help I.D. players

billiardcue

billiardcue

11th Commandment
Silver Member
The attached photo was taken at a tournament at Galaxy Billiards in San Antonio, TX on 09/05/92.

Room owner and promoter Don Hoppe is the gentleman on the left.

Willie Mosconi, U.J. Puckett and Cowboy Jimmie Moore are evident. Who are the others?

players id.jpg

left to right according to this post

1. Don Hoppe - promoter
2. Willie Mosconi
3. Mike 'Mr.Coffee' Varela - stakehorse
4. Jack 'Jersey Red' Breit
5. tournament winner ?
6. U.J. Puckett
7. Bubba Mann
8. 'Cowboy' Jimmie Moore
9. Luther 'Wimpy' Lassiter
 
Last edited:
Dick,

I believe the man to Mosconi's left was known as "Mr. Coffee". He was a stake horse or side better. The two to his left I recognize, but don't remember their names. The man to UJ's left is Bubba Mann. Bubba was one hell of a player. He kept a pretty low profile and hustled many an unknowing sucker. I don't recognize the guy to the far right.

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
RBC said:
Dick,

I believe the man to Mosconi's left was known as "Mr. Coffee". He was a stake horse or side better. The two to his left I recognize, but don't remember their names. The man to UJ's left is Bubba Mann. Bubba was one hell of a player. He kept a pretty low profile and hustled many an unknowing sucker. I don't recognize the guy to the far right.

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
Click to expand...

I think you're right Royce, I would have never guessed it until you saw it. I played in one of his tournaments about 3 or 4 years ago in Kennedy Tx lol... He had a mailing list for the players in the state to get them to come.
 
Mike 'Mr.Coffee' Varela is the man directly to Willie's right, and behind him is Jersey Red. This was the inaugural event held at Galaxy Billiards, their first major tournament. Showboat Joe and myself had the pleasure of directing this event. I went on to direct 17 more events there and could always count on at least 100+ players. This kickoff show, was aptly named the 'Cowboy Jimmy Moore Open'.

All the legends did trick shots for the crowd, and it was standing room only most days. The place was HUGE, with about 40 tables and a tremendous bar and small kitchen.

Don Hoppe loved the players and the game, and will be sorely missed.

One other extravaganza he held, was a retirement party for Minnesota Fats. Along with an exhibition by 'Fast Eddie' Parker, and a challenge match between two of Texas' best ladies Vivian Villareal and Belinda Bearden, I think every pool nut within hundreds of miles were present. Fatty was getting on in years, and could hardly speak...but to the delight of the crowd, he got up off his chair and nailed half a dozen wing shots.

Maybe someone has more photos, I am sure they will be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks for the help.

Who is the man in the middle with the mustache? Supposedly he was the tournament winner.

Suzanne Hoppe - Don's daughter emailed me the photo to find out who the people were, glad we could help her. Maybe she has more photos.
 
billiardcue said:
Thanks for the help.

Who is the man in the middle with the mustache? Supposedly he was the tournament winner.

Suzanne Hoppe - Don's daughter emailed me the photo to find out who the people were, glad we could help her. Maybe she has more photos.
Click to expand...
The guy in the middle with the mustache may have been Ray Barrrera.
 
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