GENE. NAGY
Straight Pool
New York City Legendary player
430 balls run and has run 200 balls over
20 times in his life
Inducted to the Straight Pool Hall of Fame
On August 21. 2013
Nagy passed away in 2006
I was lucky enough to see Gene, no more than an acquaintance of mine, play in his prime in Queens, NY, where I lived for ten years in my youth. Gene retired from competition in the mid-1970's, but played extremely well long after that. I actually went about twenty consecutive years without seeing him even once, from about 1980-2000, but met him again a few times when WPBA pro Fran Crimi and instructor extraodinaire brought him to Corner Billiards in Manhattan between 2000-2003.
I was lucky enough to see Gene, no more than an acquaintance of mine, play in his prime in Queens, NY, where I lived for ten years in my youth. Gene retired from competition in the mid-1970's, but played extremely well long after that. I actually went about twenty consecutive years without seeing him even once, from about 1980-2000, but met him again a few times when WPBA pro Fran Crimi and instructor extraodinaire brought him to Corner Billiards in Manhattan between 2000-2003.
Where did he play in Queens ? Golden Q ?
He did play at the Golden Q from time to time but I believe his main room was La Cue in Maspeth, Queens.
GENE. NAGY
Straight Pool
New York City Legendary player
430 balls run and has run 200 balls over
20 times in his life,
Inducted to the Straight Pool Hall of Fame
On August 21. 2013
Nagy passed away in 2006
Gene wouldn't have wanted this, especially from someone like Charlie Williams who has yet to learn the meaning of the word 'respect.'
Obviously, Fran, you knew Gene very well and I only knew him a little, but I have a feeling you are wrong. Charlie Williams has and will always have his dissenters, but he is the only promoter in recent years that did anything to ensure that a 14.1 event with a wide and internationally diverse field returned to the American pool scene. The Dragon event has helped greatly to revive interest in 14.1 in America, and 14.1 challenge events have since popped up at Derby City, Super Billiards Expo, and the BCAPL Nationals. I'm guessing that Gene would have approved of this renaissance for 14.1.
It should also be noted that both the nomination process and the voting process for the 14.1 hall of fame is in the hands of the fans alone. It was the fans, and not Charlie Williams, that chose to bestow this honor upon Gene.
Sincerely, Stu Mattana
GENE. NAGY
Straight Pool
New York City Legendary player
430 balls run and has run 200 balls over
20 times in his life,
Inducted to the Straight Pool Hall of Fame
On August 21. 2013
Nagy passed away in 2006
Saw a picture of him in McGoorty's book during study hall when I was young, I remember the look on his face - he had his cue in hand, he looked like he was happy and having fun. Would have liked to meet him as I noticed something in that picture that let me know he was indeed a champion. Again I would have liked to meet him and I cannot believe all the great champions who have recently passed.
Obviously, Fran, you knew Gene very well and I only knew him a little, but I have a feeling you are wrong. Charlie Williams has and will always have his dissenters, but he is the only promoter in recent years that did anything to ensure that a 14.1 event with a wide and internationally diverse field returned to the American pool scene. The Dragon event has helped greatly to revive interest in 14.1 in America, and 14.1 challenge events have since popped up at Derby City, Super Billiards Expo, and the BCAPL Nationals. I'm guessing that Gene would have approved of this renaissance for 14.1.
It should also be noted that both the nomination process and the voting process for the 14.1 hall of fame is in the hands of the fans alone. It was the fans, and not Charlie Williams, that chose to bestow this honor upon Gene.
Sincerely, Stu Mattana
Very good post.
The ONE thing I respect about CW is exactly what you said.....he's done so much for getting 14.1 off of life support. My early memories of pool were following Lassiter, Balsis, Crane, Martin, Mizerak, Hopkins, Varner, Lisciotti and Sigel in their 14.1 matches. To this day, I love 14.1 and always will.
I'm very grateful to see 14.1 being played as much as it is today. CW does deserve credit for that.
Danny Barouty deserves the credit for all the 14.1 that's being played today in the Northeast U.S.
Because of his 14.1 leagues that have run non-stop over the years, many players are playing on a regular basis, not because of one event every year. Danny is the person who is selfless and most loyal to the game of 14.1.
Danny Barouty deserves the credit for all the 14.1 that's being played today in the Northeast U.S.
Because of his 14.1 leagues that have run non-stop over the years, many players are playing on a regular basis, not because of one event every year. Danny is the person who is selfless and most loyal to the game of 14.1.
Gene must have been well over 80. I played with him at 711 club NY on that slow small table & tiny pockets in the rear.