Say what you want about Keith MacCready, but whether you like him or not, he IS an American original! Just as much as John MacEnroe, Barry Bonds, John Daly, Allen Iverson, or Deon Saunders. I've known Keith since he was a stringy haired teenager who refused to back down from the best pool players in the world. It's only too bad he didn't have a bigger stage to showcase his talents. If he had, he might have become a superstar too.
Of all the pool players I've seen in my life, Ronnie, Keith and Louie had the most charisma and star power. Everybody wanted to watch these guys play, even if two "champions" were playing on the next table. No question Keith had immense talent (and probably still has) at pool, but he had something else too. Keith had crowd appeal! Pool could use a dozen more just like him. Unfortunately there is no mold for people like Ronnie, Keith and Louie. That's why they are American originals!
Who's close today? Alex, and that's about it.