Kudos to SJM

[sjm]

The only thing better than reading SJM's posts is having the opportunity to visit with him in-person. I have had the good fortune to socialize with SJM, and I have always enjoyed his company. He is a class act on this board and in "real life".

kollegedave

Wow, if there's ever been a post to remind me of how long my AZB journey has been, it's this one. Thanks for your kind words. I enjoyed your company, too.

In February 2006, you sent me a PM letting me know you'd be in New York City and we arranged a game, which was really a treat. I've seen you once or twice at Derby City since, but you are one of the first that reached out to me by PM to make sure we got to meet at either a poolroom or tournament.

There have been at least twenty five others that have done the same over the years to make sure we met, with the three most recent being Tin Man, Cardigan Kid, and Cuebuddy, all of whom I'm now pleased to count as valued friends.

Where have the years gone?

 

[jay helfert]

Stu who?

 

[sjm]

Stu who?

OK, guess it's a good time to give some props to Jay here.

It was January of 2009 and I had retired about seven weeks earlier. I had never been to the Derby City Classic despite years of recommendations that I do so. Now I had no excuse, so I called the Horseshoe with the intention of booking the nine day trip to stay there and see the event in its entirety. Unfortunately, they were sold out of rooms over the first weekend, and only offered me the last six days. I, consequently, decided not to go, and mentioned my disappointment in an AZB thread. It was Jay Helfert who reached out to me. He told me that he had a room with two beds and no roommate and that I could be his roommate over the first three nights. I accepted his generous invitation and booked my own room for the other six days. It was too good to be true and he didn't even charge me.

In short, Jay Helfert figured prominently in getting me started in attending the Derby, and now I've been to eleven of them for all nine days. The next day I spend at the Derby will be my 100th at the event. I can't wait!

... just another example of how good an experience AZB has been for me. Thanks, Jay.

 

[jay helfert]

OK, guess it's a good time to give some props to Jay here.

It was January of 2009 and I had retired about seven weeks earlier. I had never been to the Derby City Classic despite years of recommendations that I do so. Now I had no excuse, so I called the Horseshoe with the intention of booking the nine day trip to stay there and see the event in its entirety. Unfortunately, they were sold out of rooms over the first weekend, and only offered me the last six days. I, consequently, decided not to go, and mentioned my disappointment in an AZB thread. It was Jay Helfert who reached out to me. He told me that he had a room with two beds and no roommate and that I could be his roommate over the first three nights. I accepted his generous invitation and booked my own room for the other six days. It was too good to be true and he didn't even charge me.

In short, Jay Helfert figured prominently in getting me started in attending the Derby, and now I've been to eleven of them for all nine days. The next day I spend at the Derby will be my 100th at the event. I can't wait!

... just another example of how good an experience AZB has been for me. Thanks, Jay.

Damn Stu, you snitched on me! You were quiet as a mouse and didn't snore. Love ya buddy!

 

[ChrisinNC]

I enjoy following his writings as well. In addition, at the last DCC I purchased the TV table and was there when Jennifer Baretta won over Joey Korsiak and upon completion of her win she ran straight to Stu and If i am not mistaken gave him a hug. Upon return the friendly guys at Diamond allowed me to ask her and Joey to sign the table. I got to talk with her and mentioned to her about running over to him and she said he was a great supporter of her and she attributed a lot of her success to him. I later found out via AZB who that guy was and followed him and should have started this thread. KUDO’s STU. In closing she politely signed my table and said ” I sure hope you enjoy it as much as I did”. Joey was not as happy of course.

When you get a player to sign your table after winning a big match on it, just curious where you get them to sign it? Obviously not on the cloth or the rail. I’m assuming on the apron or somewhere underneath?

As far as Stu he is an unquestionably a unanimous first ballot AZ Billiards Hall of Famer, for his contributions to this forum over the years!

 

[ShootingArts]

When you get a player to sign your table after winning a big match on it, just curious where you get them to sign it? Obviously not on the cloth or the rail. I’m assuming on the apron or somewhere underneath?

As far as Stu he is an unquestionably a unanimous first ballot AZ Billiards Hall of Famer, for his contributions to this forum over the years!

Careful! We have a hall of fame and it is something most try to avoid!

Hu