Hampton Ridge Update: Pool News, Smut, and a Whole Lot of Fun!

[JAM]

I left last night at around midnight for the 2-hour trek home. A total of 45 players showed up at Drexeline Billiards for the Hampton Ridge Pro/AM Tour event in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. There was a Calcutta in which Danny Basavich and Frankie Hernandez went for the first two blind bids.

The money payouts were as follows: 1st, $1,000; 2nd, $550; 3rd, $350; 4th, $300; 5th-6th, $175; 7th-8th, $100; 9th-12th, $70; and 13th-16th, $50. The Calcutta paid out three spots: 1st, $520; 2nd, $310; and 3rd, $205.

While the tournament was in progress, Tournament Director Jose's cell phone was ringing off the hook with calls from pool players around the world wanting to confirm their spot in the upcoming Big Apple 9-Ball Challenge at Master's Billiards in Queens, New York City. Jose is the TD for this event right around the corner in mid August. Some new confirmations to play in this event in addition to Filipinos Marlon Manalo, Jose Parica, Efren, and Santos are Ralf Souquet, Tom Engert, Niels Feijan, and Earl Strickland.

When I left last night, the finals were getting ready to begin, an extended race to 11 in this double-elimination format between Danny "Kid Delicious" Basavich and a player known as "Claude" who is from Florida by way of Canada.

During an on-the-rail discussion, Claude said that Blair Stein of West Palm Beach is trying to get someone to take his challenge of playing one game of pool and then a match of boxing immediately thereafter for $10,000 each, winner take all. Dennis Hatch is said to be interested and may follow through with this offer. Blair Stein is an ex-Navy Seal, a 36-year-old, who ain't afraid of nobody. This offer has been ongoing for quite some time, but with no takers. Claude said, and I don't know if he was joking, that Blair Stein has also contacted Little John and Tony Ruberto to come to Florida and duke it out. Both players, according to Claude, are interested.

Some of the other players who came to play were the Colorful Frankie Hernandez, Filipino "Jalapena," NYC's Tony "Flaco" Rodriquez, Shaun "The Shirt" Wilkie, Fastest Gun on the East Coast Mike Miller, newly married Phil Sherman, UPA Touring Pro Rob Hart, Young Guns Matt Krah and Josh Brothers, Lee Holt, and Keith McCready.

The winner will be determined between Kid Delicious or Claude the Canadian who were just getting ready for battle as I departed. Keith ended up coming in third place, and although I was having a blast, I wanted to get on the road back home. Half the Calcutta monies and third place payout, we brought home $405, not bad for a day's work.

I enjoyed catching up on the pool news with Danny Basavich. He was telling me that in Taiwan at the WPC, he enjoyed a very rewarding experience, but was happy to be home again with his lovely lady, Danielle. Another little WPC tidbit I had not known was that the new 2005 WPC Champion Wu was given $400,000 as a bonus for bringing the WPC title to Taiwan by the Taiwanese government. What a great payday for Wu: $475,000.

Danny Basavich will be leaving for Las Vegas the end of this month to meet up with the Lion Gates Productions at a film festival, and he will be putting on a pool exhibition for all spectators in attendance relating to his upcoming movie.

Many of the regulars of the Hampton Ridge Pro/Am Tour keep coming back hoping to accumulate those valuable points. The first-place winner of points will receive a $5,000 paid entry fee to the next Allen Hopkins Skins event, and the second-place points winner will get a free $500 entry fee to the next U.S. Open.

The next Hampton Ridge Pro/AM Tour stop will be a $2,500-added 2-day event, August 6th through 7th, at Castle Billiards, 347 RT 17 S East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073, (201) 933-6007. This tournament is expected to have a huge turnout.

Picture of Danny "Kid Delicious" Basavich and his lovely lady, Danielle.

JAM

 

[JAM]

Here's a picture of Josh Brothers on the left, who is WPBA Pro Pamela Treadway's main squeeze, Tour Director Jose, and Keith McCready.

Josh and Keith engaged in a tension-filled match during the tournament, racing to 7. In the alternate break format of this tour, it was anybody's guess as to who would win. Josh Brothers is a powerful breaker, making 3 and 4 balls on the break, and at one point, Josh had Keith stuck 6 to 3. He was on the hill and waiting to seal the deal.

Keith fought back and wouldn't give up, bringing the score to the infamous hill-hill. The last game, Keith played a safety, which left Josh hooked. Josh not only made a good hit on the ball, but pocketed it, leaving himself a one-rail bank on the 6-ball. He fired and missed, and Keith couldn't get to the table fast enough to snatch this win.

I believe that Josh Brothers ended up coming in fourth place.

JAM

 

[christopheradam]

Another little WPC tidbit I had not known was that the new 2005 WPC Champion Wu was given $400,000 as a bonus for bringing the WPC title to Taiwan by the Taiwanese government. What a great payday for Wu: $475,000.

That is just amazing. Taiwan has the right idea. U.S.A take note or us die hard pool lovers may be moving to Taiwan!

 

[JAM]

Just wanted to include a picture of the brand-new Brunswick overhead table lamps which are a new addition to Drexeline Billiards Club. I did not hear one complaint from any pool player yesterday about the equipment. Owner Bob Maidoff keeps this pool room in tip-top shape, and it is an excellent venue for any competition.

JAM

 

[Black-Balled]

Just wanted to include a picture of the brand-new Brunswick overhead table lamps which are a new addition to Drexeline Billiards Club. I did not hear one complaint from any pool player yesterday about the equipment. Owner Bob Maidoff keeps this pool room in tip-top shape, and it is an excellent venue for any competition.

JAM

Wow! Is that 'the shirt' in the foreground?! Lookin' lovely in lame'

 

[JAM]

Wow! Is that 'the shirt' in the foreground?! Lookin' lovely in lame'

Actually, she was the only lady player in the event, and she came up and introduced herself to me. I think her name is Sue Gorman, and she's from Philly.

Here's a pic of the bulletin board for all the regulars at Drexeline. There's an upcoming $100,000 [total prize fund] Sang Lee International Open, August 1-7, 2005, in his honor at the Carom Cafe Billiards.

Wow, I'd love to have that green poster of the Sang Lee International Open framed. It would look splendid in my pool room!

JAM

 

[JAM]

Wow! Is that 'the shirt' in the foreground?! Lookin' lovely in lame'

Here's Maryland Young Gun Shaun "The Shirt" Wilke. He played well yesterday and lost both rounds to a hill-hill. His break is powerful, always pocketing balls.

As a matter of fact, there were MANY hill-hills yesterday. I'm not sure if it's the alternate-break format or what, but there was tension in the air, but the competition was simply fantastic.

JAM

 

[JAM]

This is Mike Miller of Allentown, PA (I think). He is, without a doubt, the fastest pool player I have ever seen. Between him and Canadian Luc Salvas being the fastest player in the world, I'd have to say it's Mike Miller.

A few years ago at Diamond Billiards in Lancaster, PA, I saw Mike steamroll over Santos, Keith McCready, Frankie Hernandez, and The Russian, all in the same tournament. The Russian ended up winning in the finals, but Mike Miller was on fire.

Yesterday, we're sitting on the rail sweating Keith's match with Kid Delicious. Keith flubbed a shot, and Mike says to me, "I know this may sound funny coming from me, but Keith should slow down."

Mike is a regular on the regional tournament trail. He is a happily married man with two beautiful twin daughters and a son who's the spitting image of him. Mike enjoys attending regional tour events, giving him an opportunity play pool and enjoy his passion, and he's definitely got game.

JAM

 

[coastydad]

I left last night at around midnight for the 2-hour trek home. A total of 45 players showed up at Drexeline Billiards for the Hampton Ridge Pro/AM Tour event in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. There was a Calcutta in which Danny Basavich and Frankie Hernandez went for the first two blind bids.

The money payouts were as follows: 1st, $1,000; 2nd, $550; 3rd, $350; 4th, $300; 5th-6th, $175; 7th-8th, $100; 9th-12th, $70; and 13th-16th, $50. The Calcutta paid out three spots: 1st, $520; 2nd, $310; and 3rd, $205.

While the tournament was in progress, Tournament Director Jose's cell phone was ringing off the hook with calls from pool players around the world wanting to confirm their spot in the upcoming Big Apple 9-Ball Challenge at Master's Billiards in Queens, New York City. Jose is the TD for this event right around the corner in mid August. Some new confirmations to play in this event in addition to Filipinos Marlon Manalo, Jose Parica, Efren, and Santos are Ralf Souquet, Tom Engert, Niels Feijan, and Earl Strickland.

When I left last night, the finals were getting ready to begin, an extended race to 11 in this double-elimination format between Danny "Kid Delicious" Basavich and a player known as "Claude" who is from Florida by way of Canada.

During an on-the-rail discussion, Claude said that Blair Stein of West Palm Beach is trying to get someone to take his challenge of playing one game of pool and then a match of boxing immediately thereafter for $10,000 each, winner take all. Dennis Hatch is said to be interested and may follow through with this offer. Blair Stein is an ex-Navy Seal, a 36-year-old, who ain't afraid of nobody. This offer has been ongoing for quite some time, but with no takers. Claude said, and I don't know if he was joking, that Blair Stein has also contacted Little John and Tony Ruberto to come to Florida and duke it out. Both players, according to Claude, are interested.

Some of the other players who came to play were the Colorful Frankie Hernandez, Filipino "Jalapena," NYC's Tony "Flaco" Rodriquez, Shaun "The Shirt" Wilkie, Fastest Gun on the East Coast Mike Miller, newly married Phil Sherman, UPA Touring Pro Rob Hart, Young Guns Matt Krah and Josh Brothers, Lee Holt, and Keith McCready.

The winner will be determined between Kid Delicious or Claude the Canadian who were just getting ready for battle as I departed. Keith ended up coming in third place, and although I was having a blast, I wanted to get on the road back home. Half the Calcutta monies and third place payout, we brought home $405, not bad for a day's work.

I enjoyed catching up on the pool news with Danny Basavich. He was telling me that in Taiwan at the WPC, he enjoyed a very rewarding experience, but was happy to be home again with his lovely lady, Danielle. Another little WPC tidbit I had not known was that the new 2005 WPC Champion Wu was given $400,000 as a bonus for bringing the WPC title to Taiwan by the Taiwanese government. What a great payday for Wu: $475,000.

Danny Basavich will be leaving for Las Vegas the end of this month to meet up with the Lion Gates Productions at a film festival, and he will be putting on a pool exhibition for all spectators in attendance relating to his upcoming movie.

Many of the regulars of the Hampton Ridge Pro/Am Tour keep coming back hoping to accumulate those valuable points. The first-place winner of points will receive a $5,000 paid entry fee to the next Allen Hopkins Skins event, and the second-place points winner will get a free $500 entry fee to the next U.S. Open.

The next Hampton Ridge Pro/AM Tour stop will be a $2,500-added 2-day event, August 6th through 7th, at Castle Billiards, 347 RT 17 S East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073, (201) 933-6007. This tournament is expected to have a huge turnout.

Picture of Danny "Kid Delicious" Basavich and his lovely lady, Danielle.

JAM

"Claude from Canada by way of Florida". Would that be Claude Bernatchez?

 

[9 Ball Girl]

Wow! Great pics and lots of good info! Thanks, JAM!

 

[SUPERSTAR]

"Claude from Canada by way of Florida". Would that be Claude Bernatchez?

No, His name is Claude Marre.

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

a player known as "Claude" who is from Florida by way of Canada.

During an on-the-rail discussion, Claude said that Blair Stein of West Palm Beach is trying to get someone to take his challenge of playing one game of pool and then a match of boxing immediately thereafter for $10,000 each, winner take all. Dennis Hatch is said to be interested and may follow through with this offer. Blair Stein is an ex-Navy Seal, a 36-year-old, who ain't afraid of nobody. This offer has been ongoing for quite some time, but with no takers. Claude said, and I don't know if he was joking, that Blair Stein has also contacted Little John and Tony Ruberto to come to Florida and duke it out. Both players, according to Claude, are interested.

JAM

Boy, Claude Marre` really gave ya some bad info. Blair Thien is a close friend of mine and I know what the deal really is. HE and Dennis are to play pool first, then enter the cage for a Ultimate Fighting style match for a large amount in Asia later this year. He has contacted several other players to try to make this an event not to be soon forgotten. He was at VF in '04 promoting this very event and is working on several other events like this stateside as soon as this year. More to come...

 

[JAM]

Boy, Claude Marre` really gave ya some bad info. Blair Thien is a close friend of mine and I know what the deal really is. HE and Dennis are to play pool first, then enter the cage for a Ultimate Fighting style match for a large amount in Asia later this year. He has contacted several other players to try to make this an event not to be soon forgotten. He was at VF in '04 promoting this very event and is working on several other events like this stateside as soon as this year. More to come...

Claude has personality-plus. The first time I had ever heard Claude's name was a short time ago via a phone call from a local letting me know that there was a "road agent in town" named Claude. By the time we checked out the pool room later in the week, Claude had departed, but not without stuffing his pockets with a little Maryland money.

Claude was of the opinion that Dennis Hatch and Blair from Florida were currently in negotiation relating to the TWO sets: one of pool and one of the ultimate fighting.

The stumbling block currently, from what I have been told, is that Dennis Hatch wants a rule enforced that once you're down on the ground that the opponent has to release and let up. Whereas, Blair from Florida wants it to be anything goes which is the norm for ultimate fighting. In other words, the opponent can break bones while the other is laying there pinned to the ground, even though they may have submitted or surrendered.

It's a real treat to see Filipino "Jalapena" on the tournament trail, always a strong contender in any event he enters. He's got a great sense of humor, too!

JAM

 

[JAM]

Tournament Director Jose runs a first-rate operation and next season is looking to expand the Hampton Ridge Pro/Am Tour to a larger region consisting of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. This is good news for employed pool players, aspiring pros, social shooters, road agents, and UPA Touring Pros, providing them weekend opportunities for competition.

With the exception of the upcoming 2-day tournament at Castle Billiards in Rutherford, New Jersey, the Hampton Ridge Pro/AM 9-Ball Tour is a one-day event on Sunday, no lodging expenses and financially pleasing to all.

Jose knows the regular players on this tour well and welcomes all newcomers. Here is a snapshot of him collecting the $100 entry fee from UPA Touring Pro Rob Hart. Rob and many other players are gearing up for the Big Apple 9-Ball Challenge next month.

JAM

 

[Koop]

Blair Stein is an ex-Navy Seal, a 36-year-old, who ain't afraid of nobody. This offer has been ongoing for quite some time, but with no takers.
JAM

Ex-Navy SEAL huh! Yeah, well you tell Mr. Stein....


Dave says hello and wishes him no ill-will

Thanks as always for the updates JAM.

Regards,
Dave

 

[cueball1950]

Boy, Claude Marre` really gave ya some bad info. Blair Thien is a close friend of mine and I know what the deal really is. HE and Dennis are to play pool first, then enter the cage for a Ultimate Fighting style match for a large amount in Asia later this year. He has contacted several other players to try to make this an event not to be soon forgotten. He was at VF in '04 promoting this very event and is working on several other events like this stateside as soon as this year. More to come...

well big steve........... i don't give dennis much of a chance in the ring portion. he used to be a pretty good boxer according to him. (dennis) but he kept breaking his hand. atleast that is what he told me. i hear he is doing landscaping now out in the buffalo area.............................mike

 

[JAM]

well big steve........... i don't give dennis much of a chance in the ring portion. he used to be a pretty good boxer according to him. (dennis) but he kept breaking his hand. atleast that is what he told me. i hear he is doing landscaping now out in the buffalo area.............................mike

Hey, Mike! I cannot believe that the Turning Stone tournament begins one month from today. Hope to see you there. I'm going to make sure I have plenty of sleep before we leave. The casino is open 24/7, attracting quite a few of the pool players who enjoy games of stake.

A few of us were standing outside yesterday in Drexel Hill, PA checking out the rain storm, the remnants of the hurricane, I think. You all are probably getting it today, Mike!

Here's a picture of Antonio from Philly posing with Keith between thunder storms. He attends quite a few events on the regional tournament trail, to include the Hampton Ridge Pro/Am Tour. I think he cashed yesterday, too. Antonio is one of those young guns who shows no fear and likes to play all games. I've seen him all over the East Coast in my travels, from North Carolina to Upstate New York. A very competitive young lad who has a deep passion for the game and a whole lot of heart.

JAM

 

[cueball1950]

Hey, Mike! I cannot believe that the Turning Stone tournament begins one month from today. Hope to see you there. I'm going to make sure I have plenty of sleep before we leave. The casino is open 24/7, attracting quite a few of the pool players who enjoy games of stake.

A few of us were standing outside yesterday in Drexel Hill, PA checking out the rain storm, the remnants of the hurricane, I think. You all are probably getting it today, Mike!

Here's a picture of Antonio from Philly posing with Keith between thunder storms. He attends quite a few events on the regional tournament trail, to include the Hampton Ridge Pro/Am Tour. I think he cashed yesterday, too. Antonio is one of those young guns who shows no fear and likes to play all games. I've seen him all over the East Coast in my travels, from North Carolina to Upstate New York. A very competitive young lad who has a deep passion for the game and a whole lot of heart.

JAM

Hey JAM....CANNOT WAIT EITHER. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND KEITH.. MY 2 FAVORITE PEOPLE OF ALL TIME. I SEE GENIE MAN IS UP HERE WORKING WITH RAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE?????? DAM CAPS LOCK....LOLOL.... i talked with mike last week. he gave me a poster to keep and get autographed. i guess in addition to keith that johnny and earl are coming along with rolph souquet and neils feijen and santos sambajon. will be great seeing kim davenport play again. mike told me he had aout 98 players so far. told me santos told him that efren and francisco might come since they are playing in NY just before. mike told santos to tell them that they had better pay up soon before it fills all the way......BTW.... i am still waiting for that picture of me at the last turning stone tournament. you took 1 of me alone and 1 of me and jim tolkan,,,the actor.....remember...............................mike

 

[JAM]

Hey JAM....CANNOT WAIT EITHER. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND KEITH.. MY 2 FAVORITE PEOPLE OF ALL TIME. I SEE GENIE MAN IS UP HERE WORKING WITH RAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE?????? DAM CAPS LOCK....LOLOL.... i talked with mike last week. he gave me a poster to keep and get autographed. i guess in addition to keith that johnny and earl are coming along with rolph souquet and neils feijen and santos sambajon. will be great seeing kim davenport play again. mike told me he had aout 98 players so far. told me santos told him that efren and francisco might come since they are playing in NY just before. mike told santos to tell them that they had better pay up soon before it fills all the way......BTW.... i am still waiting for that picture of me at the last turning stone tournament. you took 1 of me alone and 1 of me and jim tolkan,,,the actor.....remember...............................mike

Mike, I can't find the one of you alone, but I did find this one of Tolkan!

My CD drive recently broke. Otherwise, I'd copy it and get it printed up. If you'd like, though, I could e-mail it to you in the hi-res format, so you'll have a great copy for safekeeping.

Genie Man is working with Ray for a few weeks while he's awaiting the move-in date for his new home in Maryland. One thing about Ryan McCreesh, he's not afraid to roll up his sleeves and work.

Beginning this weekend, there will be a pool event every single week until the end of September. With the Joss Tour Season Finale falling right on the heels of the Big Apple 9-Ball Challenge, there will be quite a few big guns on the East Coast. We're all in for a real treat!

Here's one with Jim Tolken who made a cameo appearance at the last Joss Turning Stone Casino tournament, won by Steve Tavenier of Providence, RI. It looks as if when I snapped the picture, I caught Tolkan off guard in this one. He looks like he saw a ghost. He was very approachable, signing autographs and posing with fans each day of the event! Nice guy, too.

JAM

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

well big steve........... i don't give dennis much of a chance in the ring portion. he used to be a pretty good boxer according to him. (dennis) but he kept breaking his hand. atleast that is what he told me. i hear he is doing landscaping now out in the buffalo area.............................mike

Mike...I know Dennis since he was a boy. He, his dad & mom, his uncle Mark, George Breedlove and Brian Groce were all down here in the Motorhome from hell in the mid 80's. He was still doing morning road work <running for non-boxing fans> and shadow boxing. He has good background with fitness and when I saw him at VF, he looked pretty health so I feel he will hold his own. As for the breaking of his hands, it sounds more like Danny Diliberto...who was an undefeated boxer but suffered from the same problems.