Mosconi was one of the greatest pool players who ever lived. Right there with Greenleaf, Lassiter, Rags, James Evans, Harold Worst and a couple of others.
Fats meanwhile was one of the most fascinating people ever, a true celebrity in every sense of the word. He attracted a crowd wherever he went, be it a gas station, a hotel lobby or a restaurant lounge area.
How good was Fats? Somewhere between a Shortstop and a top player. Like an 'A' player but not a champion. He played One Pocket, Banks and Three Cushions quite well. What he did know how to do was WIN THE MONEY! And he did it quite successfully for fifty odd years, hence the name "Triple Smart Fats", given him at an early age in New York.
I witnessed him beat Richie out of 20K+ in Johnston City in the 60's playing One Hole getting 8-7. Also saw him beat Eddie Robin at Three Cushions at the Michigan state Fairgrounds in 1963 (for $$) when Eddie was the hottest young player in the country. Eddie denies this match took place. I was an Eye Witness!
I heard that Fats had beaten Mosconi in a gaff game many years ago in Willie's Dad's room. They played Bank every other ball Straight Pool. Willie went broke at this game, and a life long hatred was fostered. Fats did not have a high regard for Willie and vice versa. In the 60's Fats used to tell a story about "Willie the Wop" who miscued on the game ball for the World Championship. Somehow in the 70's Fats was convinced not to tell this story any longer.
In a tournament setting (hypothetical) and on their TV matches Willie always won. But Fats won the battle of the words, time after time. And the hearts of pool fans everywhere. Willie always appeared uptight and determined to put Fats in his place. These matches (and winning them) meant a lot to Willie. Fats on the other hand, played to the crowd and the television audience. And they loved it!
As someone else said, people would flock to see Fats and hang on his every word. He is the only man I ever saw do an exhibition and never make a ball. In fact, he rarely shot one. He just held his cue, stood by the table and told stories for an hour or two. And people couldn't get enough of it. I heard all his stories a hundred times and still enjoyed them.
Fats meanwhile was one of the most fascinating people ever, a true celebrity in every sense of the word. He attracted a crowd wherever he went, be it a gas station, a hotel lobby or a restaurant lounge area.
How good was Fats? Somewhere between a Shortstop and a top player. Like an 'A' player but not a champion. He played One Pocket, Banks and Three Cushions quite well. What he did know how to do was WIN THE MONEY! And he did it quite successfully for fifty odd years, hence the name "Triple Smart Fats", given him at an early age in New York.
I witnessed him beat Richie out of 20K+ in Johnston City in the 60's playing One Hole getting 8-7. Also saw him beat Eddie Robin at Three Cushions at the Michigan state Fairgrounds in 1963 (for $$) when Eddie was the hottest young player in the country. Eddie denies this match took place. I was an Eye Witness!
I heard that Fats had beaten Mosconi in a gaff game many years ago in Willie's Dad's room. They played Bank every other ball Straight Pool. Willie went broke at this game, and a life long hatred was fostered. Fats did not have a high regard for Willie and vice versa. In the 60's Fats used to tell a story about "Willie the Wop" who miscued on the game ball for the World Championship. Somehow in the 70's Fats was convinced not to tell this story any longer.
In a tournament setting (hypothetical) and on their TV matches Willie always won. But Fats won the battle of the words, time after time. And the hearts of pool fans everywhere. Willie always appeared uptight and determined to put Fats in his place. These matches (and winning them) meant a lot to Willie. Fats on the other hand, played to the crowd and the television audience. And they loved it!
As someone else said, people would flock to see Fats and hang on his every word. He is the only man I ever saw do an exhibition and never make a ball. In fact, he rarely shot one. He just held his cue, stood by the table and told stories for an hour or two. And people couldn't get enough of it. I heard all his stories a hundred times and still enjoyed them.
