Going out on a limb

old

One of the great things about pool is you can play as long as you can hold a cue and bend over. There's a reason you don't see 60 somethings finishing in the money in these big tournaments. The best older player in my opinion was Bob Vanover. Best of luck Jay and if you are in Austin, look me up, Jim Kuykendall.
 
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:



Jay,

I've been playing more frequently in the Sunday Hard Times Tourneys. There is a group that plays almost every week and the usual ones (not 1st Sunday) are 30 pretty good players, races to 7 9 ball, double elimination, starts at 1 p.m. - some really nice people too. Tang has been there a lot, Dave Hemmah, Fach, Louie, Johnny Kang, and a lot of other players - but there are enough mid level players to get up the ladder too. It's the best thing to get in stroke. If you play well you'll be there till midnight. I've been cashing just about every week and it's making me more competitive. After a few weeks or a month of this (you might dog a little at first) likely you'll find a stroke you haven't seen in years. It's the best $20 you'll spend.

Aging is partly genetic. You certainly don't look your real age. In my opinion, you are closer to 50 than most 50 year olds are. You must have good genes.

Chris
 
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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....

Whoa!! That is very encouraging, thanks for posting it. I just turned 50, and needed a shot in my knee just to be able to play in reno. Was afraid my best pool was behind me, maybe it lies ahead.
 
jay...

Jay,

I've been playing more frequently in the Sunday Hard Times Tourneys. There is a group that plays almost every week and the usual ones (not 1st Sunday) are 30 pretty good players, races to 7 9 ball, double elimination, starts at 1 p.m. - some really nice people too. Tang has been there a lot, Dave Hemmah, Fach, Louie, Johnny Kang, and a lot of other players - but there are enough mid level players to get up the ladder too. It's the best thing to get in stroke. If you play well you'll be there till midnight. I've been cashing just about every week and it's making me more competitive. After a few weeks or a month of this (you might dog a little at first) likely you'll find a stroke you haven't seen in years. It's the best $20 you'll spend.

Aging is partly genetic. You certainly don't look your real age. In my opinion, you are closer to 50 than most 50 year olds are. You must have good genes.

Chris

don't listen to TATE...

he is just out for your cheeze [imo] cause you definitely look closer to 30 to me and i have seen you up close and personal!

by the way, how's the baby doing, pops? is she a year old yet?

hope all is well for you and your family,
smokey
 
I got a case of the "Me Toos"

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:

I can relate to that Jay. I am 54 and have not played in 9 years. I only played for short periods then and it was after a 4 year layoff. I have always had talent and skills. But I am aware that I squandered my abilities and now it seems to me to be my last opportunity to really apply myself and see where it takes me. My goals are just slightly more elvated than yours are but I am realistic.

I leave you with this quote (my own) " I may not become as good as I once could have been, but I can be better than I ever have been." B.B. In that respect I believe our goals are the same. :thumbup:
 
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?" Puckett was a old wise man.


I guess you would be at the age that you no longer cared, because one lives in the moment and not the past!



David Harcrow
 
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Glad you are getting back into it a little more Jay.... Have to say your excitement level when you were in the booth made my day at DCC... You were like a little kid in there... As long as that's still in you I think you should jump in feet first.....

As far as not seeing the edges anymore I can understand the focus on banks for now...

If you can see the center of the object ball and a half ball hit I'll show you a trick to get onto the edge without being able to see it very well when we are in Tunica...... It's not CTE but it is a fraction pivot... You may have seen it before but who knows might be worth a shot...

Be Safe and Take Care,
Chris
 
Glad you are getting back into it a little more Jay.... Have to say your excitement level when you were in the booth made my day at DCC... You were like a little kid in there... As long as that's still in you I think you should jump in feet first.....

As far as not seeing the edges anymore I can understand the focus on banks for now...

If you can see the center of the object ball and a half ball hit I'll show you a trick to get onto the edge without being able to see it very well when we are in Tunica...... It's not CTE but it is a fraction pivot... You may have seen it before but who knows might be worth a shot...

Be Safe and Take Care,
Chris

Thanks Chris, I'll see you there God willing. Really appreciate all the kind words on this thread. I think I will take Tate up on it, you can expect me at Hard Times next Sunday. I'm trying to practice an hour or two every day now. That seems to be all I can take in my present condition.

I have to tell you, we can learn new things at any age. I realize now why the top players are such physical fitness buffs. It isn't so much about the body (although that helps) as it is about the mind. The better condition you are in, the longer you can stay focused and maintain your concentration. I notice that my mind starts to wander after 45 minutes or an hour of play, and I begin to lose focus slightly on some shots. That usually equates to a miss or missed position.

I know now that if I want to play better I will have to get in better shape. Get serious about my diet and exercise. It has to help! I know that in my gut. Pool is a tough game and to play well you simply have to stay focused on ALL your shots, even the "easy" ones. When I remain focused on a shot, I NEVER hit it bad, always close at least, even on a very hard shot. A slight wavering of concentration and the shot is adversely affected.

The mind is a serious thing to waste! And my mind is nearly wasted away ;). Wonder how many brain cells I've lost lately? :smile:

P.S. I won't be able to make it to the SBE. I do plan to go to California Billiards in April.
 
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Inspiring

Jay,

Let me say again that it was a pleasure getting to meet you while I was in LA. And this post makes me very very happy. I know the football game was a little distracting but you can tell you still felt at home on the felt.

You certainly taught this young guy a few things. :) Good luck to you, go and take all those youngsters down a peg or two.

Carl
May you never feel a day over 30.
 
To me Jay, "Far to many of the players of our generation gave up playing, in major events or even smaller ones, as soon as they realized they probably couldn't win any more."

Of course a lot of them planned poorly and are fiscally unable to compete.

They need to start having more senior events. I'd love more chances to compete with the players of my generation.

__________________________________________

httP://tommcgonaglerightoncue.com
 
"Confessions of a Pool Hustler"

I'll take Jay for a partner and we'll play the old timers some bank partners !
 
Pool Wars 2?

I looked forward to your second book describing your adventures this time around!
 
the right sport for you, Jay

Great attitude, buddy, about improving your game in your later years, I can call them that, because that's where I am, as well. You are involved with the only sport that allows you to do just what you want. My brother, Jack, at 85, plays five or six hours a day at home and runs out, as Puckett woud say "Like pattin' for a dance." He runs so many racks of nine-ball that he now practices ten ball. I have a table in my store and when it isn't covered up with rugs, I hit balls around. Surprisingly, I don't do too badly, but I'm sure if I started back gambling, after all these years, I'd get the high speed wobbles. As long as you keep your eyesight, and, as you know, they make special glasses, and keep your nerves you can play. Eddie Taylor told me about a man who was still on the road into his nineties. He said the guy had no trouble running out as long as he managed to get out of his chair.
Jay, I don't know about your running out ability but your diplomatic skills still seem razor sharp.
proud to know you.
Keep it nice. Alfie
 
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

But, Dick. You didn't bring up the fact that, when you were hitting balls, you hit so freakin' many...and hit 'em goooood. You came to Texas in the 60s and we had never seen such aggressive one pocket backed up by precision position and a fierce heart. At this time the only people using open handed bridges were beginners and people who were stalling, yet you had this little six inch bridge and moved around the stack like a ghost. When you played Puckett, there was one spot on the table with a post obstruction. You stuck Puckett there so many times he went nuts.
I have to tell you, we hated you for the pool you put on our ass' but love you still for the man you are.
Keep it nice. Alfie
 
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