> I sure do,and miss him. I don't know exactly what lead to his death,but it sucks.
Herb used to run a series of pro-tour qualifiers in Memphis,particularly at Bartlett Billiards. These tournaments got you either a spot in a PBTA tournament,the U.S. Open,or in one case,your tour card for a year. Depending on how high the entry fee was and the turnout,you got your entry fee paid,along with possible airfare,500 cash for the trip.etc.
These were among the very best-run tournaments I've ever played in. There was no bullshit with match times,no drama with other players,and a great atmosphere. I played in just about all of them.
Herb had virtually NO talent as a player however. His game was built on a bulldog spirit and a work ethic that got him a spot playing football at Alabama under Bear Bryant. He eventually got to shortstop speed,capable of running 2-3,even 4 racks on occasion,solely on repetition and drive.
He was always quick to encourage,laughed a lot,and even had an odd quirk with his playing cues. He played and broke with 2 identical plain birdseye McDaniels,with the only difference being his break cue was 1 oz lighter,and they both had different ferrule materials. He was one of the good guys,at least when I saw him. Tommy D.
