Freddie "The Beard" Bentivegna A true legend

San Jose Dick McMorran, you tormented Fred so much, he truly hated you. Your condolences are self serving and phoney.

Dick and Fred are from a totally different era then what we live today.

I would bet every dollar I have, deep down inside Dick has tons of respect for FRED and his game and life.

Even know they went at it here, more then a few times, I Believe that Dick and FRED had lots of respect for each other.

Remember this my friend, just cause two people argue and cuss at each other or fight, does not mean they can not be friends .

I been in 2 bar fights in my life, and both times I wanted to destroy the other guy, but when it was all over, both times I become very good friends with both of those guys!

So I would say that either FRED or Dick hated each other.

Differences in talk, does not = hate !
 
Mr. Beard taught me more about playing pool then anyone else.
And he didn't even know it.
Bank on Brother in that great pool hall in the sky.
 
TY Angel

Just so you know, I gave the red rep.

And for the record, Freddy did not hate SJD. He liked to argue with him, give him shit, and call him names once in a blue moon, but I know for a fact Freddy respected SJD even though they saw things differently, because he told me. He made amends with SJD, no reason to bring up this bull shit now.

Angel thanks for clearing the air.Freddy was a good guy and so is SJD. Both True Legends in the Pool World.
 
Freddie has been my closest friend in the pool world for over 55 years, and there will never be, nor has there ever been any one more dedicated in preserving the history of the players that played our great game than The Beard. He has spent 57 of his 73 years of his existence playing and writing about pool, and the players that played the game. He has been the most loved and popular person from my era, and he will be SORELY missed. I can't begin to explain how unsettling this news is to me and the people that truly knew the man, and what a great person he was.

Please try and support what Freddie loved and was all about, and that was about teaching pool, especially bank pool. His website is still available for any one that would be interested in learning about our game and the history of it, none better.

"BANK ON BROTHER"

www.bankingwiththebeard.com

Bill Incardona

Well said Billy! Freddie was one of the most incredible and memorable guys I ever met in the pool world. We go back to another era, haunting the poolrooms and bars of L.A. when we were both kids who "knew-it-all", or so we thought. I never failed to enjoy my time with Freddie, win or lose. He had a talent for making friends wherever he went. Freddie would laugh in your face while he was telling unsavory stories about you, and because he was so damn honest you couldn't help but like him. He had the ability to walk into a den of sharks and turn them into a roomful of guppies in a matter of minutes.

Thank God for Freddie The Beard! He made our world a little better place to be.
 
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I sure wanted to get you one of those New Haven Modern Apizza pies, Mr. Beard.

You were a remarkable man on so many levels.

An extraordinary observer, a preserver, a storyteller, and historian.

And a mighty fine pool player. :thumbup:

Heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.

RIP Freddie.

best,
brian kc
 
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People like Freddie and Cole and Ronnie and Danny Medina will never die in my mind. They left such an indelible impression that they will always be alive to me. When I think of people like this I can only remember their vibrant personalities and unique style. We've had some great characters in the pool world and I feel fortunate to have known so many of them. Bank On Brother!

P.S. You ALWAYS called me Jaybird, I loved that! Thanks buddy
 
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While I never met Freddie in person, we shared emails and messages over the years. He leaves a great legacy. Thanks for all you've done for the game mate. Great videos, great tales from an era that gives pool lovers tingles.

Rest peacefully Freddie, you'll be missed but not forgotten.
 
OMG ... what a shock. I haven't been here for most of the week and thought Freddy was at home and doing better. Terrible news. RIP Freddy and keep on banking!
 
we are happy Freddy Bentivegna left a great legacy in the form of his books and DVDs. His latest Encyclopedia of Hustlers is a wonderful collection of people and stories that will be kept alive now.

Makes me a little sad thinking that publishing the Encyclopedia must have been the last thing that really helped him stay with us longer. Like as soon as the fundamental work of his life was finished he felt he could leave :frown:
 
Wuh??

Angel thanks for clearing the air.Freddy was a good guy and so is SJD. Both True Legends in the Pool World.

_________________________________________

I didn't have a hand in this debate gentlmen-
can't take credit for something I didn't do...

-CP
 
RIP Freddy, I never met you but your held in high regards in our community. Condolences to his family and friends.
 
we are happy Freddy Bentivegna left a great legacy in the form of his books and DVDs. His latest Encyclopedia of Hustlers is a wonderful collection of people and stories that will be kept alive now.

Makes me a little sad thinking that publishing the Encyclopedia must have been the last thing that really helped him stay with us longer. Like as soon as the fundamental work of his life was finished he felt he could leave :frown:


My thoughts exactly.

Ken
 
Goodbye Freddie. Thank you for the pure entertainment you provided in books, videos and on the web. You lived a life many have dreamed about but couldn't bring themselves to do.

I will read your books fondly over and over and your last words to me at DCC will be treasured forever.

Your fan always,

John Barton
 
Goodbye Freddie. Thank you for the pure entertainment you provided in books, videos and on the web. You lived a life many have dreamed about but couldn't bring themselves to do.

I will read your books fondly over and over and your last words to me at DCC will be treasured forever.

Your fan always,

John Barton

Welcome back!


Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk
 
I thoroughly enjoyed The Encyclopedia of Pool Hustler's that he wrote!!!
He really brought those times alive for me. I wish I had got to meet him.
A legend indeed!!

**I learned more than I ever knew about One Pocket too. Going to give it a try for Freddy B! ..and of course banks. Gotta search out that Truman Hogue vs. Shannon Daulton bank match he wrote about. ( The one that ticked him off 'cause he was shooting great at another table but the crowd was all cheering Truman.) lol >> page 350
 
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