Terry Ardeno said:
Several thoughts...
1. If that was NOT the case, why are so many former road players now staying at home and ON THE COMPUTER PLAYING, I hate to even say it, poker! The reason I hate to say it is because I think poker is stealing some of our greats from pooldom.
I don't think poker is the culprit as much as it is that pool is not recognized by mainstream America as a sport. That being said, people in Philippines like pool as a sport and celebrate their greats from pooldom. Here in the States, Michael Jordon and Tiger Woods are the great sports figures.
When pool was popular in the United States, it was because of its entertainment value, with Minnesota Fats, Willie Mosconi, and Steve Mizerak. There is no recognizeable pool personality in America today like there was when these three gentlemen were in the limelight. The reason why they were popular did not have as much to do with their pool-playing capabilities. It was their entertainment value.
Minnesota Fast and Weenie Beenie were both on the TV show "I've Got a Secret." Do you think we will ever see a pool player on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno? I guess time will tell.
Terry Ardeno said:
2. Even if they COULD make money on the road, when they get older and their game breaks down, along with their nerves, THEN WHAT? No job all your life means no social security and no pension. Which equals scuffling around doing odd jobs or being a pauper. Neither one looks enticing.
It is not enticing to working stiffs like you and me, but to the lifelong pool player, the priorities in life are much different. He substitutes stability in life, that you and I must have, for a different lifestyle, one where his/her spirit can soar. Some folks have difficulties understanding why they do it, as do I sometimes, but I am going to figure out a way to explain it in print sine die, I hope.
Terry Ardeno said:
3. I have worked since I was 11. I can retire on Dec 30, 2016. Which means I have 9 years 7 months and 7 days left on my sentence.
Then, I can retire at age 57 1/2 and draw a pension until I hit 62, at which time I also get SS benifits. THEN I can play in the senior pool tournaments that are.....(crickets chirping in background)....I mean then I can play pool and watch Accu-Stats. And post here on AZB!
LOL!
Me, too, but my pool-playing days are over. Today, I am a professional railbird, and I actually like sweating games. I'd rather be sweating an action game, though, and could spend hours and hours doing so. Tournaments, especially 9-ball, are beginning to bore me personally with the luck of the break and the rack riggers.
There are probably many unsung pool champions in this world. Sadly, they may have passed with little or no mention. However, one thing for sure, they did it their way and lived their life to the fullest. Sometimes money ain't everything. It helps, but it does not ensure a happy life.
Health, peace of mind, and love. If you can have all three of those, then you are a lucky guy or gal!
JAM
