Jimmy Reid- Disliked?

cuetechasaurus

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I keep hearing stories that alot of people had a problem with Jimmy Reid. I heard that at one US Open, someone actually punched him out. Was he the type of player that would mouth off alot? I also heard he was a great player, does anyone know why he stopped playing?
 
I saw him at DCC last year and he was friendly and eager to share his thoughts on why a relatively short cue (like the one he had) was a good thing. I'd be surprised if he flat stopped playing unless he was seriously ill.

Martin


cuetechasaurus said:
I keep hearing stories that alot of people had a problem with Jimmy Reid. I heard that at one US Open, someone actually punched him out. Was he the type of player that would mouth off alot? I also heard he was a great player, does anyone know why he stopped playing?
 
> I think it was Carlos Viera that was involved with Jimmy in this incident. It was said they argued heatedly over a foul call during a match at the U.S. Open,they argued again after the match,and Carlos went upside his head out in the parking lot afterwards. Needless to say,Carlos will never play there again. He has also had heated words several times with Grady. I don't know how much truth there is to this,but this story came from a source that to my knowledge has been utterly reliable. Jimmy came into Memphis back in the late 70's/early 80's,and was broke. A room owner put him up in his home,put him in action,and built a 20k bankroll together. Another road player came in,and the room owner liked the game and bet the whole roll. Jimmy supposedly laid down,and didn't even bother to make it look convincing. You can imagine the conversation that took place in front of everyone there. Jimmy and the other player in the dump,who was parked right in front of the glass front door,literally flaunted the cash as they split the stack in full view of the owner,and left together. In the 4-5 times I've talked with him at length,he was generous with his knowledge,personable,and never acted like he was too good to talk to players under him status-wise,like some. He was in the stands and watched part of my match with Hideaki Sakamura at the 2000 U.S. Open,and in a conversation after the match,he said that I would have probably won that match,which I lost hill-hill,and maybe convincingly if I had played the match on tables I was familiar with,because he could see in my face that I was a little scared of the equipment. I can't tell you how true that was. I told him about the places I am forced to play due to geographical inadequacy for pool,and he said "You must have at least a decent dose of talent and desire,otherwise it would be a miracle that you learned to play at all living there". I took that as a pretty decent compliment. Personally,I have no problems with him. Tommy D.
 
I assume he was just not good enough to win the little cash out there. With the likes of Efren and company...


Whats with his 3 second rule for keeping his head down, anyways? I think its a bit crazy...
 
Hippie Jimmy Reid

Excerpt from my book, The GosPool According to the Beard:

Best Player, Pay-Ball* On A Snooker Table:
My money would go on "Hippie Jimmy" Reid. He loved shooting at hard shots. He specialized in long, off-angle combinations that were a goodly distance apart. He usually kept a silly smile on his face the whole session. He appeared to be enjoying himself so much in those games that after many hours of play, his enthusiasm began to discourage his opponents who were tiring of having to make tough shots and tough run-outs. Rumors of his having used artificial stimulants have been greatly underestimated.


That's for those of you who thought he couldn't play. Jimmy Reid feared no player and would gamble with God. He certainly didn't slow down because of the competition. His name, Hippie Jimmy came from when he was playing in the 60s! His problem is one we all get to share, he aint a kid any more!
 
cuetechasaurus said:
I keep hearing stories that alot of people had a problem with Jimmy Reid. I heard that at one US Open, someone actually punched him out. Was he the type of player that would mouth off alot? I also heard he was a great player, does anyone know why he stopped playing?

I guess Santa was not nice to you. You can't even say something nice about Jimmy on Christmas?

Jimmy has a website where he is giving free pool lessons and selling DVD's.

http://freepoollessons.com/

He had that 3 second down rule in his tape he made in 1991. If people follow it they sure won't be jumping up.

I got his latest 3 pack DVD for Christmas.

Jake
 
jjinfla said:
I guess Santa was not nice to you. You can't even say something nice about Jimmy on Christmas?

Jimmy has a website where he is giving free pool lessons and selling DVD's.

http://freepoollessons.com/

He had that 3 second down rule in his tape he made in 1991. If people follow it they sure won't be jumping up.

I got his latest 3 pack DVD for Christmas.

Jake

Let me know what you think of them Jake, the one on 8 ball run outs is AWESOME.

Shorty
 
Wow, another Kick the Pro thread, on Christmas Day no less.

For those who may not be aware, Jimmy Reid not only won the U.S. Open in the mid '80s, but he was one of the most feared action players in the country, when the action was prevalent.

Because of his easy-going tableside demeanor, Hippy Jimmy didn't appear to have a whole lot of killer instinct, but for the cash, he was quite a formidable opponent in any venue.

I have listened to Jimmy Reid reminisce with friends many times in the past, and he can really keep you entertained with his quick wit and sense of humor.

I have not seen Jimmy Reid in recent times. He did not attend the recent 2005 U.S. Open, though he could have received free entry fee because he is a holder of that championship title.

He runs one of the most powerful pool websites in the industry, as referenced above, chockful of helpful tips and information for players of all caliber, and the tales on the road are priceless.

While he keeps his website up to date and fills orders for his instructional recordings, he also looks after an elderly relative who is unable to care for herself, which makes me like Jimmy Reid even more. He's got a good heart.

I, for one, wish Jimmy Reid season greetings, and I hope to see him soon on the tournament trail. Here's one of my favorite snapshots of Jimmy Reid and Keith.

JAM
 

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JAM said:
Wow, another Kick the Pro thread, on Christmas Day no less.

For those who may not be aware, Jimmy Reid not only won the U.S. Open in the mid '80s, but he was one of the most feared action players in the country, when the action was prevalent.

Because of his easy-going tableside demeanor, Hippy Jimmy didn't appear to have a whole lot of killer instinct, but for the cash, he was quite a formidable opponent in any venue.

I have listened to Jimmy Reid reminisce with friends many times in the past, and he can really keep you entertained with his quick wit and sense of humor.

I have not seen Jimmy Reid in recent times. He did not attend the recent 2005 U.S. Open, though he could have received free entry fee because he is a holder of that championship title.

He runs one of the most powerful pool websites in the industry, as referenced above, chockful of helpful tips and information for players of all caliber, and the tales on the road are priceless.

While he keeps his website up to date and fills orders for his instructional recordings, he also looks after an elderly relative who is unable to care for herself, which makes me like Jimmy Reid even more. He's got a good heart.

I, for one, wish Jimmy Reid season greetings, and I hope to see him soon on the tournament trail. Here's one of my favorite snapshots of Jimmy Reid and Keith.

JAM

Did you not see the question marks at the end of the title to this thread? I am ASKING if what I heard is true. I didn't make any statements. You of all people should know the difference. This should tell you that there are rumors going around about him that are false, and it is a good thing I make this thread to clear those false rumors up. Did that ever cross your mind? Oh, and did you miss the part about me hearing that he was a great player? This is not a kick anyone thread, get over it.
 
JAM said:
Wow, another Kick the Pro thread, on Christmas Day no less.

For those who may not be aware, Jimmy Reid not only won the U.S. Open in the mid '80s, but he was one of the most feared action players in the country, when the action was prevalent.

Because of his easy-going tableside demeanor, Hippy Jimmy didn't appear to have a whole lot of killer instinct, but for the cash, he was quite a formidable opponent in any venue.

I have listened to Jimmy Reid reminisce with friends many times in the past, and he can really keep you entertained with his quick wit and sense of humor.

I have not seen Jimmy Reid in recent times. He did not attend the recent 2005 U.S. Open, though he could have received free entry fee because he is a holder of that championship title.

He runs one of the most powerful pool websites in the industry, as referenced above, chockful of helpful tips and information for players of all caliber, and the tales on the road are priceless.

While he keeps his website up to date and fills orders for his instructional recordings, he also looks after an elderly relative who is unable to care for herself, which makes me like Jimmy Reid even more. He's got a good heart.

I, for one, wish Jimmy Reid season greetings, and I hope to see him soon on the tournament trail. Here's one of my favorite snapshots of Jimmy Reid and Keith.

JAM

JAM,

This is none of my business, but I didn't think he was kicking Jimmy. I really felt he was just asking the question. However, for the record, Jimmy takes forever to send his DVD's, mine took a month. I just watched them. Personally, I wish he would have been a little more himself on the videos. I know they are supposed to be professional, but they were really dry and he does over explain things a little. Content was good, but I was hoping to see some of his charisma.

Sorry for butting in on this one , but I felt I should say something before things got misunderstood. Merry Christmas to everyone.:)
 
Donovan said:
JAM,

This is none of my business, but I didn't think he was kicking Jimmy. I really felt he was just asking the question. However, for the record, Jimmy takes forever to send his DVD's, mine took a month. I just watched them. Personally, I wish he would have been a little more himself on the videos. I know they are supposed to be professional, but they were really dry and he does over explain things a little. Content was good, but I was hoping to see some of his charisma.

Sorry for butting in on this one , but I felt I should say something before things got misunderstood. Merry Christmas to everyone.:)


I bought his DVD's and got them right away, then I joined his exclusive Diamond Club and had problems with logging in and after a few emails to either him or the one that runs it sent me some nasty emails so I canceled my subscription to it, and believe me one of them on the other end was as disrespectful to the fullest , so screw them

this was my canceled subscription to diamond club after the emails

You have successfully cancelled your subscription to Jimmy Reid Exclusive
Diamond Club

You will not be billed for this subscription again.

------------------------------
Cancellation Details
------------------------------

Cancellation Date: May 17, 2004
Subscription Name: Jimmy Reid Exclusive Diamond Club
Subscription Number: S-9NJ996090P6428203
Item Number: JRDC001

------------------------------
Contact Information
------------------------------

If you have any questions about this subscription, please contact Resh Inc..
Business Name: Resh Inc.
Contact Email: jimmy@freepoollessons.com
Contact Phone: 615-851-8551

So I really don't know if it was Jimmy Reid or his associate that sent the emails that made me cancel or not

Steven
 
cuetechasaurus said:
I keep hearing stories that alot of people had a problem with Jimmy Reid. I heard that at one US Open, someone actually punched him out. Was he the type of player that would mouth off alot? I also heard he was a great player, does anyone know why he stopped playing?

I never knew him to mouth off at anybody. I have known him for like 40 years and he is a real nice guy, a charmer in fact. He was one of the best 9 ball and 8 ball players ever as well as just a great all a round player. Played very good on any size table and under even the worst of conditions. Excellent road player due to his ability to adapt to equipment. I mentioned he was a charmer, he can talk you into things, and has been, like a lot of players, known to borrow money on occasions but unlike most pays you back when he can. I don't know that he quit playing although to play against top competition you have to have a certain commitment to the game and as one gets older the desire may no longer be there.
 
jjinfla said:
I guess Santa was not nice to you. You can't even say something nice about Jimmy on Christmas?

Jimmy has a website where he is giving free pool lessons and selling DVD's.

http://freepoollessons.com/

He had that 3 second down rule in his tape he made in 1991. If people follow it they sure won't be jumping up.

I got his latest 3 pack DVD for Christmas.

Jake


Hi Jake,
When you say "his latest" 3 DVD pack.Does this include "the Art of 8 ball" and "No time for the negative", or does he have some new material out now.

The above afformentioned material has been around for a long time.
Thanks
RJ
 
recoveryjones said:
Hi Jake,
When you say "his latest" 3 DVD pack.Does this include "the Art of 8 ball" and "No time for the negative", or does he have some new material out now.

The above afformentioned material has been around for a long time.
Thanks
RJ

Well, it came with those two DVD's and a CD of "No time for the negative". You know one of those new age hypnosis things.
 
I have talked to jimmy before and he is a very nice guy. The rumors I have heard I dont know if they are true but I sure hope not...:)
 
jazznpool said:
I saw him at DCC last year and he was friendly and eager to share his thoughts on why a relatively short cue (like the one he had) was a good thing. I'd be surprised if he flat stopped playing unless he was seriously ill.

Martin

He is not alone in thinking a shorter cue feels and hits beter than a longer one.
Anyone that likes the cues that Joe Gold makes (Cognoscenti) would likely agree .
 
cuetechasaurus said:
I keep hearing stories that alot of people had a problem with Jimmy Reid. I heard that at one US Open, someone actually punched him out. Was he the type of player that would mouth off alot? I also heard he was a great player, does anyone know why he stopped playing?

Jimmy is a super nice guy and well liked from what I know. I was at his house last year. He is a US Open 9 ball Champion, an 8 ball World Champion and not exactly sure what else. He will still post up if the game is right. Now he is busy with his website and lessons. Super nice guy who can still play...don't doubt it.
 
Terrific Jimmy Reid story

:D There is a great Jimmy Reid story in The Green Felt Jungle and it's 100% true. Jimmy was and probably still is a great player, a funny guy, and one of the best things ever in the pool world. Hope he's with us for at least another 50 years......:D :p :D
 
While, it is not my intention to BASH Jimmy, but i will state some facts that should be taken in that context.
They are not attacks to his character, but simply things that happened.

Off the table, he seems like one of the nicest guys you might ever talk to. Friendly, glad to offer some of his knowledge. What you might expect from a professional.

ON the table, it all depends if he is winning the match, or if he is losing, as is with MOST pool players that i know.

I have personally played him 3 times.
Twice in 9 ball, and once in 1 pocket all in tournament play.
The first time he beat me in 9 ball, and I was the one who was very angry.
There were a couple of fellow FLORIDA guys chirping and saying some pretty ignorant stuff towards me, but Jimmy did not say a word. After he won, he went over and shared a few laughs with his buddies, on how he had taught me a lesson.

The second time, i demolished him in 9 ball, and he simply walked away and didn't bother to shake my hand or say anything positive.
He was VERY angry and there were a few insults thrown in under his breath as he walked away. These were the type of comments that might start a fight but i didn't care. the WIN was all i needed to quiet him if need be, but later i DID have a few of my friends walk up to him, and bust his chops by asking him if he won his match.
You all know how that feels, when someone who WATCHED your match, and watches you lose, comes up later and ask you the loaded question.

The last time I played him, i beat him in the first round at the Derby a few years ago, after a close to 5 hour 1 pocket match. He shook my hand, but was absolutely LIVID! and he said good shooting, and when someone on the side asked why he was so mad. he said..."Show me someone who enjoys losing, and i'll show you a loser!"

That was it.
Nice guy.
very VERY VERY sore loser.

The only other story i hear was from someon who is originally from florida and who saw Jimmy a lot during his pool years.

He said that one time, he had beaten Jimmy very badly, and when he went to shake his hand, Jimmy spit on the floor and walked away.

I don't think it reflects on who he is outside of pool. I don't know him well enough to know.
But he does have issues with losing a match.

but i think that for most of us, we all have been like that at one time or another if we ever took this game seriously in any way.
I know some of my explosions after a loss were completely ridiculous, so i can understand someone who is salty after a tough beat.
 
SUPERSTAR said:
While, it is not my intention to BASH Jimmy, but i will state some facts that should be taken in that context.
They are not attacks to his character, but simply things that happened.

Off the table, he seems like one of the nicest guys you might ever talk to. Friendly, glad to offer some of his knowledge. What you might expect from a professional.

ON the table, it all depends if he is winning the match, or if he is losing, as is with MOST pool players that i know.

I have personally played him 3 times.
Twice in 9 ball, and once in 1 pocket all in tournament play.
The first time he beat me in 9 ball, and I was the one who was very angry.
There were a couple of fellow FLORIDA guys chirping and saying some pretty ignorant stuff towards me, but Jimmy did not say a word. After he won, he went over and shared a few laughs with his buddies, on how he had taught me a lesson.

The second time, i demolished him in 9 ball, and he simply walked away and didn't bother to shake my hand or say anything positive.
He was VERY angry and there were a few insults thrown in under his breath as he walked away. These were the type of comments that might start a fight but i didn't care. the WIN was all i needed to quiet him if need be, but later i DID have a few of my friends walk up to him, and bust his chops by asking him if he won his match.
You all know how that feels, when someone who WATCHED your match, and watches you lose, comes up later and ask you the loaded question.

The last time I played him, i beat him in the first round at the Derby a few years ago, after a close to 5 hour 1 pocket match. He shook my hand, but was absolutely LIVID! and he said good shooting, and when someone on the side asked why he was so mad. he said..."Show me someone who enjoys losing, and i'll show you a loser!"

That was it.
Nice guy.
very VERY VERY sore loser.

The only other story i hear was from someon who is originally from florida and who saw Jimmy a lot during his pool years.

He said that one time, he had beaten Jimmy very badly, and when he went to shake his hand, Jimmy spit on the floor and walked away.

I don't think it reflects on who he is outside of pool. I don't know him well enough to know.
But he does have issues with losing a match.

but i think that for most of us, we all have been like that at one time or another if we ever took this game seriously in any way.
I know some of my explosions after a loss were completely ridiculous, so i can understand someone who is salty after a tough beat.

Strickland and Reid would make a great matchup :)
 
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