Grady in Betmore's Basement

JC,
It was an excellent day. All of the AZB'ers chipped in for a day with Grady (I have NO idea what length his clinics are supposed to be, at my house they have always lasted 10 or 12 hours - it's hard to drag Grady away from the table).

Present were WBM, eales, elvicash, JCIN (overslept), FastJK, StraightPoolIU, sandianakid, anonymous lurking pro (oh, alright, it was JL....we thought we were inviting Janet Leigh the famous actress from the Hitchcock movie Psycho; 'cause she can't make 3 freaking balls, and we thought we could beat her; but someone else showed up who plays somewhat stronger).

Grady gave a slideshow presentation on the big plasma t.v. of the history of pool with photos. It was great seeing the old (and new as well) players, and hearing anecdotes on each one. The stories were priceless.

We then had some lesson time, followed by pool at Chalkie's. I think those players interested in new shots, technique's, and systems should check out Grady's tapes - they have an unbelieveable amount of information that can be checked out at your own pace (a lesson is a tough place to get this). Grady definitely shines in the playing lessons at the table - explaining moves, shots, and strategies as they arise. It is one thing to read about strategy; but it is MUCH more valuable to hear the thoughts of an expert as you are playing. I learned 50 new shots and principles in an hour or two (yes, I'm a novice one pocket player) - and I will save myself years trying to learn those things on my own.

It was instructive that the local pro's were very anxious to attend - the true students of the game will never pass up an opportunity to increase their fund of knowledge; no matter their level of prowess.

All in all a great day thanks to Grady and the AZB'ers. Many thanks to Justin for the fabulous pics - he's now covered the DCC, the Reno event, the UPA event, and Betmore's Basement.....I guess he's visited all of the REALLY important pool venues now.

P.S. - THERE IS NO PIT UNDER THE TABLE!!!!!! (please do not look over near the t.v.)
 
Williebetmore said:
JA,
Well....please don't think us impolite; we thought of inviting Breakup (sort of as a charity gesture); but the continuous snorting, farting, coughing, mumbling, drooling would have been a distraction to the real pool players attending. In addition, I have only the 2 large refrigerators in my humble abode...nowhere near enough capacity for the quantity of beer he usually consumes in a typical afternoon.

I must also mention that small children were present; and the Hannibal Lecter mask he must wear when the caretakers take him "out" can be quite disturbing to young minds.
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It is such fun to remove your finger from a leaking dike.

I didn't know you could drink beer if you had diabetes.
JoeyA
 
JoeyA said:
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It is such fun to remove your finger from a leaking dike.

I didn't know you could drink beer if you had diabetes.
JoeyA
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Joey,
I feel compelled to correct you. Breakup does NOT drink beer.....he INHALES it.
 
I would just like to say that it was a fantastic experience and I am happy I got to be a part of it. It really beat the hell out of work. All the guys were really nice, and I can't give enough thanks to Don and his wife for being such great hosts. Also I wanted to say a big thank you to Grady. It was a pleasure not only meeting but hearing stories from and learning from one of the true legends of the game. I also should say thanks to Jeanette Lee for rearanging her schedule to hang out with us. Well I should probably get going so I can practice cutting balls thinner like Grady said I should.
 
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I live in indy and didn't have any idea about this till yesterday when I was looking at his website; even then I had no idea how to go wherever he was going and I'm too young to get into chalkies.

Wait while I go shoot myself.
 
Afternoon w/Grady & WillieBetmore

I was also a lucky participant in Grady's visit to Betmore's basement. What a great day. I encourage anyone in the area to try and make the visit. Don and his family are great hosts and very accomodating. Grady's presentation along with photos and stories of the greats of the game was a highlight for me. His ancedotes and comments about various players were very funny and it was obivious at times he was speaking from the heart about people he competed with. After his demonstration he coached a few AZ players in matches. Ms. Lee and another local pro in attendance also offered feedback. (enough talent to make any AZ'er nervous when shooting) I got first hand knowledge of this benefit as my opponent came back and beat me 8-7 in one pocket. Play continued at Chalkies as we took turns playing Grady. During this time Grady gave very insightful and honest opinions about various pool topics. The fellow AZ members were also great to hang with and definitley love the game. Thanks again Williebetmore.
 
J. Lee always looks great. She's a natural.

Grady on the other hand, has always looked as old in pictures. Even when he was 30 he looked 70!

JoeyA said:
vERY NICE PICTURES. Jeanette looks better than ever. And Grady, well he even looks a little younger in those photos that were taken in Williebetmore's basement.

I was just wondering where Breakup was.

Looks like a nice room.

JoeyA
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i think they are referring to Jeff Beckley


if u are around indy u don't wanna miss the vnea state tourney coming up, and i don't think u have to be 21 to attend

-Indiana State Pool Championships
April 11th - 15th, 2007
Adam's Mark Hotel Airport
Indianapolis, IN
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Jeff Beckley was in attendance and he is a pro. Class guy who is a pleasure to be around.

He hasn't been playing much lately but will hopefully be back in action soon. He is one of the guys who you love to gamble with whether you are betting with or against him. A true gentleman gambler.

My favorite quote from Jeff is when he was playing one pocket (not his best game) against a local player who stuck him in a good safe and he took a total flyer because thats how he rolls. " Welcome to Beckley's Wonderful World of One Pocket" :D

He will shoot at his hole.
 
JCIN said:
I arrived late and missed most of Grady's presentation but was able to grab some pictures.
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JC,
It's too bad you missed the "history of pool" presentation; it was very much like the One Pocket Hall of Fame event - lot's of pictures and anecdotes.

You also missed my introduction of Grady; he's too modest to mention his accomplishments himself.

Charter member of the one-pocket Hall of Fame.

4 World One-Pocket championships.

Gambled WITH HIS OWN MONEY against:
Efren Reyes
Keith McCready
Jose Parica
Buddy Hall
Allen Hopkins
Steve Mizerak
Norman Hitchcock
Kim Davenport
Ronnie Allen
Cornbread Red
Cole Dickson
etc., etc., etc. (I lost the long list, but you get the idea....I'll edit the post later, adding the other names for those that are interested)

And as many have pointed out, in the era of 1976-1993 if he was involved in a money match that required a spot, HE WAS THE M'F'er DOING THE SPOTTING.

There is a LOT to learn from such a player. If we are true students of the game; he is a true "Professor" of the game.
 
Great post everyone! Looks like fun and I'm jealous!

I think Grady heads up to Kokomo tonight for a visit at Ryan Newby's new pool room (the old Bob's Billiards).

Glad to see Grady out and having fun.

Tammie Jones
 
Williebetmore said:
JC,
It's too bad you missed the "history of pool" presentation; it was very much like the One Pocket Hall of Fame event - lot's of pictures and anecdotes.

You also missed my introduction of Grady; he's too modest to mention his accomplishments himself.

Charter member of the one-pocket Hall of Fame.

4 World One-Pocket championships.

Gambled WITH HIS OWN MONEY against:
Efren Reyes
Keith McCready
Jose Parica
Buddy Hall
Allen Hopkins
Steve Mizerak
Norman Hitchcock
Kim Davenport
Ronnie Allen
Cornbread Red
Cole Dickson
etc., etc., etc. (I lost the long list, but you get the idea....I'll edit the post later, adding the other names for those that are interested)

And as many have pointed out, in the era of 1976-1993 if he was involved in a money match that required a spot, HE WAS THE M'F'er DOING THE SPOTTING.

There is a LOT to learn from such a player. If we are true students of the game; he is a true "Professor" of the game.
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I'd just like to congratulate Williebetmore on a job well done.

Compare his rational, happy-generating behavior with that of a "normal" pool player. He understands the efforts required to become really good instead of pretending he is already good and just bragging about it, hoping inside that it will happen. If anyone wants to be a true student of the game AND HELP THE GAME, emulate Williebetmore.

Whew!...now Don, after all that sucking up, maybe I get an invite next time?;) :D

Jeff Livingston
 
Grady

Is grady on one of his yearly tours and is so does anyone know his schedule? I would really like to catch one of his stops if possible.
 
chefjeff said:
......
Whew!...now Don, after all that sucking up, maybe I get an invite next time?;) :D

Jeff Livingston
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JL,
It's a pretty fair drive from DesMoine; but you are always welcome. Let me know if you will be in the neighborhood - I'll DEFINITELY miss the yearly get-together in Peoria with the AZB crowd.
 
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