Going out on a limb

jay helfert

jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
I never talk much about it because to me it's somewhat irrelevant. U.J. Puckett once said, "How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?" Sounds simple but is actually very profound. Puckett was a old wise man. So here I am after 67 years wondering what it will be like to get old. I still feel pretty damn good and ready to roll. A few of my bodily functions are not working quite up to snuff, but nothing really to complain about. I know I need more exercise and a better diet, but so far so good. I'm about 10-15 pounds over my ideal weight, not too fat as yet.

I have been a pool player for nearly 50 years now, with occasional breaks of anywhere from a few months to a few years (1976-79 the longest). I've decided that since I'm already back in pretty decent stroke I want to give pool one last honest effort to see how good I can play at my age. My goal is to try to get better every year from now on, not worse. I think that's a lofty goal for someone my age with a lukewarm motivation to play for several years now.

The way this will look for me is to play in whatever tournaments I can (I do have a pretty busy schedule these days, so I will be a part time tourney player at best) and get in action when possible (probably mostly for modest stakes compared to the high rollers on here - just call me Nit please). Right now I haven't done much on either end of this, failing to cash in the only tourneys I played in (two) and losing twice in money games ($80 and $40 :embarrassed2:). Even though my stroke feels okay, I find myself tightening up when forced to bear down. I want to see if I can overcome this and have some better results. That will be the yardstick I will gauge my progress by. Now let's go and hit some balls. :smile:
 
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Good luck Jay. This seems like a worth while target. I also have been gearing up for something I just don't know what. My game is good and I need to learn to gamble at least small time. I would like to head down south and hang with Hu, Joey A and a few others soon.

It will be cool to here some stories from you in the near future.
 
Jay-that sounds like a plan, and good advice for many of us. If you have a cure for the- 'can't see the edges anymore issue, I'm all ears.

Motivation is crucial.

Have a good journey.
 
Jay if your going to be at Mountain View for the CBC one pocket and 10 ball at the end of April I would like to play you some cheap sociable $20 a game one pocket or races to 3 or 4 for a $100. I know its not much motivation but as anyone knows I am just an egg waiting to get cracked and cooked. :smile:
 
Good luck Jay

Jay, we are the same age andhave lived a very similar life and I have to tell you my game has really gone down the last two years and it's cost me a bundle. I'm playing 9-7 worst than I ever played and worked hard to get back and have not had much success, but we both know it can be done and I sincerely hope you can accomplish your goals. Good luck, :D:smile::D
 
Good luck, Jay, have fun. I'm 64 and have never played better in my life, and am still on the upward curve and don't see an end in sight, if I live long enough, lol. I have nothing but admiration and envy for an A level banker at your age ready to get it on with anybody. Like I said, have fun, life's too short!
:p
 
Good lucj Jay. I know you will be succesful in your quest!

jay helfert said:
I never talk much about it because to me it's somewhat irrelevant. U.J. Puckett once said, "How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?" Sounds simple but is actually very profound. Puckett was a old wise man. So here I am after 67 years wondering what it will be like to get old. I still feel pretty damn good and ready to roll. A few of my bodily functions are not working quite up to snuff, but nothing really to complain about. I know I need more exercise and a better diet, but so far so good. I'm about 10-15 pounds over my ideal weight, not too fat as yet.

I have been a pool player for nearly 50 years now, with occasional breaks of anywhere from a few months to a few years (1976-79 the longest). I've decided that since I'm already back in pretty decent stroke I want to give pool one last honest effort to see how good I can play at my age. My goal is to try to get better every year from now on, not worse. I think that's a lofty goal for someone my age with a lukewarm motivation to play for several years now.

The way this will look for me is to play in whatever tournaments I can (I do have a pretty busy schedule these days, so I will be a part time tourney player at best) and get in action when possible (probably mostly for modest stakes compared to the high rollers on here - just call me Nit please). Right now I haven't done much on either end of this, failing to cash in the only tourneys I played in (two) and losing twice in money games ($80 and $40 :embarrassed2:). Even though my stroke feels okay, I find myself tightening up when forced to bear down. I want to see if I can overcome this and have some better results. That will be the yardstick I will gauge my progress by. Now let's go and hit some balls. :smile:[/QUOTE

Jay you are a very well known pool player, writer, and all around know more about pool than most people. You are a great guy in and for the pool world! I appreciate your post and threads always!
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
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3RAILKICK said:
Jay-that sounds like a plan, and good advice for many of us. If you have a cure for the- 'can't see the edges anymore issue, I'm all ears.

Motivation is crucial.

Have a good journey.
Click to expand...

I can't see 'em anymore either, but if I know where the ball is in relation to the pocket and the rail, I do know where I have to aim to make it. It's not a fool proof system (yes I'm a fool), but it works for me most of the time. Thnx

I hit balls just now for about an hour, so that's two hours for the day (one hour this morning also). About average for me right now, but much better than no hours of play! I was gone most of the day running all over L.A. visiting property and dealing with the horrendous L.A. freeways! UGH!!!
 
Fast Lenny said:
Jay if your going to be at Mountain View for the CBC one pocket and 10 ball at the end of April I would like to play you some cheap sociable $20 a game one pocket or races to 3 or 4 for a $100. I know its not much motivation but as anyone knows I am just an egg waiting to get cracked and cooked. :smile:
Click to expand...


Lenny right now I plan to play in one or both of these events. But if I have any free time (which I should) we can play. $2 is all the motivation I need! In fact even playing for the time I want to win. I don't know how to stall. It's bad for you anyway.
 
Awesome

jay helfert said:
I never talk much about it because to me it's somewhat irrelevant. U.J. Puckett once said, "How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?" Sounds simple but is actually very profound. Puckett was a old wise man. So here I am after 67 years wondering what it will be like to get old. I still feel pretty damn good and ready to roll. A few of my bodily functions are not working quite up to snuff, but nothing really to complain about. I know I need more exercise and a better diet, but so far so good. I'm about 10-15 pounds over my ideal weight, not too fat as yet.

I have been a pool player for nearly 50 years now, with occasional breaks of anywhere from a few months to a few years (1976-79 the longest). I've decided that since I'm already back in pretty decent stroke I want to give pool one last honest effort to see how good I can play at my age. My goal is to try to get better every year from now on, not worse. I think that's a lofty goal for someone my age with a lukewarm motivation to play for several years now.

The way this will look for me is to play in whatever tournaments I can (I do have a pretty busy schedule these days, so I will be a part time tourney player at best) and get in action when possible (probably mostly for modest stakes compared to the high rollers on here - just call me Nit please). Right now I haven't done much on either end of this, failing to cash in the only tourneys I played in (two) and losing twice in money games ($80 and $40 :embarrassed2:). Even though my stroke feels okay, I find myself tightening up when forced to bear down. I want to see if I can overcome this and have some better results. That will be the yardstick I will gauge my progress by. Now let's go and hit some balls. :smile:
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I love this Jay!!

Fact is you are either getting better or getting worse. There is nothing else. I believe we can improve till the day we die. Like anything else, you must commit to it.

I look forward to seeing you out on the tournament trail somewhere!

Now give Gene Albrecht (Albright) a call and talk about those edges. :D

Ray
 
jay helfert said:
I never talk much about it because to me it's somewhat irrelevant. U.J. Puckett once said, "How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?" Sounds simple but is actually very profound. Puckett was a old wise man. So here I am after 67 years wondering what it will be like to get old. I still feel pretty damn good and ready to roll. A few of my bodily functions are not working quite up to snuff, but nothing really to complain about. I know I need more exercise and a better diet, but so far so good. I'm about 10-15 pounds over my ideal weight, not too fat as yet.

I have been a pool player for nearly 50 years now, with occasional breaks of anywhere from a few months to a few years (1976-79 the longest). I've decided that since I'm already back in pretty decent stroke I want to give pool one last honest effort to see how good I can play at my age. My goal is to try to get better every year from now on, not worse. I think that's a lofty goal for someone my age with a lukewarm motivation to play for several years now.

The way this will look for me is to play in whatever tournaments I can (I do have a pretty busy schedule these days, so I will be a part time tourney player at best) and get in action when possible (probably mostly for modest stakes compared to the high rollers on here - just call me Nit please). Right now I haven't done much on either end of this, failing to cash in the only tourneys I played in (two) and losing twice in money games ($80 and $40 :embarrassed2:). Even though my stroke feels okay, I find myself tightening up when forced to bear down. I want to see if I can overcome this and have some better results. That will be the yardstick I will gauge my progress by. Now let's go and hit some balls. :smile:
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Jay,

Your hi-lighted statement is where I'm at now...Once my strongest atribute, (nerves) became my enemy..My confidence was gone, it was no fun at all anymore.

I Played fairly competetive, (for an old geezer) up until 3-4 years ago, and a few personal issues arose, and the bottom just dropped out...I had to hang it up for good. I'm not as sensible as you are, so I tried to hi-roll my way, out of what I thought was just a slump...Bad move !!..:rolleyes:

I've got about 10 yrs. on you, so lets hope you can still enjoy a few more good runs...Wish you luck, Jay, but I'm sure you'll know when its time to, "Call the dogs, and tell 'em the hunt is over"..;) (but it sure was fun while it lasted !) :)

Dick
 
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Bob Vanover just turned 79 and still plays break & run 8 ball. He plays on our thursday night BCA league. Bob told me recently that he played his best pool between the ages of 55 - 70. This is for all you aging pool players....
 
jay helfert said:
I never talk much about it because to me it's somewhat irrelevant. U.J. Puckett once said, "How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?" Sounds simple but is actually very profound. Puckett was a old wise man. So here I am after 67 years wondering what it will be like to get old. I still feel pretty damn good and ready to roll. A few of my bodily functions are not working quite up to snuff, but nothing really to complain about. I know I need more exercise and a better diet, but so far so good. I'm about 10-15 pounds over my ideal weight, not too fat as yet.

I have been a pool player for nearly 50 years now, with occasional breaks of anywhere from a few months to a few years (1976-79 the longest). I've decided that since I'm already back in pretty decent stroke I want to give pool one last honest effort to see how good I can play at my age. My goal is to try to get better every year from now on, not worse. I think that's a lofty goal for someone my age with a lukewarm motivation to play for several years now.

The way this will look for me is to play in whatever tournaments I can (I do have a pretty busy schedule these days, so I will be a part time tourney player at best) and get in action when possible (probably mostly for modest stakes compared to the high rollers on here - just call me Nit please). Right now I haven't done much on either end of this, failing to cash in the only tourneys I played in (two) and losing twice in money games ($80 and $40 :embarrassed2:). Even though my stroke feels okay, I find myself tightening up when forced to bear down. I want to see if I can overcome this and have some better results. That will be the yardstick I will gauge my progress by. Now let's go and hit some balls. :smile:
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ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!

NO BS I didn't have you pegged for a day over 55. No way are you 67.

Holy crap.

Wow. You are my hero Jay. 67 and you have little girl as well.

Well, I didn't know your birthday and to me you are mid 50s. Rock on BROTHER, ROCK ON!!!!
 
jay helfert said:
I never talk much about it because to me it's somewhat irrelevant. U.J. Puckett once said, "How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?" Sounds simple but is actually very profound. Puckett was a old wise man. So here I am after 67 years wondering what it will be like to get old. I still feel pretty damn good and ready to roll. A few of my bodily functions are not working quite up to snuff, but nothing really to complain about. I know I need more exercise and a better diet, but so far so good. I'm about 10-15 pounds over my ideal weight, not too fat as yet.

I have been a pool player for nearly 50 years now, with occasional breaks of anywhere from a few months to a few years (1976-79 the longest). I've decided that since I'm already back in pretty decent stroke I want to give pool one last honest effort to see how good I can play at my age. My goal is to try to get better every year from now on, not worse. I think that's a lofty goal for someone my age with a lukewarm motivation to play for several years now.

The way this will look for me is to play in whatever tournaments I can (I do have a pretty busy schedule these days, so I will be a part time tourney player at best) and get in action when possible (probably mostly for modest stakes compared to the high rollers on here - just call me Nit please). Right now I haven't done much on either end of this, failing to cash in the only tourneys I played in (two) and losing twice in money games ($80 and $40 :embarrassed2:). Even though my stroke feels okay, I find myself tightening up when forced to bear down. I want to see if I can overcome this and have some better results. That will be the yardstick I will gauge my progress by. Now let's go and hit some balls. :smile:
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Jay, if I didn't know you better, I'd say you're trying to lay down the lemon with this thread of yours. :D

Kidding aside, the most important thing I can think of when it comes to playing pool is to enjoy it. If you don't enjoy what you're doing, then it's time to do something else. Life is too short. It sounds as if you are still enjoying pool to the fullest. Good for you! :smile:
 
I am in a ~35 year old body with a ~50 year old hairline and about a ~20 year old state of mind. I hope to never really get into my 30's from a mental standpoint.

The only age that matters is the one in your head.
 
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Great to hear you're going to take one more run at it Jay. I'm 70 and can still play an "A" game on a bar table. As far as holding up to pressure in the grease...I don't think I would fair too well. I have more money now than I just about ever did, so it's not the money. Maybe the money means more now to me....I don't know. Good luck with your adventure, i'm sure if you really want to you can play as good as ever in six months. I have a hunch you will harness the pressure part also. Johnnyt

PS:Just got back from the ER. Had a vein pop in my leg at 10 pm. Blood was shooting out over 2 foot from it. Paramedics thought it was an artery...as did I. My bedroom looks like a movie scene of the room after the slasher dropped by. These golden years suck.:frown:
 
jay helfert said:
Lenny right now I plan to play in one or both of these events. But if I have any free time (which I should) we can play. $2 is all the motivation I need! In fact even playing for the time I want to win. I don't know how to stall. It's bad for you anyway.
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I am just looking to play a little and would enjoy it if we have some free time one night. Looking forward to it and seeing how bank them. ;)
 
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