadian Hewitt, with King James Rempe coming in second place.

This rule change for 9-ball would be new, innovative, and take a little bit of the luck out of the game.

Food for thought, while you're working on the one-hole event.

JAM

Just play the game with no golden breaks (9ball is spotted if made), all called shots, one push out. That will take ALL the luck out of the game. Oh, and no jump cues .

 

[Fatboy]

Why me, Randy? I've never been anything but nice to you and you degrade, villify and embarrass me for no reason. You further post outright lies about lots of things.
Well, pal, something needs to be done about you. This is the last time I'll ever dirty up a post of mine with your name but let's see what you're really made of: I challenge you you to 500 points of Straight Pool for $20,000. I'll select the equipment, the date and the site. I mean, just because you're richer than anyone in pool you think guys like you should get an invite to a pro event and be able to pick whoever you want.
I'll select a well respected ref, like Pat Fleming or Scott Smith and we'll just get it on, mano a mano.
By the way, Mr. Wilson, people like this creep should be permanently barred from this newsgroup.

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