Hubert "Daddy Warbucks" Cokes

[Terry Ardeno]

I would like to know his speed at the various games. I know a good bit about his personality, thanks in large part to Freddy Bentivegna's books..."bit$% slapping Baby Face Nelson" was one of the funniest things I've ever read. Besides that, I was impressed by his tush-hog reputation, his taking Nick "The Little Gorilla" Varner under his wing and his exploits at Johnston City. But what do those who actually saw him play think of his game? Where in pools pecking order was he as a player? As a gambler? Lots of heart or more of a bully?
And does anybody really know the exact number of people he actually shot? (With a gun) Not just shot at, but shot? I know that's an odd question, but I have a reason for asking.
Thanks!

 

[freddy the beard]

funny you asked

I would like to know his speed at the various games. I know a good bit about his personality, thanks in large part to Freddy Bentivegna's books..."bit$% slapping Baby Face Nelson" was one of the funniest things I've ever read. Besides that, I was impressed by his tush-hog reputation, his taking Nick "The Little Gorilla" Varner under his wing and his exploits at Johnston City. But what do those who actually saw him play think of his game? Where in pools pecking order was he as a player? As a gambler? Lots of heart or more of a bully?
And does anybody really know the exact number of people he actually shot? (With a gun) Not just shot at, but shot? I know that's an odd question, but I have a reason for asking.
Thanks!

Coincidentally, I just got off the phone with Nicky Varner. We ended up reminiscincing about the good old days, and naturally, our guy Daddy Warbucks, Ole Hubert. Nicky told me of the first time he went to Johnston City with Hubert. Nicky was driving the car, and Cokes was a little worried about the presence of heist men lying in wait for them. Cokes told Nicky to just slam on the brakes and hit the floor and he would take care of the rest with his .357. "I'll take it from there, and I won't miss." He reassured Nicky.
Cokes had a pistol range in his basement and he stayed in dead stroke. He and Titanic Thompson were crack pistol shots. He was also a pretty good 1pkt player. In 1962 I watched him play weak players 8 or no count 1pkt. He was a good player and a high-roller. He traveled with Ray Ryan and Titanic. Two of the highest rollers of all time. Nicky thought Hubert was the most fun guy you could ever be with. When the old man died, Nicky thought seriously about quitting pool. I am only sure about him shooting and killing two people, the Hot Springs Sheriff and the golf hustler. Arnold Rothstein would have to qualify as another probable.
He also liked to play bank pool. He was one of the first good players I beat playing bank.
the Beard

I have a blog now. Link to it from my website.

 

[Fragged]

He traveled with Ray Ryan and Titanic. Two of the highest rollers of all time. .

....Ray Ryan? Is he 62-65 and lives in Conn or the Northeast somewhere?

 

[Scott Lee]

Daddy Warbucks made a fortune in the oil business, and was always betting high. Although I didn't see it personally, I heard many stories of him betting decent 5-figure amounts like you and I spend money on a nice dinner out. He was definitely a crack shot, and ALWAYS carried a pistol, and sometimes a shotgun too.

Scott Lee

 

[jay helfert]

I would like to know his speed at the various games. I know a good bit about his personality, thanks in large part to Freddy Bentivegna's books..."bit$% slapping Baby Face Nelson" was one of the funniest things I've ever read. Besides that, I was impressed by his tush-hog reputation, his taking Nick "The Little Gorilla" Varner under his wing and his exploits at Johnston City. But what do those who actually saw him play think of his game? Where in pools pecking order was he as a player? As a gambler? Lots of heart or more of a bully?
And does anybody really know the exact number of people he actually shot? (With a gun) Not just shot at, but shot? I know that's an odd question, but I have a reason for asking.
Thanks!

The only time I ever saw him gamble was playing Ronnie "one handed up in the air" One Pocket for 200 a game in Johnston City. I thought who is this old fool. Little did I know this man could REALLY play. He gave Ronnie as good a game as anyone I ever saw playing one handed.

He also played in all three divisions each year he was there, and I know he finished in the money quite often. He had to be near 70 then. I do know that in the back room at JC, everyone differed to him. He was obviously "THE MAN" in that room.

 

[freddy the beard]

Oilman Ray Ryan

....Ray Ryan? Is he 62-65 and lives in Conn or the Northeast somewhere?

Ray Ryan was a famous, super high-rolling oil man from the 40s and 50s. He is long dead.

the Beard