jay helfert said:
They all played great pool at the same time, but just like today, on some days a player is "right" and on some days he isn't. Buddy is by far the most consistent of the three. He has played top speed pool on all size tables for decades now. And yes, his game has slipped over the last few years. It amazes me that he can still play as well as he does.
Keith had periods in his life where he was simply unbeatable. Everyone (with Buddy being the lone exception) was ducking him. Only Matlock would get on a small box with him. Keith would have to search far and wide for an even game. Only if he found a Denny Searcy, Jimmy Reid, Wade Crane, Louie Roberts or Mike Carella could he get played. But even during those peak years, Keith would have his "off" days. Keith also amazed me frequently. He would stay away from the poolroom for weeks at a time and hang around the race tracks. No one to play was the obvious reason. Then some hustler would come in from out of town and start robbing everyone. They would go and get Keith and bring him to the poolroom. He would hit a few balls and get up there and massacre that poor guy. Once he found his stroke, it was all over. :wink:
David also had some "low" periods in his life where his pool game suffered. He lost his desire to play and consequently he became beatable, particularly in tournaments. Even during those difficult times that David went through, he still was winning his share of bar table tourneys against top flight competition. I strongly suspect if he had been more motivated, his record in bar box tourneys would look more like Buddy's.
There are many factors to consider when determining who the best player may be on a given day. His frame of mind is primary, even before considering the game to be played, the location, and the equipment they are playing on. Has he gotten proper rest, is he hung over from the night before, is he prepared to play right now. State of mind is everything in a game like pool, with all its psychological undertones. This is especially so when top players are involved. That is just as true today as it was 10, 20, 30 or 40 years ago.
Very good points Jay. Pool and action don't or rarely have a xchedule like most sports. More often than no they run into each other and the barking begins. One or the other hits a nerve and off they go. Egos and pride are a big part of it. As you said though, often nobody knows what happened the day before or the mind set at the time.
David has always been one of my favorites just as Ed Kelly was. They just seemed to have that certain little something that most didn't and they were able to often hypnotize some great players with their presence and intimidating control of the table.
Years ago, I had heard of David, but had never laid eyes on him, but while on the road and passing through Amarillo Texas, we stopped at an old pool room there called Harveys.
Once we entered we saw a huge crowd and knew something was going on. My road dog nudged me and asked who Matlock was playing and I said that it was Ritchie Ambrose, Mr 9 Ball a very feared player in those days.
We learned they were playing 10 ahead for like $8000 and David was putting up a big fight on the 4 x 8 table. Then Ritchie starts his BS or imitation of Ronnie, really showing his ass.
The score got back to even when Ritchie asked, " You have a name cowboy"?
David responds with David.
Ritchie fires back, "very good, David what"?
Matlock.
Where are we from continues Ritchie?
Poncha City Oklahoma David replies".
Ritchie in a loud voce declares, " in't this a *****, I'm dead even with some no named punk from Poncha City Okalahoma! I'm Mr 9 Ball, how can this be"?
David took his ball cap and turned it backwards and went to work hittin him with first a 6 pack and then finished the set with 4 consecutive games. When finished Dave simply turned his cap back forward, walked right up to Ritchie and asked, "Punk huh?" "Why would they call you Mr. 9-ball?"
Ambrose went off the air to the point I thought his head would pop.
During the IPT fiasco David got real fired up and started playing real well agin. He looked 20 years younger and looked motivated and as if he were enjoying himself again. It's demise really deflated him.
Too bad, he is an incredible natural talent.
