I Bet There Are A few That Could be pro

Idaho said:
Why not fill it with whoever wants to enter and let the cream rise to the top for more money?. :cool::thumbup::o:grin::):wink::grin-square: (I can use smiley's too)
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When that takes place, it's no different than what's been going on for years and years already, it's nothing more than a ring game, with a little added money....like the US Open and all the rest of the tournaments taking place today...but, I wouldn't expect you to understand that. You're the type of person that feels like you should have a right to play against some of the Pro's...because after all, they NEED your entry fee to help PAY the players that get in the money. THAT'S what's wrong with "Professional" pool today...there is NO "Professional" division that exists, if there were....you'd NEVER get the chance to play against a real "Pro" because you couldn't cut the mustard to win the RIGHT to be there....sad isn't it?:grin:

But don't worry, in my perfect little world...you'd get a chance....a SLIGHT chance to play at least ONE "Pro" in a "Pro's ONLY" event, by way of having a skill level test score on file...which means you DIDN'T make the cut to the PRO'S, then you could buy as many raffle tickets as you want to try and WIN one of 64 spots to play against ONE of the PRO'S.

That's right, a 64 player PRO'S only tournament would start out with the FIRST round being an exhibition round where ALL the PRO'S would play one pick of the draw opponent first, before they start playing each other, and that would also mean a race to 21 to win, 10 ahead for an early win by knockout, or ahead on the score card at the end of 3 hours.

All the raffle ticket sales....would go to ALL 64 "Pro's" divided equally...as a bonus so to speak, so players like YOU would have to EARN your chances to play a PRO, not just put up an entry fee and you're on your way!!!
 
realkingcobra said:
When that takes place, it's no different than what's been going on for years and years already, it's nothing more than a ring game, with a little added money....like the US Open and all the rest of the tournaments taking place today...but, I wouldn't expect you to understand that. You're the type of person that feels like you should have a right to play against some of the Pro's...because after all, they NEED your entry fee to help PAY the players that get in the money. THAT'S what's wrong with "Professional" pool today...there is NO "Professional" division that exists, if there were....you'd NEVER get the chance to play against a real "Pro" because you couldn't cut the mustard to win the RIGHT to be there....sad isn't it?:grin:

But don't worry, in my perfect little world...you'd get a chance....a SLIGHT chance to play at least ONE "Pro" in a "Pro's ONLY" event, by way of having a skill level test score on file...which means you DIDN'T make the cut to the PRO'S, then you could buy as many raffle tickets as you want to try and WIN one of 64 spots to play against ONE of the PRO'S.

That's right, a 64 player PRO'S only tournament would start out with the FIRST round being an exhibition round where ALL the PRO'S would play one pick of the draw opponent first, before they start playing each other, and that would also mean a race to 21 to win, 10 ahead for an early win by knockout, or ahead on the score card at the end of 3 hours.

All the raffle ticket sales....would go to ALL 64 "Pro's" divided equally...as a bonus so to speak, so players like YOU would have to EARN your chances to play a PRO, not just put up an entry fee and you're on your way!!!
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Glen, you didn't answer my question. Do you really think that the "pros" want limited fields? Limited fields mean less money in the pot. With limited sponsorship money available, that is the "pros" best chance at a larger paycheck. John Q fan doesn't give a shit who is entered in the tournament, because the "pros" will probably rise to the top and be in the final matches, which are the only matches that would be televised anyway. Keep thinking buddy!:thumbup:
 
Idaho said:
Glen, you didn't answer my question. Do you really think that the "pros" want limited fields? Limited fields mean less money in the pot. With limited sponsorship money available, that is the "pros" best chance at a larger paycheck. John Q fan doesn't give a shit who is entered in the tournament, because the "pros" will probably rise to the top and be in the final matches, which are the only matches that would be televised anyway. Keep thinking buddy!:thumbup:
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Keep dreaming:rolleyes:
 
becoming a champion caliber player that can really win a tournament, is another story

Johnnyt said:
I bet there are a dozen players with home tables that work 40-60 hours a week that can't get off work or can't afford to play in tournaments. If they did they could become pros in a very short time. Johnnyt
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Anyone can be a "Pro".....all you have to do is pay an entree fee these days.

Now, becoming a champion caliber player that can really win a tournament, or place in the top 5 is another story.
 
CJ Wiley said:
Anyone can be a "Pro".....all you have to do is pay an entree fee these days.

Now, becoming a champion caliber player that can really win a tournament, or place in the top 5 is another story.
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I understand what you are saying. I know Shane is only one example, but if there is one who did it there are probably more that could if pool became cool to kids. Johnnyt
 
CJ Wiley said:
Anyone can be a "Pro".....all you have to do is pay an entree fee these days.

Now, becoming a champion caliber player that can really win a tournament, or place in the top 5 is another story.
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No question there ,,,and if the entry and payouts were large enough for players to cross oceans to play , the number of American pros would no question shrink not expand


1
 
Idaho said:
Glen, you didn't answer my question. Do you really think that the "pros" want limited fields? Limited fields mean less money in the pot. With limited sponsorship money available, that is the "pros" best chance at a larger paycheck. John Q fan doesn't give a shit who is entered in the tournament, because the "pros" will probably rise to the top and be in the final matches, which are the only matches that would be televised anyway. Keep thinking buddy!:thumbup:
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I think you missed my point about the Pro's, they would ALL get paid, even if they lose their first match, because they made the cut to play as a Pro in the event. Don't worry about what I'm planning on doing, just pay attention to your life and you'll be a lot better off. I know you have this grudge against me....but, I really don't care, trust me...I don't:rolleyes:

Glen
 
websters dictionary

Websters dictionary:

Professional - engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood;

I agree with CJ, there is a big difference between a professional and a champion caliber player.

One quick example:
Old timers will remember this guy, I'm sure Jay seen him more than once. They called him "Brown Man", hung around Indy for years. Didn't play that well but matched up great. He was always under estimated. He would play in a brown coat, chew on a cigar and never bend over to shoot.

Most of the time, when on the road, he would have a good player with him. One of his favorites was Peru Paul. I seen Brown Man 20 times and never seen him hit a ball. Needless to say; I was one of those that didn't think the guy could play at all. So, when he asked me to play, I jumped at the chance. Do you care to guess who got the cash?

Back to the point; how do you classify a pro. Brown Man was a college grad, never worked a day in his life. Played pool and backed players. If this guy wasn't a pro pool player, what do you call him? :eek:
 
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realkingcobra said:
I think you missed my point about the Pro's, they would ALL get paid, even if they lose their first match, because they made the cut to play as a Pro in the event. Don't worry about what I'm planning on doing, just pay attention to your life and you'll be a lot better off. I know you have this grudge against me....but, I really don't care, trust me...I don't:rolleyes:

Glen
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But where would the money come from? I think the idea is great to see the top guys play, but who's gonna pay for it? Payouts are down already......removing dead money makes them even smaller.
 
Idaho said:
But where would the money come from? I think the idea is great to see the top guys play, but who's gonna pay for it? Payouts are down already......removing dead money makes them even smaller.
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Well then, I guess if you don't know...it's because YOU don't need to know:rolleyes: but trust me, there is an untapped source of money out here that is just waiting to sponsor this industry...waiting for the right moment, the right organization in this industry to put it all together...and when that happens, the flood gates will be open....soon:rolleyes:
 
Johnnyt said:
I bet there are a dozen players with home tables that work 40-60 hours a week that can't get off work or can't afford to play in tournaments. If they did they could become pros in a very short time. Johnnyt
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Could be is correct, but in all honesty what would the reward be at the end of a career? I started playing Pool at 7 or 8 at a Boy Club of America just outside of Coral Gables, Florida (Miami Suburbs). Before the politically Boyz N GWIRLS Club Circa 2013.

I love the game, and still play it as much as I can for fun, but never saw Pool to be anything more than a recreational activity, to challenge my mind.

Have been around real Pool Rooms for ever, and honestly most of the really great players I saw had no return on their investment into a career with little long term future.

If I had a kid who was into sports, had talent, and the dedication to be a professional. I would point them to a professional sports career in Baseball, Football, Tennis, Golf etc., where the pro athletes make real money. Plus even have retirement benefit for a long enough career.

Like I said pool is a great game, but it is sure tough to make a real living from it like even some of the WWE Athletes Make in Sports Entertainment.

JMHO. From the Bench of Real Life were I sit, and observe the real world.
 
book collector said:
Howard Vickery was a "Pro" player , traveled the tour for several years, he won a couple of state championships and I believe he won 1or 2 minor tour stops.
He would be considered one of the bottom players at any major tournament within the pro ranks. So if you use him as the benchmark , yes there are probably a e hundred people or more that could be pros.
They would be sleeping in someones car at night and not eating much but they could be there.
Also they would have to be using slugs at the car wash to get entry fee money.
That guy from Italy that does trick shots and Jesse Allred are 2 of the most talented basement players I ever saw, I don't think either one of them can make a living on the tour.
It's great to fantasize about hidden players but the truth is , lots of people play great practicing or playing lambs , but when they play a real player , their game goes way down.
The big reasons are that they don't get as many shots and when they do get one , it is usually tough.
Pros have great ability, confidence and mental toughness, they have seen the best and everyone else looks easy.
Very hard to overcome for Joe working man.
As far as great working players the list has some ringers on it, I know several who did not start working until after they were great players, or their dad owned a business they "worked at" , whenever they weren't playing pool, Is that the same thing?
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I never could figure out how Howard Vickery could afford to travel and play in so many top events when he couldn't beat a good short stop.
 
deerhunter said:
Websters dictionary:

Professional - engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood;

I agree with CJ, there is a big difference between a professional and a champion caliber player.

One quick example:
Old timers will remember this guy, I'm sure Jay seen him more than once. They called him "Brown Man", hung around Indy for years. Didn't play that well but matched up great. He was always under estimated. He would play in a brown coat, chew on a cigar and never bend over to shoot.

Most of the time, when on the road, he would have a good player with him. One of his favorites was Peru Paul. I seen Brown Man 20 times and never seen him hit a ball. Needless to say; I was one of those that didn't think the guy could play at all. So, when he asked me to play, I jumped at the chance. Do you care to guess who got the cash?

Back to the point; how do you classify a pro. Brown Man was a college grad, never worked a day in his life. Played pool and backed players. If this guy wasn't a pro pool player, what do you call him? :eek:
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For some reason many here forget the definition of pro. If someone makes a living playing pool regardless of the money, if that's all they do, they are a pro player. Most wouldn't consider Richie Richardson or Benny Conway Jr. a professional pool player, even though that's all they do, but they are.
 
CJ Wiley said:
Anyone can be a "Pro".....all you have to do is pay an entree fee these days.

Now, becoming a champion caliber player that can really win a tournament, or place in the top 5 is another story.
Click to expand...

Well said, I think the descriptive "pro" gets tossed around too loosely.
 
backplaying said:
For some reason many here forget the definition of pro. If someone makes a living playing pool regardless of the money, if that's all they do, they are a pro player. Most wouldn't consider Richie Richardson or Benny Conway Jr. a professional pool player, even though that's all they do, but they are.
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I guess that makes a homeless person a professional bum? Okaaayyyy,,,,....
 
there are two uses for pro in pool...

There is the use to denote what someone s Profession is and there's to denote skill level. Then that second one is further broken down into gambling skill, tournament skill and just playing skill.

When the meaning behind the term is used in the wrong context, that's when the Problems start.

Jaden
 
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