Keith McCready vs. Allen Hopkins in the Finals at Joss Tour in PA

[JAM]

What a fantastic weekend! Even though only 32 players showed up to Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hill, PA, the player roster consisted of topnotch players, Jose Parica, Karen Corr (who knocked Jose in the tub and a few others on her way to fourth place), Dennis Hatch, Young Guns Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh and Pookie, Pennsylvania State Champ Joe DiPietro, New York Veteran Mike Zuglan, World Champion Allen Hopkins, and Keith, just to name a few. Bob Maidoff, a strong player in his own right, is the owner and was the host of the $3,000-added eighth stop on the Joss Tour tournament trail.

If you ever get the chance to visit Drexeline Billiards, it is worth the trip just to see this unique pool room, rich in culture. It is a comfortable place. Every single wall was lined with photographs of champion pocket billiard players, many autographed, posters of large tournaments from yesteryear, and two glass-enclosed cases filled with pool-related antiques, paraphernalia, and memorabilia. Drexeline Billiards is a museum displaying the history of pocket billiards in the past century or more, and I have never seen a collection like this.

When the finals came down to Allen Hopkins and Keith McCready, the show was on, two veterans players and friends strutting their stuff, each hoping to snatch the first-place win. Keith was in dead punch, thanks to the heavier blue-dot cue ball, according to him, and he played fast and furious. There was some soft music playing in the background with oldie tunes from a local radio station, and between two games in the final match, as Allen was racking the balls, Keith broke out in song and sang a few lines, "Happy Holidays to you all," which brought a few chuckles from the rail. Both players put on an exhibition of championship pool, and this weekend, Keith managed to make his way to the finish line unscathed.

After the tournament, eight of us went to a local restaurant to celebrate, and it sure was a lot of fun. At the end of the meal, filled with good conversation and cheer, as I reached into my pocketbook to pay for the meal, Allen Hopkins wouldn't hear of it and treated everybody there. I don't get to see Allen Hopkins competing too much, as he's usually busy with promoting successful pool events, but believe me when I tell you, this fellow still packs a mean punch on a field of green. As I observed him in various matches during the tournament, he maintained a smile on his face throughout and actually was enjoying himself. He has a unique stroke, kind of a quick-draw slip stroke, and he still plays championship-level pool. He was playing with a beautiful Black Boar cue with Tiger wrap. Allen Hopkins is a champion, a legend, an asset to the sport, and a really nice guy!

My heartfelt thanks go out to Bob Maidhoff, the host of this event, and Mike Zuglan, the Joss Tour TD for making this tournament happen!

Picture of Keith McCready and Allen Hopkins below. Check out those trophys!

JAM

 

[cut shot]

Finally.. one for the Gipper! Way to go Kieth!

 

[XzyluM]

Way to go Keith. Thanks for the update JAM.

 

[quickshot]

Great Post!!!

Congrats Keith....and JAM ....do you write for a living???? Jeeeeezzzzzz you sure do cover these events well!!! If you don't, one of the mags ought to sign you up. Thx

 

[JAM]

Congrats Keith....and JAM ....do you write for a living???? Jeeeeezzzzzz you sure do cover these events well!!! If you don't, one of the mags ought to sign you up. Thx

Thanks for the flowers, Quickshot! I enjoy chatting with others like you on the pool forums, and when I'm unable to attend an event, I look forward to others sharing their experiences and satisfying my inquiring mind!

Some tournaments are special for me, and this one hits the top of the charts, not only because Keith played well and got a really cool trophy, but Drexeline Billiards was fascinating to me, with all of its rich culture displayed in full glory for all to enjoy. It's the kind of pool room that anybody would like hanging out in, very inviting and comfortable.

On Saturday night, Dennis Hatch, his girlfriend Danielle, Keith and I went to an off-track-betting facility in downtown Philly and chomped down some Philadelphia cheesesteaks. YUMMIE! Here's a good picture of Danielle, Dennis, and Keith!

JAM

 

[JAM]

What a World Champion Plays With...

Allen Hopkins stated he really, really liked the way his custom-made Black Boar cue hit, which is shown on the right. It has a Tiger wrap which looks like it would be easy to grip, a little different looking than the traditional Irish linen wrap.

He uses a Helmstetter break cue (depicted on the left) that he's had for years, he said, and when I examined the break cue, you could see the battle scars from a couple of decades of competition.

Just found it interesting to see what a world-class player like Allen Hopkins uses and took this picture. He could probably pick anything in the world to play with, but enjoys these weapons!

JAM

 

[hemicudas]

Thanks for the flowers, Quickshot! I enjoy chatting with others like you on the pool forums, and when I'm unable to attend an event, I look forward to others sharing their experiences and satisfying my inquiring mind!

Some tournaments are special for me, and this one hits the top of the charts, not only because Keith played well and got a really cool trophy, but Drexeline Billiards was fascinating to me, with all of its rich culture displayed in full glory for all to enjoy. It's the kind of pool room that anybody would like hanging out in, very inviting and comfortable.

On Saturday night, Dennis Hatch, his girlfriend Danielle, Keith and I went to an off-track-betting facility in downtown Philly and chomped down some Philadelphia cheesesteaks. YUMMIE! Here's a good picture of Danielle, Dennis, and Keith!

JAM

Jennie Ann, any relevance in the fact that they are standing in front of an ATM, lol? Great reporting, as usual, girl...............Me.

 

[vagabond]

congratulations to Keith

Hi JAM,
U never disappoint me with your reporting style.Congats to keith.
Allen is a great guy.Last time I ran into him in Florida he bought my Budweiser and that was not the first time.Cheers
Vagabond

 

[cardiac kid]

JAM, you did it again Lady. You have got to write (and photograph) more often. Congradulations to Keith as well. Winning a Joss event of any size is tops in my book.

Please give me your thoughts as to why the field was that small for a three thousand dollar added event. We are having a two thousand dollar added Joss event here in April. Bob seems to do a great job. Philly is a hot bed of great players. Its a great room. Great location. What the hell gives? I played the Capitol City Classic last year. If I remember correctly, that had a smallish field as well. Some of the local players said there was no local promotion of that event. Are the Planet Pool & Hampton Ridge Tours taking that many players?

 

[JAM]

Jmho, Fwiw...

Please give me your thoughts as to why the field was that small for a three thousand dollar added event. We are having a two thousand dollar added Joss event here in April. Bob seems to do a great job. Philly is a hot bed of great players. Its a great room. Great location. What the hell gives? I played the Capitol City Classic last year. If I remember correctly, that had a smallish field as well. Some of the local players said there was no local promotion of that event. Are the Planet Pool & Hampton Ridge Tours taking that many players?

Cardiac Kid, this weekend, there were three pool events happening on the East Coast: 32 players at Joss Tourney in PA, 52 players in NYC for New York State event; and 43 UPA players competing in the launch of the $300,000-in-guaranteed addeds North American Open Tour in Florida, the first leg being a $30,000-added 2-tournament extravaganza--$20,000 for the 43 UPA players going on now and $10,000 for an open-to-all tournament next week.

In this day and age of the Internet and availability of print media, it is unfortunate that more communication and "getting the message out there" isn't stronger. Sometimes, I do know that dates can overlap because of availability at select venues. Getting that message out there IN ADVANCE to what little audience this sport actually has, at least here in the United States, is important.

Now, you'd think this would be good for pool players in general, so many tournaments happening at the same time. But this weekend is a prime example of what can occur when three events on the East Coast transpire simultaneously.

I'm pretty sure Mike Davis would have attended the Joss Tour as opposed to going to Florida, as an example, and I think Danny DiLiberto may have chosen to go to Florida and shoot for the $30,000 instead of the NYC championship. Next weekend, there will be two $5,000-added end-of-the-season final tournaments for Planet Pool 9-Ball Tour and Hampton Ridge, both located in the same region of the country.

BTW, Jose Parica is definitely coming to Rockville, Maryland, to attend the Planet Pool 9-Ball season finale, but I've gotta say that I believe some of those Hampton Ridge players, who do frequent the Planet Pool 9-Ball Tour from time to time, would have liked to have taken a shot at both of the upcoming $5,000-added events occurring the same weekend, December 4th and 5th. When larger numbers of players attend a tournament, there is more money in the pot from entry fees AND the host/promoter may break even or make a profit for their hard work. It is a win-win for all!

A person much wiser than I in the pool racket recently told me that in order for pool to succeed, they need name-brand recognition, a successful men's tour as an example, a product to offer which would attract sorely needed sponsors. Forty-three players attending the $20,000 UPA tournament in Florida isn't a good thing (IMO). It would be more desirable if 143 players showed up for something as big as this. Entering the picture nowadays is the very attractive overseas tournaments in Asia, definitely enjoyed by many of the Philippino players we've all come to know and love to watch!

I believe, and I have stated so before, that a central tournament registry would be helpful. This would be ideal for all: pool players, TD's, tour directors, promoters, vendors, media, professional organizations, and pool fans.

Once again, this is JMHO, FWIW, and represent my own views only.

JAM

 

[jhendri2]

Jennie,

Give my congrats to the Earthquake!!!! He's always been my favorite player. Now that he's won one, tell'em to finish the book already !

Jim

 

[Barbara]

Ooooo, Allen's pretty cue with the blue suede wrap!! Keiith's not the only person to win against that cue!!

Allen Hopkins stated he really, really liked the way his custom-made Black Boar cue hit, which is shown on the right. It has a Tiger wrap which looks like it would be easy to grip, a little different looking than the traditional Irish linen wrap.

He uses a Helmstetter break cue (depicted on the left) that he's had for years, he said, and when I examined the break cue, you could see the battle scars from a couple of decades of competition.

Just found it interesting to see what a world-class player like Allen Hopkins uses and took this picture. He could probably pick anything in the world to play with, but enjoys these weapons!

JAM

If you liked all the black an whites Bob's got hanging, I've got a couple more. Jimmy Caras gave them to us when we visited him in Jax. I've got one of Jimmy and Chick Seabeck when they were in their early twenties! I'll try an take a pic of it an post it.

Barbara

 

[JAM]

If you liked all the black an whites Bob's got hanging, I've got a couple more. Jimmy Caras gave them to us when we visited him in Jax. I've got one of Jimmy and Chick Seabeck when they were in their early twenties! I'll try an take a pic of it an post it.

I'd really enjoy seeing the pictures, Barbara!

There isn't very much in the way of a pool archives that is representative of the history of pocket billiards, and much of the data comes from folks who were actually there relaying their stories about pool in the United States from yesteryear.

I don't even know who Chick Seabeck is, Barbara, reflecting my ignorance. I did a Google search and came up empty. This is why I really liked seeing the history of pocket billiards for the last 100 years or so on full display, free to all who visit Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hill, PA. I recommend this stop to everybody who enjoys the sport!

Here's my favorite picture of Keith and Allen taken this past weekend.

JAM

 

[cardiac kid]

In this day and age of the Internet and availability of print media, it is unfortunate that more communication and "getting the message out there" isn't stronger. Sometimes, I do know that dates can overlap because of availability at select venues. Getting that message out there IN ADVANCE to what little audience this sport actually has, at least here in the United States, is important....I believe, and I have stated so before, that a central tournament registry would be helpful. This would be ideal for all: pool players, TD's, tour directors, promoters, vendors, media, professional organizations, and pool fans.

Hi Jen,

Thanks for the reply. From what I've seen, AZ does a great job of getting the word out regarding upcoming events. It is a two way street. Promoters have to list their events in advance. Still, conflicts do arise. Reno and Grady's event are the same week. At least they are on opposite coasts.

February's schedule has the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY and the Pittsburgh Hilton events conflicting. Mike Zuglan does a great job of posting his dates well in advance. I think the Joss schedule was up on AZ in August. How could a competing promoter claim not to know about his event in February? Lack of caring. About the players that is. Mike already filled his sixty four available prepaid spots. There are still six players on the waiting list. I can understand the limited number of dates available. I just find it inexcusable for this to happen. Last year, Charlie Williams scheduled a UPA event in NYC the same weekend as the Joss finals in Maine. He didn't know either. BS! Mike has a successful tour. The UPA is trying to force him to sanction with them to avoid future conflicts. Ain't going to happen!

 

[JAM]

Hi Jen,

Thanks for the reply. From what I've seen, AZ does a great job of getting the word out regarding upcoming events. It is a two way street. Promoters have to list their events in advance. Still, conflicts do arise. Reno and Grady's event are the same week. At least they are on opposite coasts.

February's schedule has the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY and the Pittsburgh Hilton events conflicting. Mike Zuglan does a great job of posting his dates well in advance. I think the Joss schedule was up on AZ in August. How could a competing promoter claim not to know about his event in February? Lack of caring. About the players that is. Mike already filled his sixty four available prepaid spots. There are still six players on the waiting list. I can understand the limited number of dates available. I just find it inexcusable for this to happen. Last year, Charlie Williams scheduled a UPA event in NYC the same weekend as the Joss finals in Maine. He didn't know either. BS! Mike has a successful tour. The UPA is trying to force him to sanction with them to avoid future conflicts. Ain't going to happen!

You've hit the nail on the head, Cardiac Kid!

It doesn't do the sport a bit of good when those within this very, very small subculture continue to attempt to thwart the progress of others. Is this continuing dilemma due to a scheduling problem, lack of promotion, availability of venue sites, or pure greed?

Sadly, some events which are advertised as "open to all" truly, in fact, are not, another slap in the face to aspiring pool players. Personality conflicts enter the fray.

Cardiac Kid, I have read on AzBilliards discussion forum that you are a UPA member. There are only 43 players competing in Florida at the first event of the $300,000 North American Open Tour (NAOT) sponsored by the Hilton Hotel, which is UPA-sanctioned. I know you just got back from Vegas and hope you are celebrating and enjoying your recent victory. It is very expensive for most pool players I know to attend every single tournament available to them, another snag in the fabric of the men's tour.

However, a real men's tour is exactly what would advance the sport. As it stands now, the Asian tournaments are attractive to the Philippino players, and the UPA is now suffering due to a lack of attendance (IMO). 43 players competing on the first leg of the Hilton-sponsored tour is very sad, indeed, and what kind of return is the Hilton going to receive from their very large investment in the NAOT, as it sits now?

Mike Zuglan continues to keep the Joss Tour thriving and strong, thanks to his dedication and hard work, the sponsorship of Joss Cues, pool vendors who donate cue sticks for raffles, and the loyal pool room owners who add monies and provide a venue for the tour stops. The Joss Tour is in its eighth season, and I applaud every single person who contribute to its success.

Picture of Keith and New York State Champion and Veteran Player Mike Zuglan, the Joss Tour tournament director, taken this past weekend. Thanks, Mike Zuglan, for providing a venue to players of all caliber, open to all.

JAM

 

[JAM]

Proud of my trophy...

This is one special trophy, engraved to commemorate this Joss Tour event, thanks to the host and owner of Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hill, PA, Bob Maidoff.

During the tournament, Keith was hopeful to advance through the brackets and win the cheese. JAM, however, had her eyes on this beautiful and very much appreciated keepsake!

JAM

 

[cardiac kid]

Hi Jen,

Thanks for your "politically correct" description of the low attendence and my failure to support that UPA event. I have to make choices. I commited to the BCA event in May of this year. I guess I am too organized. My airline reservation to Vegas was dated late in May. I try to attend as many UPA events as possible.

I, like many other touring pro members, support the UPA as a matter of wanting to help the game of pool. Not because I play to that level. The BCA rates my game as borderline Grand Master. My best Joss finish is a hardfought third. With me rating my game, I'd say I figure to finish top ten percent in most major events. Keith is a top one percenter or a proven winner at the same events.

If love of the game was worth anything, I too am a top one percenter. One of my prized possessions is a trophy having won a YMCA junior pool tournament in 1959 at fifteen! Some of us are fortunate and have both the talent and the dedication. My friend Mike Sigel is an example. Some have one. Some the other. I have too little of each to rise to the top. In the end, I've learned to accept my game. I do the very best I can every opportunity at the table. Although your description of your play is somewhat different, I KNOW your love of the game equals mine! Thanks for continuing to share your love!

 

[JAM]

Hi Jen,

Thanks for your "politically correct" description of the low attendence and my failure to support that UPA event. I have to make choices. I commited to the BCA event in May of this year. I guess I am too organized. My airline reservation to Vegas was dated late in May. I try to attend as many UPA events as possible....

Cardiac Kid, I completely empathize with you relating to "support." It is impossible -- I repeat IMPOSSIBLE -- to make a living shooting pool because of the current state of affairs here in the States. The expenses far outweigh the payoffs in most venues.

A non-pool-related sponsor, the Hilton Hotel, steps up to the plate and offers a $300,000 tour, and the very first event has an attendance of 43 UPA touring pros. I don't know what the answer is, Cardiac Kid. The Hilton Hotel provides a great venue for aspiring pool players. However, the aspiring pool players, like you and Keith, are unable to attend some tournaments because of pure economics. There is no getting around it. This is a fact.

Because of Keith's passion for the game, which I know you have a great deal of as well, we continue to attend every single event within our reach. The Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour is great because the events occur on a weekend, a covenience to some working stiffs like myself.

I hope to meet you at the Joss Tour tourney at Turning Stone Casino in February, Cardiac Kid. I am the poker player in my camp, and I will definitely be competing in that poker tournament.

JAM

 

[Barbara]

Jenn,

Chick Seabeck was a top player from the Northeast waaaay long ago. I think Billiards Digest did an article on him a few years ago. The late Nick Vlarhos (sp?) was really interested in seeing this pic I have of him because pics of him were so rare., nobody knew what he looked like.

So how do you post a pic on the board, anyway?

Barbara

I'd really enjoy seeing the pictures, Barbara!

There isn't very much in the way of a pool archives that is representative of the history of pocket billiards, and much of the data comes from folks who were actually there relaying their stories about pool in the United States from yesteryear.

I don't even know who Chick Seabeck is, Barbara, reflecting my ignorance. I did a Google search and came up empty. This is why I really liked seeing the history of pocket billiards for the last 100 years or so on full display, free to all who visit Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hill, PA. I recommend this stop to everybody who enjoys the sport!

Here's my favorite picture of Keith and Allen taken this past weekend.

JAM

 

[SUPERSTAR]

Cardiac Kid, I completely empathize with you relating to "support." It is impossible -- I repeat IMPOSSIBLE -- to make a living shooting pool because of the current state of affairs here in the States. The expenses far outweigh the payoffs in most venues.

A non-pool-related sponsor, the Hilton Hotel, steps up to the plate and offers a $300,000 tour, and the very first event has an attendance of 43 UPA touring pros. I don't know what the answer is, Cardiac Kid. The Hilton Hotel provides a great venue for aspiring pool players. However, the aspiring pool players, like you and Keith, are unable to attend some tournaments because of pure economics. There is no getting around it. This is a fact.

JAM

Is this a Deja Vu or what. Werent we just talking about this very thing?

I don't think that the turnouts for these large events is gonna to change overnight.

Hilton is naive to think that the majority of pool players can just pick up and head out for a tournament whenever they want.
Just look at the OPEN. That took YEARS it to finally become huge. (regardless of the setbacks)
Why? Because they had it ONCE a year, and the majority of pool players who WORK for a living could plan their yearly vacations around it, and head out to participate.

To assume that players have the luxury of coming out to every event just cause you put up the cash is ridiculous.

I know pool players who have sponsorships, that STILL work regular jobs.
The sponsorships are allocated monies for every event played. But they STILL have to get off from work to attend. Or if it's a salary sponsorship, they have to attend a certain minimum of events.

It kind of sucks when you have to take a lower paying more flexible job, just to be able to get OFF from work to go play.

That's why you see pool players come and go because DESPITE their talent, it is too hard for them to continue playing with the limited amount of funds available to win.

If hilton wanted to see a better turnout, they could have taken all that money and broken it down. If the total is $300,000. They could have chopped that up into $15,000 slices, and backed 20 Joss weekends.

Imagine that. A WEEKEND tour with that type of money. $15,000 a stop plus whatever the host room adds.
You'd have EVERYBODY, and i do mean everybody, on the east coast going to every event. REGARDLESS of their ability.

Sure it would get crazy with the turnouts, but just imagine the possibilities.
Get a camera crew in there to film it like the pro bowling tour, where they just set up at whatever bowling alley they are at. Slap it on ESPN, and you have EXPOSURE. 20 events to stick in some time slot, and repeat every now and then. Once you get the exposure, THEN you can build on it.

CARDIAC KID...you should give Mike this idea before some greedy sleezeball steals the idea for themselves.

As for the UPA..............nuff said!

SUPERSTAR