Ewa Over Earl???

  • Thread starter Thread starter King Cueball
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All I have to say is that Earl will make it, there is no question about that. As far as saying Ewa doesn't deserve it, that's a crock. Everyone else has stated what she has done for women's pool, let's leave it at that. Her influence is huge. And again, she was (and still is in my opinion) and incredible player. She was winning tournaments and making her mark PRIOR to the WPBA being on television, so most of you haven't seen her play a lot. She is a role model, not only for the professional women now, but for those of us trying to make our way there. That counts for something.

Like I said, Earl will get his day, there is no question there, and if he doesn't, well then, the inductors are on crack. And I do agree that maybe his "outbursts" have a little something to do with them putting it off.

Sonja
 
Is the hall for "players" or "promoters"? or a combination? I have played and followed men's pool for years, I don't follow women's pool at all, I frankly could care less, I have never even heard of her. She may be the nicest person and a great advocate of women's pool, but what exactly is the nomination for? She was on some TV shows? How many US Open's does Earl have?
 
I think the hall of fame should be for the players. Not the promoters or businessmen. I have alot of respect for Ewa and what she has done for pool but It's my opinion that out of the three nominated, she wasn't the best player.
 
Well, I feel that Earl will be inducted eventually; there is no doubt about that. I think he may be a "shoe-in" if his sportsmanship were better. I admit it has gotten much better but I remember days at the Akron Open when he would scream at someone in the audience because he clapped for Earl's opponent or because he moved the wrong way or whatever. I even remember one match when Earl threw himself out and came back the next day in the one-loss side...and still won the tournament!

I cannot argue his playing ability. It is magnificent.

I think Allen should have gotten the vote though. Ewa is wonderful but I feel she should be inducted in a few years. Allen has been around for a LONG time and he's a great guy for the sport.

Just my thoughts.

Travis
 
I don't have anything against Ewa. I certainly wouldn't argue whether she has had a lot to do with how good the Women's tour is doing. All that aside, there are other women players that have done better than her let alone Earl. I know Earl will get in but gee whiz!! Maybe they should have one slot for just for the women?
 
the criteria

If looks were the criteria then they should drop about 90% of the people in the Hall of Fame. If doing a lot for pool and the pool players is a criteria as well as winning championships in all pool games then Grady Mathews should be at the top of the list. As irritating and offensive as he can be he has always put his game on the line. Played anybody, any game for anything. He has promoted tournaments where pool players can make money set up games for pool players that needed money and gave a lot of money to broke players. Written books, made videotapes, taught personally to all levels of players. We owe him a lot. A mention in the Hall of Fame would be the least the industry could do for him. But he will never see it particularly in the present administration. Because he tells it like it is.
 
my opinion

Yobaqua, i agree with your post concerning Grady, you should have seen him at derby city working the crowd for sponsorship money for second ring game. he is a worker for pool. earl and allen both deserve to be admitted. and George Balabushka just admitted into BCA hall of fame - that is a JOKE - the BCA is a JOKE and a embarrassment to this great game and its followers.
 
second thoughts and opinions

i believe EWA belongs somewhere in a hall of fame, she certainly does not deserve to be mentioned on the same stage or breath with GEORGE BALABUSHKA -- the BCA should be ashamed for there actions. next time probably Jennifer and GUS ZAMB-----.
 
What I really don't understand is why, no offense intended here, a cue maker is inducted into the hall of fame over players? For instance, in baseball, did they induct the person that invented the Louisville Slugger? Seems to me, a hall of fame should be primarily for players. I guess I'm a little confused as to the criteria for being inducted into this hall of fame.
 
I agree Rick. I feel that the Hall of Fame is for the players. People like Allen, Earl, or Grady aren't in it; but cuemakers and billiards trade people are. That doesn't make sense to me.

Like I stated earlier i think it's just office politics. The BCA is made up of people who are trying to purify pool. It seems like they have some long standing grudge against gamblers. Ewa, no disrespect to her talent isn't a gambler. Where as Earl, Grady, and Allen were/are.
 
Joseph Cues said:
Ewa has done a ton for women's pool.
Without her, there may not be women on tv.
They might still be relegated as side show for the men like they used to be.
She's also a world champion and has appeared on numerous tv shows.
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Where are the stats? Who voted for who? Was the process hidden behind closed doors? If so, Earl would never stand a chance...just as he doesn't stand a chance for fair treatment from the so-called "UPA" clique.

I think we should compare stats and other achievements and have a poll right here on the azbilliards site. In fact, the sport deserves a "People's Choice Hall Of Fame" where the shady "powers that be" can't push their personal agendas.

PoolMouse
 
poolmouse said:
Where are the stats? Who voted for who? Was the process hidden behind closed doors? If so, Earl would never stand a chance...just as he doesn't stand a chance for fair treatment from the so-called "UPA" clique.
PoolMouse
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Hi Poolmouse,

Earl's behavior is the reason he was probably passed over. Every time I hear that UPA's at fault, I cringe. When are people going to hold Earl to a code of acceptable conduct. Pretty Boy Floyd was a world champ. So was Larry Liscotti. I don't hear of any movement to get them into the hall. It is so typically American to blame the messenger. My guess is that no matter what Keith and Grady do, neither of them will reach the hall soon for the same reasons.

Last week, Jimmy M. put on a show at the DCC. Lots of people there quietly complained at the distraction he caused players playing nearby. Why should we simply forget / forgive Earl when he does the same thing or worse!
 
cardiac kid said:
Hi Poolmouse,

Earl's behavior is the reason he was probably passed over. Every time I hear that UPA's at fault, I cringe. When are people going to hold Earl to a code of acceptable conduct. Pretty Boy Floyd was a world champ. So was Larry Liscotti. I don't hear of any movement to get them into the hall. It is so typically American to blame the messenger. My guess is that no matter what Keith and Grady do, neither of them will reach the hall soon for the same reasons.

Last week, Jimmy M. put on a show at the DCC. Lots of people there quietly complained at the distraction he caused players playing nearby. Why should we simply forget / forgive Earl when he does the same thing or worse!
Click to expand...


Hey, Cardiac Kid:

Every time I read your posts, I cringe. Why not leave Pretty Boy Floyd and Larry Liscotti out of this (and Kieth and Grady too for that matter)? Why should we simply forget/forgive Cardiac Kid when he posts crap? You seem to be on a mission, but for what purpose remains a mystery.

- Billiards Beast
 
BilliardsBeast said:
Hey, Cardiac Kid:

Every time I read your posts, I cringe. Why not leave Pretty Boy Floyd and Larry Liscotti out of this (and Kieth and Grady too for that matter)? Why should we simply forget/forgive Cardiac Kid when he posts crap? You seem to be on a mission, but for what purpose remains a mystery.

- Billiards Beast
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Wow Billiards Beast (aptly named),

I thought we were discussing Ewa's election to the HOF and the billiards HOF nomination process. Your opinions obviously are more important (and more correct) than mine. I am so sorry to post drivel! Now if I could only remember my original mission. Damn senior moments!
 
Come on guys. Just put up a picture of Ewa next to one of Earl. Now tell me which one you would have voted for.

I understand that there are two categories to get into the BCA HOF. One is for doing something great for pool and the other is playing exceptionally at the game.

I think they created a 3rd category for Ewa and combined the above two.

Right now Ewa certainly is riding high in the public's eye with her commentary on ESPN, has written a pretty in depth book, and has rescued the WPBA and placed it back in prominence again. And she does have the high run in the money with 68 in '92. 2nd in '92 in 14.1 championships. Nat'l Champion in '91 and 2nd in '90 & '92. Without a doubt she is one of the top people in the world of pool.

But if one was to look at Earl Strickland's record he is so far above the rest of the competition with his accomplishments in the game that his being denied the HOF for the 2nd year in a row in this category, only confirms my opinion that the BCA HOF is nothing more than a popularity contest run by the "good old boys".

Poor Earl does not help himself when he gets the opportunity to be in the public's eye as he received from Barry Hearn and Matchroom sports during the Mosconi Cup. He was a total embarrassment on TV.

He needs to find himself a good agent and PR man who can train him in how to speak and how to deal with the public. I really am surprised that Cuetec does not send Earl off to polishing school. At least join Toastmasters and learn how to speak before the public. It should be evident, even to Earl's thick skull, that his way of publicizing himself just is not working. There is a time to be humble.

With his talent he should be rolling in dough.

Earl should watch the interview with Jeremy Jones or Mika Immonen during the Mosconi Cup. They both know how to work in front of the microphone and present a good image of themselves to the public. jeremy really presents a good, positive image of himself. And Earl should keep in mind that what works in the world of wrestling does not work in the world of pool.

Jake
 
Jake,

I heartily agree with your post. However, I don't think Earl is attempting to publicize himself at all. I really think that's just the way Earl is when it comes to pool. I've heard others say that he can be very nice when he's not competing and that may well be true. Maybe his competetive nature prevents his good side to surface. If that is the case, he's going to have a hard time smoothing out those jagged edges.
 
When I met Earl in Las Vegas for the first time. One on one he seemed to be a very charming person. Real nice and passionate about the game. He was willing to explain his thoughts about the break and how to run out from there in 9 ball. This was in total opposite how he played the game. In my opinion Earl is like many of the great artists the world has known. Like a Picasso, a Charlie Parker, a Barrymore, an extraordinary individual who takes no responsibility other than his game and expect you to evaluate him solely on his ability to play it. You must admit that he plays a beautiful game of nine ball. Some of the best we have seen. But his passion for the game exceeds any thought to social responsibility. Like a great actor like a Duval or a Brando he doesnt give a damn what people are thinking or how he effects anyone. It is just to fulfill his role. In his case to run out and win. I respect him for that. And in the case of Ewa vs Earl it is like comparing Apples to Oranges. But if the Hall of Fame is a true one EARL CANNOT BE EXCLUDED!
I also feel Earl might be suffering from a neurological problem. Having seen Tourettes syndrome up close I feel Earls urge to offend might be related to this disease. You know the one where the victim always has to swear. You cannot stop it. It is urge to offend not only by language but by deeds. No known cure has been found yet or why the disease exists in some. But surely his symptoms are not a result of him being an evil person alone but something deeper than that.
 
From what I've heard Earl is a very nice guy when he's away from the table. I don't think anyone thinks he's evil.

I would like to know why the BCA people voted for Ewa instead of Allen or Earl. I can speculate but that's all.
 
Two different categories

Rickw said:
What I really don't understand is why, no offense intended here, a cue maker is inducted into the hall of fame over players? For instance, in baseball, did they induct the person that invented the Louisville Slugger? Seems to me, a hall of fame should be primarily for players. I guess I'm a little confused as to the criteria for being inducted into this hall of fame.
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Rick, the induction had two different categories: Greatest Player Category and Meritorious Service Category.

Check here for the press release:

http://www.azbilliards.com/2000pressrelease.cfm?id=245

Billiards: A passionate sport for the mind and soul!
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