One-pocket old school v/s new school

C

carlton31698

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
One-pocket old school v/s new school

This weekend I got to play an old time player from the Johnson City days some cheep one-pocket. His name is Sonny Springer, he is listed in the book Lions and the Lambs as a lion. Many of the players from his day consider him to have been one of the top 10 one-pocket players of his day. He had come in to visit the owner of my local poolroom, after they were through talking I told Sonny that I was trying to learn how to play one-pocket and would like to play him some and see what I could learn. I offered to play even ten a game if he would help me out with my game (I have no chance to beat Sonny even). He said that if I really wanted to learn he would play 5 a game and help me improve my game. We played for about 2 hours (Sonny is in his 70’s he is not able to play for long periods anymore) I didn’t win a game but I learned a lot. It was a great experience. Oh yea he let me off with only paying table time.

I have seen a lot of strong players play one-pocket; many have come through saying they only play one-pocket. After hearing Sonny explain things and watching him play, I am begging to wander if this new group of one-pocket players really knows how to play one-pocket, or are they playing 9ball in a one-pocket game? The reason I ask this is because of the moves and shots the old time players shoot v/s the ones the new ones shoot. Don’t get me wrong the new one-pocket players can and do win the way they play, it just seems they don’t know some of the really important shots and moves. What do you think?
 
What do I think? I think SCHOOL is exactly where you should be, this time of day, lol, (Teacher, not student). How are ya Carlton? I think you are on the right track. Younger players have not learned some of the moves the older players know, BUT, if you run 8 and out who cares. Yes, Sonny Springer made my top 10 list. He use to drill U.J. Puckett, Rudolph Wonderone and on at least one occasion the Knoxville Bear, Eddy Taylor and other very good one pocket players. As I heard one of my good friends say, "Sunny was under the radar". Not many people knew who he was. Consequently, he made a ton of money. Sunny was one of my heros when I was learning to play.

Top players of both eras ran 8 and out well. No one ever ran out any better than Efren but Ronnie Allen ran out almost as well and you can ask Efren, Ronnie moved better than anyone who ever played the game.

I believe the older a player gets the more he learns about the game and the smart ones will, as you did, enlist the help of a player with more knowledge of the game than himself. Even though the younger player might be able to beat the older guy.

And for those who haven't fallen in love with the game of one pocket yet, you've got to try it. It's the greatest game you can play on a pool table, IMO, but no one else's counts.
 
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I totally agree with you Hemicudas. One pocket definitely separates the players from those that think they're players!! I played a guy from Baton Rouge, Jessie Padilla, and he really played a great game. He was willing to play for nothing, unbelievable. Of course he would have played for a lot if I was interested in turning all my assets over to him. Anyway, he told me to try to get the cb to 1 1/2 to 2 diamonds off the break and that the game is usually won by a defensive shot. He kept me behind a ball almost all night. I'll tell you, it drove me crazy but I learned a lot. He was one heck of a nice guy!
 
Could not agree more about one pocket,
it addictive. I keeps my attention better than any I played. It is my favorite to watch as well. Would love to see Shannon and Joiner match up some time.
I don't think Joiner wants any!
 
That's axactly the type of guy I'm looking for, a living legend of the game who just loves to play. I gotta start playing one pocket, anyone know any good sites?
 
The best advice I can give anyone is, "Go To Onepocket Tournaments", and watch, no, don't watch, pay attention, their is a difference.

The most knowledge I ever picked up in one day was watching Ronnie Allen play Steve Mizerak one pocket.

Joiner and Shannon????? Interesting, huh guys? Hint, Hint.
 
I love 1 pocket. We play a lot of 1 hole in
NC WV. I'm amazed how often I win out
of state considering there are a number
of players in my area better than me.
Before he got sick Mike Shaver from
Weston was pretty tough. Anybody
ever play him?
 
Those wishing to see great One Pocket playing can come to Columbia for the Legends event. Already entered are: Daulton, Joyner (there's your dream match-up you mentioned) John Schmidt, Varner, Scott Frost, Parica, and McCready to name a few.
I was in Weston's area several times over the years and always offered and was totally willing to play him for big money. There was never a match.
 
Grady, I'm not totally surprized. I heard from
other players that he wanted a lock or
he wouldn't play. It's just that nobody I
knew could touch him. Other decent
players in my area are Mike McClain,
Jerry Elliot, Joey Scotchell, Chuckie Wright,
John Floyd & Patch Buffy.
 
Speaking about old pros a buddy of mine told me that the Tuscaloosa Squirrel-Marshall Carpenter was still around. He was last seen in Baton Rouge playing some one pocket. Someone should do something about these older guys who gave so much to the game. At least give them some recognition. Like Baseball does with the older players or the Rock musicians now getting some money for the old blues musicians that they "stole" their riffs off their old records. It was great to see Ed Kelly get his due from the BCA. Cmon you "baby boomers" who gave up pool to become lawyers, accountants, and doctors. Maybe we can organize something.
 
How about me? I was never a great 1 pocket
player but I'm an old 1 pocket player.
Give me something. At least a big spot.
I'm over a hill I was never on.
 
My top 10 list.

The "Great Grady". I'm sure you noticed you made my top 10 list. I remember so well you teaching Buddy Hall how to play one pocket. And yes, Grady had to give Buddy weight then. You have all my cudo's because it was a true pleasure watching you play. I learned so much from you and Ronnie. Did you notice who was #10 on my list? Sonny Springer. He has beaten Eddy Taylor in Johnson City many years ago. Did you ever play Kenny Rhomberg?
And what do ya think about my buddy Sunny Springer. It's great to see you posting here...........$Bill, Jackson, MS, yea, I use to run with The Painter, LOL.
 
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Grady said:
Those wishing to see great One Pocket playing can come to Columbia for the Legends event. Already entered are: Daulton, Joyner (there's your dream match-up you mentioned) John Schmidt, Varner, Scott Frost, Parica, and McCready to name a few.
I was in Weston's area several times over the years and always offered and was totally willing to play him for big money. There was never a match.
Click to expand...

Hey Grady, I'm thinking about 'possibly' coming up to sweat the action. How far (in miles & time) is it from Tampa (the way you & I drive)? How much are the VIP tickets for the One-Pocket ? Are you having a calcutta ? How about posting a link here to your online flyer. How many confirmed players do you have so far ? What's the cutoff, 128 ? .... thanks, Doug
 
Re: My top 10 list.

hemicudas said:

......$Bill, Jackson, MS, yea, I use to run with The Painter, LOL.
Click to expand...

Are you talking about Painter that used to run with Walter "Cowboy" from Yazoo City,MS. ? Cowboy died and the last I saw of Painter, he was working at a pawn shop in Fort Walton Beach, Fl.
 
The same Painter Smorgass Bored. You're probably talking about Walter Geddy (SP)- AKA- Woppie-Cowboy-Candyman, etc. He lived in Jackson for about 5 yrs. He was from Dallas Ft. Worth area originally. #2 bumper pool player ever. Couldn't beat Marcus. Good friends with Marcus and Erman. Yea, Painter and I moved to FWB in the mid 70s. Took our families with us. I stayed 3 months and Painter stayed 25yrs. He is on the MS gulf coast now. The photo I took was at his grand-daughter's wedding. The Cowboy you are talking about, was he a big left handed guy or a thin left handed guy?
 
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Tampa to here, Doug is about 9 hours, I think. I don't know whether we're having a calcutta or not. VIP season pass is $100.
And Bill, yes I played Rhomberg, beat him but back then I beat almost everybody I played. He was a fine player, though.
 
hemicudas said:
The same Painter Smorgass Bored. You're probably talking about Walter Geddy (SP)- AKA- Woppie-Cowboy-Candyman, etc. He lived in Jackson for about 5 yrs. He was from Dallas Ft. Worth area originally. #2 bumper pool player ever. Couldn't beat Marcus. Good friends with Marcus and Erman. Yea, Painter and I moved to FWB in the mid 70s. Took our families with us. I stayed 3 months and Painter stayed 25yrs. He is on the MS gulf coast now. The photo I took was at his grand-daughter's wedding. The Cowboy you are talking about, was he a big left handed guy or a thin left handed guy?
Click to expand...

He was a big left handed guy. I used to play bumper pool with him at Luc Eddie's Lounge and Charlie Chans in Fat City. He used to rob Eddie Conti and Danny Wong (two of the N.O. areas best). He would shoot all knock-kneed with his colorful drawers sticking up out of his shorts and when he'd miss a ball, he'd make up a song on his guitar between shots. I could watch him in action for days at a time (IF I was snappered up). He often got the cash (but, he didn't KEEP it). Painter was an albatross <G> , couldn't get the money at ANY game. As a player/stakehorse, he made a great PAINTER.... Yeehaaaa !
 
Yea, that is Walter Geddy (SP) for sure. His daughter was killed in a car crash some years ago and he became an ordained minister. I hadn't heard of his death. Are you sure about that? He got the handle Cowboy in New Orleans. Like you say, everything he made playing bumper pool was given back playing one pocket or cards. Woppie, as he was known from his DFW days, was one of the funniest guys ever in pool. He was living in Jackson when he first beat Danny Wong. He came back and told me about it. Marcus Collier, the best bumper pool player ever, had just gotten back to town, so I took him to Charlie Chan's to play Danny. Marcus was and I'm sure still is, a "Show Dog". While we are waiting for Danny to show up Marcus is curving all 5 balls in, no rails. I told him to freeze the crap but he wouldn't listen. Danny walks in and watches this from the corner of the room and obviously refuses to play. You know Danny, he was good for KKKKKs back in the 70s but Marcus and I got none of it. Woppie was 10 times the hustler/money maker that Marcus was. Their was another great bumper pool player from the DFW area, a crippled guy named Timmy Strayer. Did you know him? Andy Ogueine (SP) beat Marcus once, out of 10 or more tries. Woppie use to live in a trailer in Kenner, LA. I use to stay with him on occasion. And yea, we were ALL wired up in those days, LOL.
 
The story around New Orleans for the past 20 years is that Cowboy died. It that's not true, a lot of people will be PLEASANTLY surprised. I understood that Woppie got his nickname from his love of BK Whoppers. True ? I don't remember those others from DFW.
I remember Cowboy shooting for substantial jellybeans while wearing a 12" rubber mummy tied around his neck on a ribbon. When he'd lean over to shoot, he would jiggle the mummy's feet on the bed of the table (and aggravate his opponent). Another time while playing for the grits, he would pull out little rubber Army soldiers (with rifles and in standing, kneeling and laying down positions) and arrange them around the table rail 'while attacking' the balls. He kept all his money in loose wads in his pockets and would drop & lose more than he won... Yeehaaaa !
To this day, I've never met anyone that was more fun to 'sweat'.
 
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