Looking for some stories of George Ellis, anyone?

[grindz]

George Ellis, of Grand Rapids, Michigan was Harold Worst's sparring partner. I knew
him in his twilight years. I have many fond memories of George. I know he was Harold's
friend. I also know that he mentored Bobby Hunter in his early playing career.

George told me that he had played Fats when he (George) was younger and beat him
handily multiple times for significant amounts, so I know he got around. I don't know any
of his history with the game though, and have always been curious to hear more.

I had the pleasure of playing partners short rack snooker with George, and many others
at Comet Bowling alley in GR. If any of the old group are still around....I'd love to hear
more stories....Jim, Tom, Dave..... any of you out there? I'd also like to see any footage
of Harold, and/or George if there is any out there that anyone knows of. Those times were and still are my favorite pool memories. Anyone??

R.I.P. George...Boyd....Eddie...

td

 

[Neil]

Here's one story for you that I will do my best to recall correctly.

George and Harold (Worst) were going to have an exhibition downtown at some private club. Race to 200. They were sparring partners, so they both were extremely familiar with each others game.

George pulled out to a good lead, about 150 or so to 0. George then got a little cocky, and asked Harold if he wanted to bet $25 on the outcome. (Back then, $25 was a nice little chunk of change). Harold took him up on it, and proceeded to run 200 and out on George!

In George's later years, near the end, he still played. His hand shook so bad that it would often come right up off the table. Yet, he still was subject to put an 80 or so on you at anytime! He used to drive others nuts that he could shake like that and still beat them bad. He would just try and time it to hit the cb at the right time in the shake. By that point, he couldn't draw the ball anymore because of the shakes. He mentally was afraid to get low enough to draw figuring he would most likely miscue. Yet, he still put up decent numbers just trying to hit near the center of the cb as much as possible.

For a number of years after he passed, we had a 14.1 tournament every year in his honor. But, as with all good things, that eventually passed to. Used to be a plague hanging in the Sands pool room with all the winners each year 1st-3rd place. That isn't there anymore either.

 

[grindz]

Thanks Niel,

George and Harold were both good business men, and
good pool players (great pool players), something not so
well known these days.

Anyone else have any good stories??

td

 

[grindz]

Only One story???

That's too bad. I thought at least the Michigan crowd would have more.
I guess George was one of the unknown 'monsters' of the past. Just
Goes to show that HUGE talents may be or have been out there that
We just aren't aware of. I'm sure it is more difficult today with the cell
Phone though.

TD