Do you see your favorite pro pool players in the same way that you see celebrities?

[wahcheck]

awesome

The first Pro Tournament I ever went to (way back in the 80's), I was awestruck at all the talent in the room; what made it a special experience was the ability to mingle and talk to them at close quarters, unlike any other sport where you might see great talents, but they would not be as accessible. I suppose that is a perk of Pool not being a big time sport in terms of money, prestige, and exposure, but those Pros are all big time talents. A lot of them are even real regular guys, not having that egotistical or arrogant bent.

 

[lfigueroa]

This might seem really silly (to many of you), but to me, I see my favorite pro pool players in the same way as I see my favorite actors.

When I was at the DCC last year, it was so exciting for me, because I felt like there were celebrities walking around all over the place.

Many of my favorite players walked right past me, as I was chatting with the really friendly door person (the guy who made sure that everyone that went through into the tournament room paid for a pass to get in).

I felt really out of place though, because I felt like I was in a room filled with God's.

I would have loved to meet many of my favorite players that I seen, but I am an extremely shy person.

I think that $260 seems like a small price to pay for a chance to compete against one of your favorite pro players, but I think the chances of drawing one of those players is very slim, with the size of the field.

Anyways, just curious if you see your favorite pro players in the same way that you see celebrities (like your favorite actors for example), or do you not see them in that high of a regard?

Thanks for your thoughts about this.

I believe there was a time I felt that way. But I had the opportunity at one point in my life to travel and participate in a lot of big time tournaments and see pro pool players in situ, or at least many of them, for what they were. No disrespect, but it is/was what it is/was. I saw a lot of crap.

Lou Figueroa

 

[JAM]

The first Pro Tournament I ever went to (way back in the 80's), I was awestruck at all the talent in the room; what made it a special experience was the ability to mingle and talk to them at close quarters, unlike any other sport where you might see great talents, but they would not be as accessible. I suppose that is a perk of Pool not being a big time sport in terms of money, prestige, and exposure, but those Pros are all big time talents. A lot of them are even real regular guys, not having that egotistical or arrogant bent.

I remember my first pro tournament. It was at Q-Masters in Virginia. Keith was in the hot seat, and it was double elimination, one extended race at the end. Michael Coltrain came from the loser's bracket and won the event. The tournament was packed, standing room only. I wish I could remember the name of it. I think it was Spring-something.

Seeing all the pros that I had only read about in pool magazines or heard through the grapevine about their play was a thrill. Each one was so polite and nice, taking time to talk to the fans.

One game in particular, Keith was playing Ron Parks, a strong player at this event. They were in the money rounds. Keith missed the game-winning shot for the match and left Ron what looked to be a straight-in duck shot on the 8-ball, with the cueball and 8-ball both resting on the end rail. The 9-ball was at the opposite end of the table, about 3 inches from the corner pocket.

I was standing at the rail sweating the match with my friend Billy Stephen. I said to Billy, "Well, looks like we lost," feeling the pressure, seeing the two duck shots. Billy's reply was, "Don't be so sure. That is not an easy shot." I looked at him, wondering how it was not an easy shot. The 8-ball was about 6 inches from the corner pocket, and the cueball was about 3 inches directly behind it, both balls on the rail. He then added, "He's got to get shape on the 9, and these two balls are on the rail."

Well, Billy was right, and in trying to get shape, Ron missed. And Keith won.

After hours at the tournament, Keith was asked to gamble against Sam Monday. I think Keith spotted Sam two balls in a 9-ball game, 12-ahead set. Everybody pooled their money against Keith, thinking Sam was a lock to win. And the set went Sam's way when he hit 10 games ahead, but it was like Keith got a second wind and came back to even and then surged forward at 12 games ahead to take down the cheese. We won more money in that set than what the tournament paid for 1st place. Kaching!

Even the pro players liked to sweat Keith play. Hanging out with them on the rail was a thrill for this amateur social shooter. I miss those days.

Pool is a unique "sport," if you will, in that the professional players do mingle on a personal level with the railbirds and fans at every pool event. In other sports, you don't see that too often or as much as you do in pool. I don't view them as celebrities. They're people, just like me, but I do respect their skills and capabilities on a field of tournament blue or green. Those who disrespect them usually stems from p***s envy, a socioemotional state stemming from their childhood that they can't help. Thankfully, not everybody acts or feels the urge to disrespect the professionals of our industry that most of us all love and enjoy.

 

[Lesh]

When I was at the DCC last year, it was so exciting for me, because I felt like there were celebrities walking around all over the place.

Anyways, just curious if you see your favorite pro players in the same way that you see celebrities (like your favorite actors for example), or do you not see them in that high of a regard?

Really great question.

I shook hands with Willem Dafoe and Peter O'Toole in the same room at a private party where I did not exactly belong, and felt completely out of place. Not because I was crashing the party and trying to smuggle half a smoked salmon while appearing as though I owned the place. I felt out of place because I had absolutely NOTHING in common with Willem or Peter. They were (of course) charming and polite people that did not disappoint in any way as I had imagined them... but I shook hands and complimented them on their success and went merrily on my way for the simple fact that I had nothing more to share with them (aside form my stunning presence).

However, if I were to meet say.... Hall of Famer Rodney Morris or Darren Appleton, Efren, Alex, Etc... I would surely have the goo-goo star thing happening, but I would also feel like they were part of my family and want to ask them how they are and just stuff about rooms they like and equipment and events.... Stuff we have in common. Cuz we are part of a very small community (relatively speaking).

Pool players are a breed.

Lesh

 

[JAM]

Really great question.

I shook hands with Willem Dafoe and Peter O'Toole in the same room at a private party where I did not exactly belong, and felt completely out of place. Not because I was crashing the party and trying to smuggle half a smoked salmon while appearing as though I owned the place. I felt out of place because I had absolutely NOTHING in common with Willem or Peter. They were (of course) charming and polite people that did not disappoint in any way as I had imagined them... but I shook hands and complimented them on their success and went merrily on my way for the simple fact that I had nothing more to share with them (aside form my stunning presence).

However, if I were to meet say.... Hall of Famer Rodney Morris or Darren Appleton, Efren, Alex, Etc... I would surely have the goo-goo star thing happening, but I would also feel like they were part of my family and want to ask them how they are and just stuff about rooms they like and equipment and events.... Stuff we have in common. Cuz we are part of a very small community (relatively speaking).

Pool players are a breed.

Lesh

Tap, tap,tap! Well said! :clapping::clapping::clapping:

 

[poolwhiz]

I was in Las Vegas in the early 90's for a pool tournament when a young kid came up to me and asked if he could get my autograph. I gave him my autograph and he looked up to me and said, are you somebody. I still laugh about it till today.

 

[HawaiianEye]

I see people as "people" and treat them like "normal" people.

Just because somebody does something well, doesn't mean they should be put on a pedestal.

I've met lots of pro people and didn't see anything special in them, other than they may have more money than most people and maybe more people following them around.

I see and talk to Rodney every time he comes to Brian's...he is just a normal guy who shoots pool extremely well. The same goes for Allison Fisher when she comes here a couple times a year. She hangs out and talks, just like normal people do.

 

[Lonestar_jim]

I must be a clairvoyant.

Deleted comment. Some here are brighter than this dim bulb.

FWIW I have related to some pool icons in the same way I would to a professor or person of enlightened abilities.

 

[shinobi]

Really great question.

I shook hands with Willem Dafoe and Peter O'Toole in the same room at a private party where I did not exactly belong, and felt completely out of place. Not because I was crashing the party and trying to smuggle half a smoked salmon while appearing as though I owned the place. I felt out of place because I had absolutely NOTHING in common with Willem or Peter. They were (of course) charming and polite people that did not disappoint in any way as I had imagined them... but I shook hands and complimented them on their success and went merrily on my way for the simple fact that I had nothing more to share with them (aside form my stunning presence).

However, if I were to meet say.... Hall of Famer Rodney Morris or Darren Appleton, Efren, Alex, Etc... I would surely have the goo-goo star thing happening, but I would also feel like they were part of my family and want to ask them how they are and just stuff about rooms they like and equipment and events.... Stuff we have in common. Cuz we are part of a very small community (relatively speaking).

Pool players are a breed.

Lesh

You might have something in common if you asked them what they do other than being great actors.

(just hope Willem doesn't say, "I like to go for long swims in piles of gold doubloons, DuckTales style" because you might not be able to relate to that either)

 

[NastyNate13]

Playing in NYC I'm lucky to see pros pretty often (which is cool as f***)

Last week alone I met Jennifer Baretta, Hunter Lombardo, Thorsten Hohmann, Jayson Shaw, Sean Morgan... which is cool for me because I've watched them all on YouTube and such.

I just treat them like how I want to be treated. After my 14.1 match, I sat down at the bar and unknowingly sat next to Thorsten and just told him how much I was a fan of his game and try to emulate him when I ply straight from pool.

He thanked me up and down and I bought him a drink and he gave me some helpful tips.

 

[onepocketron]

I look at them all as just people that have different gifts. Some have acting gifts, some have cue sports gifts. I don't worship the ground they walk on, nor elevate them to some high place. I do have respect for their talents and enjoy watching them perform.

 

[DJSTEVEZ]

error error

 

[DJSTEVEZ]

Yes, absolutely. Meeting Mike Sigel this year was an awesome thing...and I have to admit, on my bucket list.

Back in either the very late 80s or the very early 90's I went to one of the BCA trade shows in Kentucky. The night before the expo was a charity event and the whole pool world was there. The program had pictures of the players who attended.

I met & got autographs from Minnesota Fats (well, a rubber stamp of his autograph actually), Steve Mizerak, Lori-John Jones, Ewa Mataya (before she was Lawrence), Nick Varner and a whole bunch of others. I was in my late 20s or very

early 30s but I felt like I was meeting the NY Yankee baseball heros from my youth.

As far as the NYC scene, I've had the privilege of meeting Fran Crimi (one of the nicest people in the world). A friend of mine introduced me to Billie Billings who was also a real sweetheart, Before Jeanette Lee had burst onto the

national/international scene she was a house pro at Howard Beach Billiards in Queens, NY and I got to meet her there. Everyone in the NYC scene knew she was going to be a superstar because of her skills on the table, and certainly her

amazing beauty didn't hurt. She was very outgoing and sweet. I've always wanted to meet Jean Balukas, but so far it hasn't happened. I've heard that in addition to being one of thee most lights-out players of her day, she was also one of

the nicest people in the pool world.

It's funny, none of the Pros I've met acted like they thought they were a celebrity. Nearly all of them were quite humble. Well, now that I'm thinking of it, Jimmy Mataya did. Maybe I just caught him on a bad day (it was at a cocktail party, he

wasn't shooting at the time). I caught him in what looked an awful lot like he was trying to pick up my (then) girlfriend. Later in the evening, she said he was giving her the full court press and was not in the least bit subtle.. This is while he

was still married to Ewa. Suffice to say, I'm not a fan -Z-

 

[BmoreMoney]

This might seem really silly (to many of you), but to me, I see my favorite pro pool players in the same way as I see my favorite actors.

When I was at the DCC last year, it was so exciting for me, because I felt like there were celebrities walking around all over the place.

Many of my favorite players walked right past me, as I was chatting with the really friendly door person (the guy who made sure that everyone that went through into the tournament room paid for a pass to get in).

I felt really out of place though, because I felt like I was in a room filled with God's.

I would have loved to meet many of my favorite players that I seen, but I am an extremely shy person.

I think that $260 seems like a small price to pay for a chance to compete against one of your favorite pro players, but I think the chances of drawing one of those players is very slim, with the size of the field.

Anyways, just curious if you see your favorite pro players in the same way that you see celebrities (like your favorite actors for example), or do you not see them in that high of a regard?

Thanks for your thoughts about this.

So, ya didn't tell us ----- who is ur man crush?????

 

[SJDinPHX]

This might seem really silly (to many of you), but to me, I see my favorite pro pool players in the same way as I see my favorite actors.

When I was at the DCC last year, it was so exciting for me, because I felt like there were celebrities walking around all over the place.

Many of my favorite players walked right past me, I felt really out of place though, because I felt like I was in a room filled with God's. I would have loved to meet many of my favorite players that I seen, but I am an extremely shy person.

Anyways, just curious if you see your favorite pro players in the same way that you see celebrities (like your favorite actors for example), or do you not see them in that high of a regard?

Thanks for your thoughts about this.

Apparently you live and breathe pool, Justin..Nothing wrong with that, but as you mature, you will find pro pool players to be
no different than the rest of the world..Some good people, some bad, and some real a--holes!..In that regard, yes, they are
the same as celebs, but let me make a point here. Idolizing them, or comparing them with celebrities is a bit far-fetched..
If Tom Cruise or Jackie Gleason were to walk down a busy street, virtually everyone would recognize them..Earl Strickland or Buddy Hall could walk down every street in NYC, and NO ONE would know, or care who they were, and that would include 99.9% of the zillions of people who play pool regularly.

PS..Only a real pool nut, (like you or JoeyA) would even think about trying to compare pool players with celebs..In a race to ten, it would be, Celebs 10--Pool players 0 :embarrassed2:

PPS..In case no one has noticed, JoeyA has always been master of diplomacy..But, he sounds like an "autograph seeker" to me!..Warm up the firing squad!

 

[AtLarge]

I remember my first pro tournament. It was at Q-Masters in Virginia. Keith was in the hot seat, and it was double elimination, one extended race at the end. Michael Coltrain came from the loser's bracket and won the event. The tournament was packed, standing room only. I wish I could remember the name of it. I think it was Spring-something. ...

Here you go -- Q-Masters Spring Classic in April, 2002: http://www.azbilliards.com/tours_an...naments/419-q-masters-spring-classic/results/

 

[JAM]

Here you go -- Q-Masters Spring Classic in April, 2002: http://www.azbilliards.com/tours_an...naments/419-q-masters-spring-classic/results/

Bingo! That is it. Wow! Thanks for sharing that.

 

[JoeyA]

You've been drinking again, haven't you.....
I told you that Yukon Jack will be the death of you.
JoeyA

Apparently you live and breathe pool, Justin..Nothing wrong with that, but as you mature, you will find pro pool players to be
no different than the rest of the world..Some good people, some bad, and some real a--holes!..In that regard, yes, they are
the same as celebs, but let me make a point here. Idolizing them, or comparing them with celebrities is a bit far-fetched..
If Tom Cruise or Jackie Gleason were to walk down a busy street, virtually everyone would recognize them..Earl Strickland or Buddy Hall could walk down every street in NYC, and NO ONE would know, or care who they were, and that would include 99.9% of the zillions of people who play pool regularly.

PS..Only a real pool nut, (like you or JoeyA) would even think about trying to compare pool players with celebs..In a race to ten, it would be, Celebs 10--Pool players 0 :embarrassed2:

PPS..In case no one has noticed, JoeyA has always been master of diplomacy..But, he sounds like an "autograph seeker" to me!..Warm up the firing squad!

 

[wayne]

I remember my first pro tournament. It was at Q-Masters in Virginia. Keith was in the hot seat, and it was double elimination, one extended race at the end. Michael Coltrain came from the loser's bracket and won the event. The tournament was packed, standing room only. I wish I could remember the name of it. I think it was Spring-something.

Seeing all the pros that I had only read about in pool magazines or heard through the grapevine about their play was a thrill. Each one was so polite and nice, taking time to talk to the fans.

One game in particular, Keith was playing Ron Parks, a strong player at this event. They were in the money rounds. Keith missed the game-winning shot for the match and left Ron what looked to be a straight-in duck shot on the 8-ball, with the cueball and 8-ball both resting on the end rail. The 9-ball was at the opposite end of the table, about 3 inches from the corner pocket.

I was standing at the rail sweating the match with my friend Billy Stephen. I said to Billy, "Well, looks like we lost," feeling the pressure, seeing the two duck shots. Billy's reply was, "Don't be so sure. That is not an easy shot." I looked at him, wondering how it was not an easy shot. The 8-ball was about 6 inches from the corner pocket, and the cueball was about 3 inches directly behind it, both balls on the rail. He then added, "He's got to get shape on the 9, and these two balls are on the rail."

Well, Billy was right, and in trying to get shape, Ron missed. And Keith won.

After hours at the tournament, Keith was asked to gamble against Sam Monday. I think Keith spotted Sam two balls in a 9-ball game, 12-ahead set. Everybody pooled their money against Keith, thinking Sam was a lock to win. And the set went Sam's way when he hit 10 games ahead, but it was like Keith got a second wind and came back to even and then surged forward at 12 games ahead to take down the cheese. We won more money in that set than what the tournament paid for 1st place. Kaching!

Even the pro players liked to sweat Keith play. Hanging out with them on the rail was a thrill for this amateur social shooter. I miss those days.

Pool is a unique "sport," if you will, in that the professional players do mingle on a personal level with the railbirds and fans at every pool event. In other sports, you don't see that too often or as much as you do in pool. I don't view them as celebrities. They're people, just like me, but I do respect their skills and capabilities on a field of tournament blue or green. Those who disrespect them usually stems from p***s envy, a socioemotional state stemming from their childhood that they can't help. Thankfully, not everybody acts or feels the urge to disrespect the professionals of our industry that most of us all love and enjoy.

Nice post Jam. It is a very tough profession and it is a pity that some have the need to try to demean the pros.

I don't know if you were aware that you posted right after Lou Figueroa took his usual cheap shot.

Interestingly enough the last time you posted in response to him on one pocket org (when he tried to align himself to you and you pointed out the major difference being your respect for the pros while he constantly tries to tear them down) that was his last post before he got banned for his horrible behavior.

I only got to play against Keith once and it was on a very tough snooker table at Players Billiards in L.A. It was a 3 way game with Ferrell being the other player.
I was up big and Keith was about even and Ferrell was down big when Keith caught a gear. He made shots on that table that I never saw anyone else make. It was a real eye opener. Keith ended up the big winner and I was lucky to get out around even because Ferrell went bust.

Wayne

 

[JAM]

Nice post Jam. It is a very tough profession and it is a pity that some have the need to try to demean the pros.

I don't know if you were aware that you posted right after Lou Figueroa took his usual cheap shot.

Interestingly enough the last time you posted in response to him on one pocket org (when he tried to align himself to you and you pointed out the major difference being your respect for the pros while he constantly tries to tear them down) that was his last post before he got banned for his horrible behavior.

I only got to play against Keith once and it was on a very tough snooker table at Players Billiards in L.A. It was a 3 way game with Ferrell being the other player.
I was up big and Keith was about even and Ferrell was down big when Keith caught a gear. He made shots on that table that I never saw anyone else make. It was a real eye opener. Keith ended up the big winner and I was lucky to get out around even because Ferrell went bust.

Wayne

I am aware of that table in L.A. Keith speaks about it all the time in his pool tales. Is Ferrell the same guy as Sparky?

I just don't understand the reasoning for why some like to beat up the pros, never have. I remember one time we went to an Orioles game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. They were playing the New York Yankees. Orioles and Yankees had a longstanding feud against each other when playing, and sometimes Camden Yards would fill up with more Yankee fans than Orioles fans.

Well, this player named Darryl Strawberry got up to bat, and at that time, he was involved in some hanky panky. I can't even remember what it was. I had good seats, right above the Orioles dugout, and I was yelling out "BOO! BOO! BOO! BOO!," like nonstop. My friend looked at me and said, "How would you like to be him and hear that?" I stopped booing and realized, hey, Strawberry is just another member of my higher power's human family.

Pool pros are also members of that human family. Yes, they sure do make mistakes, and so have I in my life. We all have skeletons. Pool pros don't have the income that most of us who work 9 to 5 do, yet they keep following their passion. Some hit it big, but the majority scrape by. Yes, I know nobody asked them to play pool for a living, and this is where a lot of resentment comes in from mainstream pool peeps. What's ironic, though, is in my experience at least, those who shout the loudest in a negative manner against the pros as the very ones who are standing in line asking for autographs and taking selfies with them.