One I found...Danny vs. Grady

[jasonlaus]

Well, I must say that I'm a huge Grady Mathews fan. The first professional match I ever saw was the final of the 1989 Brunswick 9 Ball Open, where Grady took it to the hill on ESPN against a prime time Nick Varner. With commentary by Steve Mizerak and Barry Weiss, it was a legendary match. Grady played fantastic in that event. World class in fact (for that time). If I remember, he won some Legends of One Pocket events in the 80s, and other tournaments.

I absolutely love Danny DiLiberto and think he was a phenomenal talent. I love the match Jay produced between Danny and Ronnie Allen. I've watched it multiple times. I bought the DVD set on ebay years ago (decade or more?). Old school equipment...different approaches to the game, but so much fun to watch. Also love watching Danny play 9 ball. He had a unique stance, grip, and approach.

Grady's book was...interesting. The pool stories were fun. A lot of it could have been left out (if you know, you know)..but glad to have a copy. I also have a copy of Danny D's book. Also great.

Edited to add that I've heard Bill Incardona say in commentary that he thought Grady's best game was straight pool. Grady would do exhibitions and run 100 balls on different tables, balls, etc, all across the country, almost at will.

Grady came to where I played probably 90/91 time frame and bet the owner paying for his exhibition with about 30min warm-up he could run 100 double or nothing, Grady got paid

 

[Frosty]

Grady's game was over rated. He was a high level One Pocket player, but not one of the top five guys, maybe top ten. I watched Ronnie give him 9-6, 9-7 and torture him. As you said Grady was a famous pool sucker, going off to all the top hustler/players.

Danny meanwhile had tons of heart and played good for the cash. He was definitely a top ten all around player with no real weaknesses. Prior to Shane and Dennis, no one won more tournaments in the various disciplines (14.1, 9-Ball and Eight Ball) than Danny. I was in with Danny on some good scores (as much as 10K in the 1980's) so thank you Danny D. A little aside. Danny was the toughest pool player of all time. At 5'9 and 165 lbs, Danny would take on goliaths who gave him a hard time. I saw him knock out a football sized guy with one punch in a bar in Hollywood one time. The guy made the mistake of pushing Danny and then BOOM! He was on his back and it was all over.

I loved Danny Diliberto! One of my all time best friends in pool (maybe the best). Danny never cussed and did not allow profanity around women. He would give you one warning and after that you were trouble. He never raised his voice. He didn't have to.

Sadly he was a “bleeder”, win the cash at the tables and dump it at the tracks, both dogs and horses.