My Memorable Visit to the Betmore Basement

sjm

Older and Wiser
Silver Member
Thanks to the hospitality of a most generous host, I was lucky enough to visit the Betmore Basement last week, and I stayed for five days.

It was just my second time in the Betmore basement, and once again, the emotions ran deep even before I hit my first ball. Gazing at the great pictures of pool players past and present, so many of whom I know or knew, really put me in the mood to shoot.

As for the pool itself, it felt like a reintroduction to the game. I probably played as much pool in the Betmore Basement last week as I played in the rest of 2008 combined, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like a serious player. My play, though consistently unspectacular, got better and better as the week progressed, and that's all I can ask for.

Very pleased to report that Willie is hitting them pretty sporty, and he's a much better player than he realizes. He also has the dedication to the game that ensures his continuous advance. He is obsessed with his stroke mechanics, which isn't such a bad thing.

One afternoon, by arrangement, I was also lucky enough to shoot some with fellow AZB poster Elvicash and we had a grand old time. He's a nice guy who loves the game the way I do.

Willie had a cookout one evening and a star-studded cast of invitees from the world of pool was in attendance. The ones I've known for years included Jeanette Lee (and her lovely daughter Cheyenne), Monica Webb, Helena Thornfeldt, Nesli O'Hare, and Jeff Beckley. Also, there was one of pool's most valuable assets, Mark Griffin, who was there with his lady, who was delightful. Mark is as impressive in person as I had always imagined he would be, and like me, he's been around pool for a long time, so we had much to talk about and got along famously. Superb planning and cooking by the lovely, personable, and generally exceptional Mrs. Betmore resulted in a hearty, and yes filling, feast. A few of us, myself included, also indulged ourselves with a cocktail (or two) known as a chocolate martini (a wicked concoction of dark liqueurs), which was superb but, to be honest, got me a little bit drunk. When the gastronomics were complete, most of us sweated a Betmore Basement special between Monica Webb and Jeff Beckley, and we caught some great pool and some serious trash talking between two good-hearted but intense competitors. I think Monica won a few more racks than Jeff, and hope Jeff won't think poorly of me for mentioning it!

Now I'm back home here in NYC and I'm already having withdrawal symptoms. Sure hope I get to do it again one of these days. If you're lucky enough to be invited to the Betmore basement, don't miss the opportunity to avail yourself of a great expereince and a great host.

Thanks for a great time, Willie.
 
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elvicash

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
SJM, I agree, WBM is an outstanding host. It was great meeting you and getting the chance to take in some of the wealth of knowledge you have on the game of 14.1.

SJM, I hope to put more and more of those concepts into practice. The game is starting to open up and I can see more of the potential. I ran a 27 last night and it could have easily been a 42 if I had not hung my key ball. The great part about that quick 2 rack ran was I had no hard shots and they got easier as the table cleared out.

Thanks again it was an honor to have met you. I will let you know if and when I am going to next be in the NYC area, it happens every so often.
 

sjm

Older and Wiser
Silver Member
elvicash said:
SJM, I agree, WBM is an outstanding host. It was great meeting you and getting the chance to take in some of the wealth of knowledge you have on the game of 14.1.

SJM, I hope to put more and more of those concepts into practice. The game is starting to open up and I can see more of the potential. I ran a 27 last night and it could have easily been a 42 if I had not hung my key ball. The great part about that quick 2 rack ran was I had no hard shots and they got easier as the table cleared out.

Thanks again it was an honor to have met you. I will let you know if and when I am going to next be in the NYC area, it happens every so often.

Nice run. Keep up the good work.
 

Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Just found this thread; and my daughter contributed a bunch of photos. Always great to entertain true student's of the game in Betmore's Basement. We had quite a turnout at what I hope is the first annual Betmore Cookout just before the Michigan City WPBA stop.

Here is the typical Betmore Cookout attendee after a couple of my famous (???infamous???) chocolate martini's.....he plays pretty sporty when he's awake.
 

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Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
I usually pay one of the local pro's to give "kiddy rides" during the festivities (.....damnit, I forgot to get one for myself.....)
 

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jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
Williebetmore said:
Just found this thread; and my daughter contributed a bunch of photos. Always great to entertain true student's of the game in Betmore's Basement. We had quite a turnout at what I hope is the first annual Betmore Cookout just before the Michigan City WPBA stop.

Please don't post a reply until I finish posting the pics (it'll take ten minutes or so; I'll remove this request when I'm finished....thanks).

Here is the typical Betmore Cookout attendee after a couple of my famous (???infamous???) chocolate martini's.....he plays pretty sporty when he's awake.


don't you just want to cover him with a blanket and give him a kiss goodnight. :D
 

Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
There was a nice match between JB and Monica (once JB awoke). I'm afraid the standard of play was not high in this match (it couldn't possibly have been the chocolate martini's.......errr....maybe...); but the standard of WOOFING was legendary. Very fun to observe.
 

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Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Monica was ahead most of the way; but I confess I forget how the match ended. She definitely takes a back seat to no one in the "friendly sharking" contest we observed.
 

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Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Here is the head referee for all important Betmore's Basement matches. See if you can identify him (he'll be running the new Black Widow Billiards parlor in Orlando if and when it comes to fruition).
 

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Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Here is my daughter (the good looking one) and one of the local pro's.....nice headlock/choke hold; I think there is a future for her in the WWWF.
 

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Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Mr. and Mrs. Griffin joined the festivities; I believe his sole purpose was to check out the security measures surrounding the Betmore Cup (since there is no possible way he could ever win it at the table).
 

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Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Here is Mark Griffin reviewing the security plans for the Betmore Cup (.....or maybe it was a floor plan of the new Webb/Thornfeldt pool hall that is hopefully in the works....I'm never sure what he will come up with next....he stays busy)
 

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Williebetmore

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Silver Member
Mark once again checking out the fabulous Betmore Cup (who could keep their eyes off it??).
 

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jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
Williebetmore said:
I usually pay one of the local pro's to give "kiddy rides" during the festivities (.....damnit, I forgot to get one for myself.....)


You can tell who's having the most fun. That's the biggest shiteatin' grin I ever saw on Jeanette's face.
 

jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
Williebetmore said:
Here is the head referee for all important Betmore's Basement matches. See if you can identify him (he'll be running the new Black Widow Billiards parlor in Orlando if and when it comes to fruition).


I have to tell you, I had to look twice at this photo. At first I thought I was seeing someone take a dump. :grin-square:
 

Hambone

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I remember in an older post SJM describing himself as resembling
a certain actor. I believe he hit the nail on the head.:)
 
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