Mr. Lee,
Here's the point I'm making as clearly as I can:
Of course, Danny M. was a "force to be reckoned with" as far back as the late 60's, but if you recall there was a period of time when no one wanted any part of him for the cash with the possible exception of Keith with the big rock on the little court; maybe not even him...
Most people who either ran with him or knew him well recall this particular time to be the 70's to the very early 90's.
I made specific mention of this period as his "1st prime" for a reason; he had a tounament slump (at least in his mind) for a few years ('93-95 - this is the time I knew him best, btw) and worked very hard for a period in the late 90's and achieved a billiards-related goal that he, himself was most proud of: Camel PBT #1 and beating Efren for that 8-ball title to edge out #1 (I recall it was the '97 season).
Trust me when I say this: Danny was absolutely beaming about his win when he came back to Denver!
I will continue to think of this time period as his second prime; Danny validated his life's work/passion and knew that he was a "somebody".
Nice story!! Danny did not even play 9 foot tables until about 79. He began playing at Colfax Billiards on Sheridan and though I ca't remember the table number, he learned that table like the back of his hand.
he went to Chicagoand won the Chcago Open and that is when he really took off. he was beaming after that one too.
later Table Steaks opened and he mastered that table too and fast. I'm not sure, but I just do't think anyone everb eat him on either of those tables.
His big regret was not winning the Denver Open, however, when he beat Efren in that world 8 Ball thing, he ws so proud and nearly explosed with that one. He still sopoke of that one when I was there last August.
he later captured the Reno Open which had escaped him for years, but finally won that about 10-12 years ago.
in the late 60's and early 70's he played only bar tables and had a reputation for that thunderous break, but being in his early 20's, he ws beaten some. It was just a part of the process.
Thanks for the memory and great addition to this. I still think of him each day and just find it hard to believe he is gone.