Not for nothing, but what do you think being inducted under the Meritorious Service nominiation is???
Terry and Larry were inducted under the Meritorious Service category just like Wanderone, John Wesley Hyatt and Robert Byrne.
Danny Dileberto has been on the Greatest Players category for several years. I also think he should have been in by now.
Fred
I don't consider two of the above "industry", Fred. Hyatt certainly could be considered "industry" as the inventor of the celluloid ball, but Fatty and Robert have the traits that I do consider "meritorious service". They are players that have given back to the game via education, showmanship, etc., but have done their time on the table to further the game. I consider "industry" people to be the ones in the background that might or might not have ever played a game of pool, but could be recognized for their efforts to make the game grow. Without "The Hustler" or "TCOM", pool wouldn't enjoy the popularity it has today and I think they are "industry".
If Hubbart was being inducted for his pool career, it would be one thing (if he was more qualified than another player), but he wasn't. He was considered for his part in starting the APA. I think he furthered the game, but not through the game itself, or through education of future players, but through his business abilities.
I believe that there should be categories that make sense for induction into the HOF i.e. players, cuemakers, etc., though, so you don't have George Balabushka competing with Terry Bell for "meritorious service". I think you can get carried away with categories like the Oscars do, too, but to just have two broad categories like "player" or "meritorious service" leave some rather large gaps in the mix.
That all being said, I sincerely hope they don't pass over Danny, as I think he belongs in the Player's Hall of Fame...
Regards,
Steve