Mike Dechaine giving pool one more shot

Positively Ralf said:
Weird how everyone just jumped at the idea of him being on the mosconi cup team. For all we know, he probably isn't event thinking about that and is more gunning for these big prize individual events.

Besides, why would people want him to be there considering the lot of you hate him and his attitude?
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I don't think anyone hates the guy but let's just say we're a tad uncertain til he proves he's changed. He has a long history of being a total jackass. He didn't earn the nickname ' Douche-aine' for nothing. Hope he's outgrown his past.
 
upindaklub said:
Mike's FB page contains this update. Fireball is returning

Mike Dechaine​

rooSdsnetp54tti2mht202g69381i15iif7l11823hl65cttitl6mhgiha60 ·

I’m excited to announce that I’m slowly, but surely, getting back into playing competitive pool. The last 8 years has been an incredible journey working for one of the best companies in the world, Renewal by Andersen, but I would have regretted not giving pool one more shot. More importantly, I want to do right by America while I still have it in me!
🇺🇸

US Open
✅

Texas Open
✅

Smoky Mountain Shootout
✅

International Open
✅
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He’s the guy I see at the supermarket selling window replacements as I push my basket towards the front door on the way to my car?
 
JAM said:
I wish Mike Dechaine the best on his pool journey.

At one Mosconi Cup, it seemed he had a chip on his shoulder and did not get along with his fellow Mosconi Cup members on Team USA. It was very noticeable and folks commented about it. Of course, I'm not sure what was going on behind the scenes, but Mike did not seem happy shooting pool at that time.

Also, sadly, he was cyberbullied online by those who did not like him with cruel words and memes.

I'm hoping he's gained a sense of maturity and will be all that he can be today. He's now 37 years old. I met him in 2004 on the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour. A friend from Maine told me that this kid, Mike Dechaine, is the real deal and that he's strong. I remember seeing him at various events. Here's a photo from 2004. I guess he was 17 here.


View attachment 772143
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Well, he's somehow managed to shrink his head, so there is that (almost didn't recognize him).

No, seriously, his demeanor seemed way more positive and I hope that he can do well. If he's really matured, I have no problem rooting him on.

Jaden
 
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If digitalpool's player performance rating numbers are legit, he performed a little above his current fargo. Not bad for a long time off from pool and a short time back.

Personally I think the US needs all the help we can get. Our current batch of "typical" best players either don't perform well in a team (Mosconi Cup) or overseas environment, or pool is no longer their priority. I think we can use someone with a little attitude myself, just not too much attitude.

I think he has always had the better moving game among Americans. Sure, he relied on his break (and probably rack mechanics), but he could also fall back on his all-around game.

On a side note, it seems that even with the current break format of matchroom, it is the harder breakers that do better.
 
Badpenguin said:
View attachment 776413

If digitalpool's player performance rating numbers are legit, he performed a little above his current fargo. Not bad for a long time off from pool and a short time back.

Personally I think the US needs all the help we can get. Our current batch of "typical" best players either don't perform well in a team (Mosconi Cup) or overseas environment, or pool is no longer their priority. I think we can use someone with a little attitude myself, just not too much attitude.

I think he has always had the better moving game among Americans. Sure, he relied on his break (and probably rack mechanics), but he could also fall back on his all-around game.

On a side note, it seems that even with the current break format of matchroom, it is the harder breakers that do better.
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Impressive play for a guy coming off the bench!
 
My understanding is that Mike had some issues with alcohol, ego, and sticking his nose in drama. But if 7 years is long enough to wipe a Chapter 13 bankruptcy off your credit report, it's certainly long enough for him to take off pool without issue and return with a blank slate as far as I'm concerned. I'm hoping he adapts to this new world of pool and possibly finds himself in form that's worth of good results, good money, and potentially helping the USA out again on the Mosconi Cup.
 
Baby Huey said:
Earl got away for years with his bad behavior because he was winning. Mike has a special talent and he has special problems too. Will both resurface? Or, will only one?
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WTF??? Both??? Earl's game is deader than Elvis.
 
People with savant talent burn a little different than us average folks. That's what gets them to the top. Sometimes it super novas them. Regardless of what we say or think he's the only one of us in 300+ million that could pull off being a world top 15 from the position he's in. I've had a couple conversations with him just hanging around. He's fairly engaging and you can tell he's real intelligent. He's got more shit going on than just a pool comeback. He's setting himself up for success business wise also. No matter how the pool turns out, he'll be better off than the average bear. You can't teach talent. Good luck.
 
realtor1618 said:
I’m not either. He sure didn’t accomplish much in past Mosconi’s. I’m not sure why so many people believe in him like they do. Compare his winning percentage in the Mosconi Cup to Tyler and Billy‘s. Not impressive at all. I hope he proves me wrong and the USA gains another, much needed, world class player. As you said, “we’ll see”.

Mosconi winning percentages:

• Mike Dechaine 24%

• Tyler Styer- 44%

• Billy Thorpe- 43%
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I'll bet Mike against either of these guys....
 
sammylane12 said:
Well, Ralph IS an all-time great player. Mike is not in the same class. When Mike quit 7 or 8 years ago, in his prime, he was as good as he will ever be. I say that based on my experience following pool players for 50+ years. He wasted his prime years (as far as pool is concerned) and he will not get them back. He will find 9 ball has moved on without him. He could still dominate regional tournaments but I just can`t see him being a factor in international events.
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Ever the optomist....why do you even get out of bed?
 
westcoast said:
I never heard about that incident- quite poor behavior on his part. Seems like he has matured somewhat though
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Least he pays his gambling debts....Oscar more bothered by Johnny hitting him with the high hard one.
 
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