Happy 100th Birthday Minnesota Fats

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wrldpro

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Rudolph Walter "Minnesota Fats" Wonderon, Jr is said to have been born on this day in 1913 however it is said that not even his wife ever knew his real age.Thanks Fats for all you did for pool and all the memories.....
Tell us your storys about Fats if you have any.

fats grave.jpg
 
Fats' last name misspelled on the grave marker?

Hey folks:

Either I've not had enough of morning coffee and my eyes are playing tricks on me, or else Fats' grave marker has his name misspelled, or Wiki has misspelled his name:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Wanderone

They (Wiki) show his name to be spelled "Wanderone" (notice ending "e"), yet his grave marker in the picture above shows "Wanderon" (no ending "e").

Can anyone share any light on that?

-Sean

P.S.: I also seem to recall that some cue maker even made a personal cue for Fats, but misspelled "Minnesota" (i.e. they spelled it as "Minnasota" or something like that):
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=199824

EDIT: Ahhh, read the Wiki article, Sean! The explanation is right in the first paragraph!
 
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sfleinen said:
Hey folks:

Either I've not had enough of morning coffee and my eyes are playing tricks on me, or else Fats' grave marker has his name misspelled, or Wiki has misspelled his name:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Wanderone

They (Wiki) show his name to be spelled "Wanderone" (notice ending "e"), yet his grave marker in the picture above shows "Wanderon" (no ending "e").

Can anyone share any light on that?

-Sean

P.S.: I also seem to recall that some cue maker even made a personal cue for Fats, but misspelled "Minnesota" (i.e. they spelled it as "Minnasota" or something like that):
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=199824

EDIT: Ahhh, read the Wiki article, Sean! The explanation is right in the first paragraph!
Click to expand...

On the tombstone it is spelled WONDERON, NO A!
 
Fats

I went to The Stardust Invitational in 1968.From what I remember, there were 3 tables set up in the playing area. I'm sitting in the stands, in the 5th or sixth row, watching Irving Crane playing 14.1,it was typical straight pool atmosphere, pretty quiet but for the sound of the balls. Then, I hear some people to my right start to talk and greet this guy that just walked in. He stops where Crane is playing and comes up and sits next to me. He's talking, to no one in particular, how good he plays ,for the CASH, how these guys are scared to play Blah, Blah, Blah. A guy walking bye spots him, smiles and says, hey Minnesota. The room wasn't so quiet anymore.
 
Can't pass up the chance to thank fats

You took me in out of the cold in Johnson City when I was a kid. Later you introduced me to a gorgeous woman who became my wife. Over the years you showed me a kindness toward animals like I had never seen. With your vaudeville like personality you lit up the pool world with a brightness that will not fade so long as pool stories are told.
God bless you and rest in peace, Fatty.
Keep remembering. Alfie Taylor
 
Alf Taylor said:
You took me in out of the cold in Johnson City when I was a kid. Later you introduced me to a gorgeous woman who became my wife. Over the years you showed me a kindness toward animals like I had never seen. With your vaudeville like personality you lit up the pool world with a brightness that will not fade so long as pool stories are told.
God bless you and rest in peace, Fatty.
Keep remembering. Alfie Taylor
Click to expand...

Hello Alf,
I like what you just said about the Fat man. He is a legend all the way. he had a kind heart as well. Alf, keep the good memories forever. Now a days they are far and few. The fat man will live in our hearts for a long time to come. Thanks. Happy New Year to you and your family. Good post.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
I gambled sometimes in Du Quoin, Illinois in the late 70's.
The pool hall was the home base of Fats....
...whenever I was there, he was always in gin action. He was getting too
old to play, but I still got to hear a lotta stories...it was like WC Fields live.

Fats lived in the village of Dowell, just 4 miles south....
...if you google Dowell's most noted citizen...it was Rudolf Wanderone.

Fats had charisma....a lot...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78pYhTK5hFc&list=PLEFFEDA6B81FC4B2B
 
His date of birth is reported as January, 19, 1913, and his date of death, January 15, 1996. It's very strange that his last name is spelled Wonderon on is tombstone, but Wanderone or Wanderon, on Wiki. Makes you wonder...or wander. If you haven't seen his Hall of Fame Induction speech, it's a doosey. You can see it on Freddy the Beard's site.

Fats was one of a kind. I'm very sorry I never caught his act. RIP Fats, you were one cool cat.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=10819309
 
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The first time i saw him on tv playing was the match with Willie in 78, the guy had all of us cracking up with his remarks and stories.
The best was at the end when he lost and they were interviewing him and he cracked " If i want a trophy, i will go out and buy one".
 
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