Jay Swanson question

[8ballEinstein]

In my early days of playing pool I remember watching Swanny for hours and being amazed with his skill at the game. I'm just wondering, what is your assessment of Jay?

I don't imagine you'll be at the Swanson Memorial next month, or will you?

 

[Louis Ulrich]

In my early days of playing pool I remember watching Swanny for hours and being amazed with his skill at the game. I'm just wondering, what is your assessment of Jay?

I don't imagine you'll be at the Swanson Memorial next month, or will you?

The Swan was a great guy and a fabulous player. I had a chance to see him play while his game was strong and I honestly feel that he was the best player ever to come out of San Diego.

For those who've never heard of Jay "Swanee" Swanson, he was a top notch player who spent more time on the road than in the tournament scene. He did however win a major tournament (back in the 80's I believe) with a first place prize of $25k.

Most of the time I only got to see him play during the weekly tournaments, which was only a race to 3, but he would win them regularly. He would often run the set on his opponent and he would just come over, shake your hand and in a genuine voice say "sorry 'bout that".

I learned a lot from him. He had one of the smoothest strokes I have ever seen. He could draw the cue ball the length of the table with what seemed to be an effortless stroke. He was truly amazing.

I won't be making it to the memorial tournament this year. I live too far away right now.

Thanks for asking about him. It's nice to look back and remember how he inspired me as a child.