When I first started playing pool in the mid 90's I used to hear alot about Hatch, and then suddenly I heard nothing for the longest time. Now he just won a regional tournament. Was this guy one of the best players of his time, and do you think he can compete with the pros today? It's nice to hear about someone that I haven't heard of in a long time.
Dennis Hatch
- Thread starter LastTwo
- Start date
LastTwo said:
he was incarcerated(sp) for a little while
i've only seen him play once, and that was last year, i think he can hold his own with anyone for the most part.
A couple people from hear use to run with him years ago and said he was a world beater, then his unfortunate incident. He was at the Glass City Open this year and dropped out of the tournament, but found side action in the likes of Fabio Petroni, i was sitting with one of the guys who use to run with him, after it was over he made a comment to me saying that he did not play like he use to. It seems this is not the first tournament he's recently snapped off, and won't be his last. I agree when he get's it back together, look out he'll be a threat in any tournament he enters.
Hatch
I saw him in 90 or 91 at the same poolroom he just won in. I didn't know of him that well but after winning "The Saint Valentines Day Shoot Out" I knew that he was a force to be reckoned with. If I remember right, ESPN broadcast his U S Open match against Buddy Hall at that same time frame. Buddy won but you knew Dennis was a player just to get that far. Shortly after that I think he fell off the radar to reappear in the last year. Hopefully all goes well for him.
I saw him in 90 or 91 at the same poolroom he just won in. I didn't know of him that well but after winning "The Saint Valentines Day Shoot Out" I knew that he was a force to be reckoned with. If I remember right, ESPN broadcast his U S Open match against Buddy Hall at that same time frame. Buddy won but you knew Dennis was a player just to get that far. Shortly after that I think he fell off the radar to reappear in the last year. Hopefully all goes well for him.
Bobby said:
I played Dennis several times in the mid-late 80's and into the 90's. He was an incredible player as a young man. As Dennis matured, he eventually became a dominant force on the pro tour. Dennis won The Player's Championship in 1993 in East Rutherford, NJ, beating guys like Varner, Hall, and Reyes in succession. During this time period (early to mid 90's) there were lots of great players such as John Dovinski, Willie Munson, Mark Jarvis, Mark Maryo, Tony Ellin, even Harriman was sneaking around back then (on the road at that time with a guy named "Springfield" Don Matherly) all of whom were threats at any event they played in. Dennis Hatch had the ability to maintain complete and total control of the table. Anytime that you are up against a player like that you will have a very long and tiring day. I hope Dennis puts his past behind him and gets back into stroke. He's a real treat for those that have never seen him. I for one will cheer Dennis on every step of the way. He's had a rough time of it throughout with his demons, his family issues, and his playing career and I think its time for some great things to happen for him.
I just watched a tape of the US OPEN where Buddy beats Dennis; the match went 9-8 and Buddy Hall actually lucked in a couple balls to win. If Dennis could of gotten one more roll in this match, his whole career might have been different.
When he was on, he was absolutely a first class player and someone already mentioned he was very proficient at straight pool while young. 365 balls is a lot- especially for a 20 year old.
I might be wrong, but I've heard he was won of the toughest guys to beat a while back, along with people like Reed Pierce who played in the biggest money games around.
Wasn't he a former boxer also with no defeats? I think he got hurt, but maybe someone who knows him can verify this.
When he was on, he was absolutely a first class player and someone already mentioned he was very proficient at straight pool while young. 365 balls is a lot- especially for a 20 year old.
I might be wrong, but I've heard he was won of the toughest guys to beat a while back, along with people like Reed Pierce who played in the biggest money games around.
Wasn't he a former boxer also with no defeats? I think he got hurt, but maybe someone who knows him can verify this.
Dennis Hatch, fondly known as "The Hatchet," has been a force to be reckoned with since he was a young teenager. Today, he is capable of beating ANY of the top players (IMO).
He's supposed to be at the Turning Stone Casino this coming weekend for the $15,000-added Joss event.
Picture of Dennis and his sweetie taken at 2004 Carolinas Open.
JAM
He's supposed to be at the Turning Stone Casino this coming weekend for the $15,000-added Joss event.
Picture of Dennis and his sweetie taken at 2004 Carolinas Open.
JAM
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I've also heard Dennis was a top notch golden gloves boxer in New York and never lost a bout!!
IMO, He is a very talented pool player, plays great for the cash but due to his poor temperment, not many people like him or pull for him to win.JMO
Maybe someone from the Detroit area will let us know how he is doing. Dennis was in Detroit last month for at least a week. I havent heard how he did. He did take off the Thursday Open tourney beating Ronnie Wiseman in the finals. Maybe Steve or Eddie from the Detroit area can pop in.
For the most part, Dennis Hatch's story is one of unrealized promise. As a protege of Dan DiLiberto in Buffalo, NY, Dennis learned to play pool the right way. He is one of the most talented players I've ever watched, but discipline and self-control are part of being successful, and Dennis, by is own admission, never had enough of either.
I'm happy to see him making a comeback of sorts, and it will make for a great story if he rediscovers his incredible abilities over the glorious green felt and comes out on top over an elite field one of these days. I'll be cheering for him.
I'm happy to see him making a comeback of sorts, and it will make for a great story if he rediscovers his incredible abilities over the glorious green felt and comes out on top over an elite field one of these days. I'll be cheering for him.
BooBoo said:
Hi,
PBTA board took diciplinary action for the .......... that happened in Los Angeles.He was not allowed to play for long time.It was a very complex issue.Even the most experienced people in booking the game could not understand the mystery that happened in Los Angeles (? 1994 or later part of 1993).Dennis was a great player.Good luck to him
Vagabond