That pic was taken at the Big Apple tournament at Master's in NYC about 2 years ago. This was the year of the big black-out in the Northeast. Nobody could fly in or out, there was no electricity in New York City, and overhead highway signs on New Jersey Turnpike warned incoming travelers: "Avoid New York. Avoid New York."
Then-UPA President Charlie Williams was lucky to get in the city, arriving a little late due to travel nightmares. If memory serves me right, he had to play with another cue stick because his luggage was lost. He ended up winning it!
It was kind of helter skelter that weekend in NYC. What really impressed me the most, though, was seeing the great spirit of the New Yorkers who refused to let this stop the tournament from moving forward. Almost 100 players in the tournament, quite a few folks were missing their suitcases and cues that weekend!
Corey, like Keith, most likely picked out that hat because it matched his yellow shirt, but he only wore it to the players meeting, the day before the tournament. If you could read the one Keith's wearing, which also matches his shirt, it says "Belmont Stakes." I think Keith has got a hat in every color from every horse track in the U.S.
When the sponsored players are in competition during the tournaments, though, they're definitely wearing the patches and shirts from their sponsors proudly.
I like seeing the Hustlin logo, which is becoming increasingly more popular in my neck of the woods! I got a T-shirt for my daughter in Valley Forge, and now all of her friends want one (LOL).
JAM
