Fred in the 1990s at Lambert's in Baton Rouge was the best houseman I ever met.
I flew to Baton Rouge that year six times because Lambert's had the best action in the country because Flyboy put out the word that he would play anyone as long as they bet at least $10,000.
As a stranger from out of town with a pool cue I was surprised that Fred treated me and everyone else nicely.
Two things stood out, there was an argument where one of the guys pulled out a gun.
Everyone in the room froze.
I do not remember how long it took but Fred slowly walked out from the back of the counter and stood between the two guys and said, "Take it outside".
Both guys slowly left and I didn't hear any shots and I'm guessing both guys left without anyone getting shot.
*******************
This story involved me.
I like to play and the best game in the room for me was a bookie who when I tried to talk to him walked away without saying a word.
Not being able to talk to the guy I wanted to play meant we would never play.
On my fifth trip to Lambert's while eating breakfast and reading the sports section of The Advocate, I saw the NFL picks for the day.
When I got to the room I asked Fred, who was wiping the counter, "Who could I bet football with?"
Fred didn't answer, he just kept wiping the counter.
If I had to guess Fred was think I knew who I could bet football with and why was I asking him.
While staring at me instead of turning toward the bookie he yelled, "Don wants to bet on football".
The bookie who would not speak to me looked up and came running over.
He asked, "Who do you want?".
I gave him the first team but he said, "That's off the board".
I gave him the next two teams and he asked, "How much do you want to bet?".
I said, "A $100 each and you need "$220".
The bookie waved me off and said, "I trust you!".
Did we play?
Yes.
*******************
Lou Cannon at the long closed House of Billiards on 6th Street in Los Angeles for different reasons was also a great houseman.
A story for next time.
I flew to Baton Rouge that year six times because Lambert's had the best action in the country because Flyboy put out the word that he would play anyone as long as they bet at least $10,000.
As a stranger from out of town with a pool cue I was surprised that Fred treated me and everyone else nicely.
Two things stood out, there was an argument where one of the guys pulled out a gun.
Everyone in the room froze.
I do not remember how long it took but Fred slowly walked out from the back of the counter and stood between the two guys and said, "Take it outside".
Both guys slowly left and I didn't hear any shots and I'm guessing both guys left without anyone getting shot.
*******************
This story involved me.
I like to play and the best game in the room for me was a bookie who when I tried to talk to him walked away without saying a word.
Not being able to talk to the guy I wanted to play meant we would never play.
On my fifth trip to Lambert's while eating breakfast and reading the sports section of The Advocate, I saw the NFL picks for the day.
When I got to the room I asked Fred, who was wiping the counter, "Who could I bet football with?"
Fred didn't answer, he just kept wiping the counter.
If I had to guess Fred was think I knew who I could bet football with and why was I asking him.
While staring at me instead of turning toward the bookie he yelled, "Don wants to bet on football".
The bookie who would not speak to me looked up and came running over.
He asked, "Who do you want?".
I gave him the first team but he said, "That's off the board".
I gave him the next two teams and he asked, "How much do you want to bet?".
I said, "A $100 each and you need "$220".
The bookie waved me off and said, "I trust you!".
Did we play?
Yes.
*******************
Lou Cannon at the long closed House of Billiards on 6th Street in Los Angeles for different reasons was also a great houseman.
A story for next time.
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