Luther Lassiter loses to unknown player in Oakland - 1955

sixpack

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I was giving a friend of mine a ride home last night and he told me a story about his younger days. Seems he was playing all comers at an old pool room in Oakland, 9 ball $10 & $20 in 1955. He played a fella for a while and finally the guy broke down his cue and said, "Come with me on the road, we'll get rich." My buddy said "now why would I do that?". The stranger said "I'm the best 9-ball player in the world, and I don't know if I can beat you."

Turns out it was Luther Lassiter.

I don't want to post his name, but if someone guesses it I'll tell you you're right.

I don't know if this really happened, what do you think?

Cheers,
RC
 
I'll second the Richard Cook nomination; sounds like a "Bucktooth" operation to me.
 
jnav447 said:
I'll second the Richard Cook nomination; sounds like a "Bucktooth" operation to me.

No, it wasn't Bucktooth. He's not a well-known player except in these parts. He played great 9-ball and 1-pocket and still will play 1-pocket (at 77 or so) but has trouble getting games. He hangs out and stakes players in small games mostly.

Cheers,
RC
 
well I can believe that Bucktooth would tell you that story but the truth is another thing. Then again Bucktooth has his own ride.
I know it wasnt RA because Luther broke him down at 9 ball. But then again he would need a ride.
 
yobagua said:
well I can believe that Bucktooth would tell you that story but the truth is another thing. Then again Bucktooth has his own ride.
I know it wasnt RA because Luther broke him down at 9 ball. But then again he would need a ride.

It wasn't RA because RA got his butt kicked by anyone who could play 9 ball.
 
sixpack wrote:
> Seems he was playing all comers at an old pool
> room in Oakland, 9 ball $10 & $20 in 1955.

For the record, 20 dollars back in 1955 was about $140 in today's money.

> Turns out it was Luther Lassiter.

I think your friend is pulling your leg -- "the older I get the better I was" kind of thingee. But again, great story.

-- peer
 
Hello Freddy the Beard.
I was over at onepocket.org last week reading about Weeine Beenie, and I read your interview. I loved it!! I think that Billionair hustle would be Great in a movie!! You need to save those stories get them down some how!! That's Real Americaina..!! I could see Ken Burns doing a series on you and your friends.
Thank You
 
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