Danny Medina Interview/Tribute
- Thread starter Bigtruck
- Start date
Thanks Ray for taking the time to talk to Danny and the others that were in the clip. I was lucky enough to watch Danny warm up back in the early eighties. Imagine if we had clips of all memorable players we could just check out now and then....this is a cool gift to the pool world
I remember back around the '80's at a pro tournament I was at. A friend of mine, who was a strong shortstop at the time (had done the road quite successfully a number of times) was bragging about getting a game with Danny and was laughing at how he got Danny to give him the 6. Well, game time came, and Danny just flat out heisted him. Afterwards, my friend just stood there shaking his head in disbelief that anyone on earth could give him the 6 and drill him like that.
I was looking through the footage and I still have a lot more good stuff. I will be adding things to the film over time.
Ray
In the tournament section someone asked how it went, so I thought I'd copy & paste what I wrote to give you all an idea:
The tournament went great, especially on such short notice. There was a full field of 32 double elimination 8-ball race to 3 on both sides, all speed levels were represented. I finished 4th and left while it was still going on. Not a lot to win since the reason for this was to help Danny and his family: I think 1st was $150 and 5/6 was $45, I got $50 for 4th. Entry fee was $35 and $20 went to Danny's fund so that only left $15/player for the prize fund. Felt donated the table time.
The highlight was that Danny was so appreciative of all those coming together on his behalf, he insisted on making an appearance. He was in a wheelchair, had an oxygen tank wheeled in with him and he couldn't really remember everyone. He looked very frail but was treated like royalty. Everyone just surrounded him and took turns shaking his hand or hugs - it was so touching, not sure if there was a dry eye in the place. There was a few pictures taken of Danny with the entire tournament players (or close) and several of him being greeted. I'm sure some will get posted eventually.
And it was a success! The tournament and the raffle raised over $1,000 and the on-line donations and such pushed the total to over $2,000 but I'm not sure of the exact amounts (I'll leave that for others to post).
Was I glad to be there when Danny rolled in. There was also a special raffle for a huge poster that Danny signed (maybe 4' x 4'). It was a nice 9-ball graphic with one of Danny's quotes like: Practice, Practice, Practice and have no fear or maybe it was Play with no Fear!! (I have a bad memory so I could be off). Another way of Danny showing his appreciation. No matter how you feel about Danny, him showing up and the poster was 100% a class act.
Dave
The tournament went great, especially on such short notice. There was a full field of 32 double elimination 8-ball race to 3 on both sides, all speed levels were represented. I finished 4th and left while it was still going on. Not a lot to win since the reason for this was to help Danny and his family: I think 1st was $150 and 5/6 was $45, I got $50 for 4th. Entry fee was $35 and $20 went to Danny's fund so that only left $15/player for the prize fund. Felt donated the table time.
The highlight was that Danny was so appreciative of all those coming together on his behalf, he insisted on making an appearance. He was in a wheelchair, had an oxygen tank wheeled in with him and he couldn't really remember everyone. He looked very frail but was treated like royalty. Everyone just surrounded him and took turns shaking his hand or hugs - it was so touching, not sure if there was a dry eye in the place. There was a few pictures taken of Danny with the entire tournament players (or close) and several of him being greeted. I'm sure some will get posted eventually.
And it was a success! The tournament and the raffle raised over $1,000 and the on-line donations and such pushed the total to over $2,000 but I'm not sure of the exact amounts (I'll leave that for others to post).
Was I glad to be there when Danny rolled in. There was also a special raffle for a huge poster that Danny signed (maybe 4' x 4'). It was a nice 9-ball graphic with one of Danny's quotes like: Practice, Practice, Practice and have no fear or maybe it was Play with no Fear!! (I have a bad memory so I could be off). Another way of Danny showing his appreciation. No matter how you feel about Danny, him showing up and the poster was 100% a class act.
Dave
Thanks Dave!! I really hated not making it up. Sounds like it was a memorable day.
Ray
i'm certainly happy he was able to make it out there.
Pool has been such a part of his life and to be there when so many got there for him.
i have known Danny since we were both 19 years old. The one thing most consistent in his life was his ability and he never doubted that.
I am not sure I have ever known anyone with more pride and less fear.
Thanks to you all, so very much!
There is not a dry eye here either!
Awesom Big Truck, Danny looks like he could jump out of that chair and do it all over again!
Well Bigtruck,
You did it again. Great interview. Only the Bigtruck can handle such interviews. Thank you, Bigtruck. Keep up the great work! Danny looks good in the interview.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
You did it again. Great interview. Only the Bigtruck can handle such interviews. Thank you, Bigtruck. Keep up the great work! Danny looks good in the interview.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
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Very fitting and enlightening....perfect tribute for the guy that could fire balls in from anywhere when in punch....and showed absolutely no fear....some nerves but never fear....so good to hear some money was raised for family.....kamui....big truck....and Danny were all big shots.....and felts billiards...mostly Mark and Melissa who pushed it thru I knew god willing it would be a success....u great people stay blessed....give em the six and beat em 30 hours a day Danny!!!!
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Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Mark and Melissa are great people, Mark saved my ass(I was gonna get rolled) one night in Oakland in 86 or 87. I'll save that story or another thread. I have known Mark since 85, thick and thin he has always been there for me, and I will stand for him anytime any place.
I remember seeing Danny once in Vegas at Rum Runner, practicing of the Box in the back alone, during the Andy Murcer turnemnet, he was playing perfect, not sure if he won or not, all i know is it sounded like a gun every time he broke the balls.