Earl's Place in Pool History

[vagabond]

Kano, welcome to AZB; looks like you're off to a good start. I just read this interview with Earl today and found it very enlightening: http://www.azbilliards.com/interviews/earl1.html
Earl's shortcomings have been vigorously debated in recent threads here at AZB and probably don't need to be rehashed, so I'll just repeat my congratulations to Earl for a well-deserved honor.

Thanks for posting the link.I glanced thru it.How many people on the earth will admitt their short comings in the manner Earl admitted? In part 3 of the interview he described himself as himself a crazy guy,bad guy,having bad temper etc.

 

[uwate]

When asked, what was the most pivotal moment at the beginning of his career Strickland said quickly the match with Mizerak in 1983. "No one thought I would win the match," he added. That was the moment he left the world of obscurity to become a known name overnight within the pool community nationwide.

Anyone know the details on this?

When I was first getting into pool in the 1980s, I remember seeing this TV match of Earl at some Lake Tahoe tournament (I think it was there). I remember Earl gets hooked and he jacked up with the full cue and jumped over a ball, cut the ball in the side and ran out. I was stunned at how easy he made it look. Like it was a hanger.

 

[Deadon]

Please read this months issue of billiards digest. there is an article in there called Earl..on Earl........I have said for the last few years defending Earl after i had the chance to actually sit and talk with Earl personally for over an hour that Earl is the most misunderstood Player out there. I don't think anyone has any idea how passionate Earl is And was about this game. Yes he goes off at times. Yes he quit on Corey for breaking so soft. He addresses all of his faults in this article. They also address the problems he had and his state of mind when Earl and his wife split up.(she got his new house on the golf course. how would that make anybody feel and what state of mind would you be in?) Please read this article and see if you agree with his passion for pool and try to understand him more. He is not a bad person. He just wears his heart on his shirt sleeve and speaks his mind. After all he has been thru i will gladly give this CHAMPION the benefit of doubt and support him. CONGRATULATIONS to Earl on his induction into the Hall of Fame...........................................mike

It isn't what people say in articles or how they respond to questions that is a good indicator of character. It is how they conduct their life. And he is terrible at doing it. He is not nice to spectators or players, and he pays the price. A great example was at DCC this year. He gave one player such a bad time in a match, that the players friends followed Earl around to every match just to return the favor. I'm sorry, Earl is one of the best players of all time, but he is a horrible ambassador for pool, and not what will attract people to the IPT, and other great events that we need for the sport. I just cannot get on the bandwagon for Earl. Till he grows up.

Mike

 

[Gerry]

If I don't look at it like a personality contest, just purely from a 9ball point of view.....Earl is in the top 3 of all time!, and he is the most pure shot maker EVER!

Personality wise....I"m not judging.....I've put my foot in my mouth once or twice

BTW...I'm a Gemini, and wifey is a Leo....been just fine for 14 years so far

Gerry

 

[wahcheck]

Caesar's Tahoe tournament

When asked, what was the most pivotal moment at the beginning of his career Strickland said quickly the match with Mizerak in 1983. "No one thought I would win the match," he added. That was the moment he left the world of obscurity to become a known name overnight within the pool community nationwide.

Anyone know the details on this?

When I was first getting into pool in the 1980s, I remember seeing this TV match of Earl at some Lake Tahoe tournament (I think it was there). I remember Earl gets hooked and he jacked up with the full cue and jumped over a ball, cut the ball in the side and ran out. I was stunned at how easy he made it look. Like it was a hanger.

I think it was at the Caesar's Tahoe Tournament....It was the either the first or second time I saw Earl play....It was also the first time I saw anybody jump a ball and make the shot in pool.....He beat Steve Mizerak in the finals for a 1st prize of $25,000 plus a new car I think Caesar's threw in...(It was also the 1st time I had ever heard of the car company (ISUZU) which was the car he won....From that time 'til now, I always wanted to watch Earl shoot pool....He has a real natural and professional stroke which many pros don't have.....athletic is the way I would describe it.....However, like so many other fans, as much as I admire his talent, I don't like his behavior when he shows his dark side.......

 

[Rick S.]

Congrats Earl!

Your right, he is a Gemini. Born on June 8th, 1961. He has won over
40 titles, and placed in many more.

I know about Gemini's, one of my ex-wives is one .... lol The one I married twice!!!

Make that over 100 titles....and still counting! It's a long way from over.

Way, way overdue!

The BEST runout 9 ball player that ever lived, maybe best overall too?

Rick S.