Higher percentage today of 100 run players?

[jay helfert]

In my opinion, there were more good 14.1 players in the 60's and 70's, when it was one of the more important tournament games. ALL the top players (with few exceptions) played 14.1. It was just part of their resume. All the great Eastern players grew up playing the game. These guys knew the intricacies of Straight Pool.

The last strong generation of 14.1 players was my generation. Mizerak, Sigel, Hopkins, Varner, Rempe, Dallas West. These guys were the real deal. In their prime, I would have to make this group a favorite over the current crop. And these guys had to play against Balsis, Crane, Butera, Diliberto, Lassiter, Cisero, Ervolino, Breit, Shorty, Ed Kelly, Ray Martin and Jack Colavita who were all great 14.1 players. Better for someone to ask this question to Nick or Allen or Jimmy or Danny. Jeff Carter also played a strong game of 14.1, as did Jimmy Fusco. ALL of the above were threats to run 100 balls on any table.

This is not to take anything away from today's champions. It is just my observation on this thread. I think today's champions could play 14.1 just as well, if they worked at the game and spent some time learning from the old masters. I think the mentality for playing 14.1 and the practice regimen required is not quite there for the current generation.

 

[selftaut]

In my opinion, there were more good 14.1 players in the 60's and 70's, when it was one of the more important tournament games. ALL the top players (with few exceptions) played 14.1. It was just part of their resume. All the great Eastern players grew up playing the game. These guys knew the inticacies of Straight Pool.

The last strong generation of 14.1 players was my generation. Mizerak, Sigel, Hopkins, Varner, Rempe, Dallas West. These guys were the real deal. In their prime, I would have to make this group a favorite over the current crop. And these guys had to play against Balsis, Crane, Butera, Diliberto, Lassiter, Cisero, Ervolino, Breit, Shorty, Ed Kelly, Ray Martin and Jack Colavita who were all great 14.1 players. Better for someone to ask this question to Nick or Allen or Jimmy or Danny. Jeff Carter also played a strong game of 14.1, as did Jimmy Fusco. ALL of the above were threats to run 100 balls on any table.

This is not to take anything away from today's champions. It is just my observation on this thread. I think today's champions could play 14.1 just as well, if they worked at the game and spent some time learning from the old masters. I think the mentality for playing 14.1 and the practice regimen required is not quite there for the current generation.

I agree with every word. Back then when the game was very popular you could walk into almost any joint in the country and run into 2 or 3 100 ball runners, I don't think you would find thats the case now. Not that the caliber of players aren't there, the game is just not played.

 

[Johnnyt]

Well stated Jay. I have to back off some on the thread I start here. I was counting all the players from other countries that play in the US now and that didn't happen that much years ago. But as for the other sports...players now are better. But then again a big percentage of them are from other countries now too. Maybe I was wro wro wro..nah...couldn't be. Johnnyt

 

[LowRight]

Fast Cloth Makes a Big Difference

I agree that the equipment is better today (meaning: makes straight pool easier) for all of the reasons already given, plus one more: Simonis cloth. Simonis (or any other fast cloth) allows the balls to be spread with a much softer stroke. On slow cloth, you'd have to hit the stack fairly hard 2 or 3 times to get all the balls open. You'd really have to know how to control the cueball (and the object balls) when going into large clusters -- which is not an easy thing to learn. Half the time with a fast cloth, one medium whack and no two balls are touching. The whole table could be run by a beginner.