Danny Medina's fight is over

Its so hard to let go, i went through it as probably everyone else here has too, GOD BLESS Mr. MEDINA AND HIS FAMILY,This is part of life that i wish they could of lefted out, GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY MEMBER WE HAVE HERE AT AZ PLUS THEIR LOVED ONES, LOVE,FRIENDSHIP AND GOD, AMEN!
 
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RIP Danny.

I spent quite a bit of time around Danny in Denver in the 90s and then when I lived in Wichita he came there a few times. I've even run into him here in California a couple of times.

Always entertaining and a GREAT pool player.

~rc
 
RIP Danny.... I had the privilege to watch Danny play in Olathe a few times over the years. What a player and his break was something to behold.
 
It was a rather sad moment when I got the call last night, but knowing he was comfortable and surrounded by loved ones when he closed his eyes for the last time brought some comfort. Even when the doctors wanted to stop treatment Danny didn't. That's just how he was, always down for a battle. He told me during our lessons that there were times that the pain got pretty bad, but all it did was make him more determined to win. Danny, you didn't lose this battle. You won the greatest prize there is and I am sure that you are already up there playing. Thank you for all the free lessons, the encouragement and for being a good friend. I will miss you and our chats. Much love to ya.

My sincerest condolences to Danny's family and friends. And thank you to everyone who donated to the tournament so that we can give Danny a send off he deserves.
 
Today I learned from friends of the passing of another great player of my generation, Danny Medina. As I've said in other comments today, Danny was a tremendous player & a fierce competitor whether it was on a 9 footer or a bar box - tournament play, gambling match or practice session.

I first met Danny at Richie Florence's '80 World 9 Ball Pro-Am at the Tropicana in Vegas. After I won the women's division, he came up to me &, in his brusque style, told me I was the first "girl" he'd ever seen that "hit them like a man" on the bar box. Wow! How cool was that! He gave me a few tips which I incorporated into my bar table game - they served me well. I'd see him over the years at the various pro events - he had developed into a top player among the other players of the time. Years later, when he lived in Vegas & became a regular at my pool room, Cue-Topia, I got to know Danny better & was lucky enough to spend some time on the table with him. We'd spar on Table 16 - the tightest table in the house - 4" pockets - the one normally reserved for one pocket. He'd fire those balls in a hundred miles an hour - splitting the pockets - running out, rack after rack. Sometimes, I'd barely hang the rack back under the table & settle onto my stool when it would be time for me to rack them again. I'd watch intently as he moved the cue ball around the table effortlessly - mentally playing along. When I saw him do something differently than I thought, I'd try it later. When I saw him do something that I wasn't sure as to how he did it, I'd ask him after the game was over & he'd explain & show me how he did it. He'd set the shot up so I could shoot it & make sure I understood & could execute it. On those rare occasions when I did get to the table, if he saw something I did & had a different or, usually, better way, he'd show me after the game. I learned a lot from Danny & he became a good friend.

The last time I saw Danny was at the '05 Mizerak Senior Tour event - Miz's last. Got a bye my first round & was rewarded with a match with Danny. He won the flip & it was 8-0 so fast my head was spinning! Only took about 10 minutes! Didn't help that he made it on the break (in a different pocket each time!) FIVE times! I managed to salvage a shutout by winning 3 or 4 games from there but that was it...:)

He faced the toughest opponent of his life this time. I've been told by those who were with him at the end, as always, he fought fiercely - with heart & determination. I offer my condolences to his many friends & to his family...RIP, Danny.

Mary Kenniston

For those who haven't seen this, here's a link to Ray Hansen's video tribute to Danny...it's great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFjN4N-Ogq8


Danny Medina - '80 World 9 Ball ProAm - Las Vegas, NV - photo courtesy of Mike Haines & Bill Porter
 

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I've lost another good friend, but oh what a ride we had. Two nice road trips where we had action every day, and fun all the time in between. And many tournaments in between. My heart goes out to Laurette, his girl for maybe 15 years. I love you too kid, you're a sweetheart. Laurette was with us on the road and a better partner we couldn't have had. You were always quick to encourage us and you were made from the same mold as Danny, a fighter at heart. Boy what a pair you two made! It was so cool hanging out with you both.

Danny was a more than a pool player, he was a pool warrior, always up for a tough game with a good player. Like all gamblers Danny found himself in some tough spots at times, yet he never backed down and was pretty clever in the face of adversity. He once "bluffed" a guy with a .22 into thinking that he had a bigger gun, all the time holding his hand inside his jacket. Danny was FEARLESS!

He started going downhill after getting assaulted four years ago in downtown Vegas. He tried to take on three guys who were trying to rob him. He nailed the first guy but the other two got the best of him, seriously breaking his jaw, and requiring him to get it wired shut. Being unable to eat solid food and getting hooked on pain pills didn't help much after that.

Some people had negative words to say about Danny (you know who you are) but I NEVER had a problem of any kind with him, and we cut up some nice four and five figure scores. I loved seeing him in the box, knowing full well that that someone was going to have to beat him, because he was not going to dog it. And he never did! Danny gave his best every time out and almost always came out on top. Sure he lost a tournament match or two, but more often than not, he would bounce right back with a series of wins, making some good money for both of us. His biggest win was the Disneyland Open in 1986 when he beat David Howard in the finals for 15K. No deal either!

Danny was consistently high in the money (top four or five) in almost every tournament I put him in. He was a proud man who rarely asked for anything, but a couple of times I could tell he needed some help and was glad to do it. We talked last week and he was still battling hard, and I truly wanted to believe that there would be a miracle.

Danny, you left your mark on the world as a legendary pool player, the best in Colorado for decades. You played the best and held your own against them, earning their respect as well. I can't believe I won't see you again, you always put a smile on my face. Thanks for your friendship. I'm so glad that I got to tell you that I love you. I've got a tear in my eye now for you my friend. I'll catch up with you one of these days and we can reminisce about the good old days.
 
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nightmare said:
Today I learned from friends of the passing of another great player of my generation, Danny Medina. As I've said in other comments today, Danny was a tremendous player & a fierce competitor whether it was on a 9 footer or a bar box - tournament play, gambling match or practice session.

I first met Danny at Richie Florence's '80 World 9 Ball Pro-Am at the Tropicana in Vegas. After I won the women's division, he came up to me &, in his brusque style, told me I was the first "girl" he'd ever seen that "hit them like a man" on the bar box. Wow! How cool was that! He gave me a few tips which I incorporated into my bar table game - they served me well. I'd see him over the years at the various pro events - he had developed into a top player among the other players of the time. Years later, when he lived in Vegas & became a regular at my pool room, Cue-Topia, I got to know Danny better & was lucky enough to spend some time on the table with him. We'd spar on Table 16 - the tightest table in the house - 4" pockets - the one normally reserved for one pocket. He'd fire those balls in a hundred miles an hour - splitting the pockets - running out, rack after rack. Sometimes, I'd barely hang the rack back under the table & settle onto my stool when it would be time for me to rack them again. I'd watch intently as he moved the cue ball around the table effortlessly - mentally playing along. When I saw him do something differently than I thought, I'd try it later. When I saw him do something that I wasn't sure as to how he did it, I'd ask him after the game was over & he'd explain & show me how he did it. He'd set the shot up so I could shoot it & make sure I understood & could execute it. On those rare occasions when I did get to the table, if he saw something I did & had a different or, usually, better way, he'd show me after the game. I learned a lot from Danny & he became a good friend.

The last time I saw Danny was at the '05 Mizerak Senior Tour event - Miz's last. Got a bye my first round & was rewarded with a match with Danny. He won the flip & it was 8-0 so fast my head was spinning! Only took about 10 minutes! Didn't help that he made it on the break (in a different pocket each time!) FIVE times! I managed to salvage a shutout by winning 3 or 4 games from there but that was it...:)

He faced the toughest opponent of his life this time. I've been told by those who were with him at the end, as always, he fought fiercely - with heart & determination. I offer my condolences to his many friends & to his family...RIP, Danny.

Mary Kenniston

For those who haven't seen this, here's a link to Ray Hansen's video tribute to Danny...it's great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFjN4N-Ogq8


Danny Medina - '80 World 9 Ball ProAm - Las Vegas, NV - photo courtesy of Mike Haines & Bill Porter
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That was a really nice tribute! I was pretty surprised to hear what Danny said about me at the end. Thanks for that! That made my day.
 
I remember seeing Danny for the first time at one of Richie Florence's tournaments at Caesar's Lake Tahoe (1981). The announcer had given a brief bio on each player as he was doing the table assignments. I'll never forget when he got to Danny, he said he didn't know anything about Danny Medina but he understood him to be a real good player. Shortly after that, EVERYBODY in pool knew who Danny Medina was.

Rest in peace, Danny. You left a deep impression on many of us pool enthusiasts.
 
My condolences to Danny's Family and extended Family of Great friends and pool players.

People that knew Danny are already talking about the fond memories that they have of him. Good memories are like pictures and will continue on.
Just remember, some night when you are alone practicing and you get a feeling that you are not alone, Danny is standing behind you watching.

Another Star shines bright in the sky tonight.

RIP Danny.
 
ironman said:
I have dreaded the call I got last night for some time. Danny Medina died Thursday evening at 11:38 in Denver Colorado.
Danny and I met way back in 1971 at the old Civic Center Billiards in Denver. We were both 19 years old.
He was a young and cocky guy but ponce one got past that, he was really easy to talk to and easy to get along with.
In one of our latest conversations he was struggling with some decisions he had made just like the majority of us. He feared he had wasted life by being a pool player. he lived what he loved. hre ate, slept, and breathed Pool. he head natural talent and should be remembered as on of the best shot makers ever in the game.
He was , once some got to know him better, really not so arrogant and cocky. he had vulnerabilities just as we all did and I always felt it made him even more likable and intriguing.
When he learned he had Cancer he fought valiantly and hung on when many would have thrown the towel. A calmness came across him and he faced it head on.
When I was in Denver back in August, we spent about 4 days together and never talked about the illness and pain. I was surprised he remembered some conversations we had driving across this country. he laughed at some of the dumb assed things we did ad some scrapes we narrowly escaped.
i love Danny Medina and wish I could hear that "He He" just one more time, but in one way I am relieved his pain is over and he is finally in good hands.
God Bless you Brother.
R.I.P Danny Medina September 1951 January 2013
CHAMPION!!!!!
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Hello Ironman,
I hated to read this bad news, but I thank you for sharing it with us. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. Danny will be missed by a lot of people. May he rest in peace. He will live on in the hearts and memory of a lot of people. He was a top notch pool player. And well liked by many people. As I am writing this post I am thinking of the interview by Bigtruck a few weeks ago! Danny you put up a great fight!
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
richiebalto said:
Its so hard to let go, i went through it as probably everyone else here has too, GOD BLESS Mr. MEDINA AND HIS FAMILY,This is part of life that i wish they could of lefted out, GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY MEMBER WE HAVE HERE AT AZ PLUS THEIR LOVED ONES, LOVE,FRIENDSHIP AND GOD, AMEN!
Click to expand...

Thank you, Richie. May God bless you and your family.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Lock N Load said:
Hello Ironman,
I hated to read this bad news, but I thank you for sharing it with us. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. Danny will be missed by a lot of people. May he rest in peace. He will live on in the hearts and memory of a lot of people. He was a top notch pool player. And well liked by many people. As I am writing this post I am thinking of the interview by Bigtruck a few weeks ago! Danny you put up a great fight!
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
Click to expand...

It was the call late at night I had dreaded for many months. It took me a while as I am selfish and wanted him here, but finally I was relieved. His brutal fight with cancer was over. Still, after 40 years, I just can't imagine the world without him. We went through a lot together.
their feelings and well wishes. It will mean so much to his family, friends , and me too.
God bless you all.
 
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