R.I.P. -- Andy Hudson

9BallPaul

9BallPaul

Banned
Noticed in this morning's Rocky Mountain News that Andy Hudson died in the past week. The funeral notice didn't give his age, but I'm guessing he was pushing 100.

For those who don't know, Andy sat atop the food chain in the Denver pool scene for many years. His stroke was pure poetry, as long and silky as any stroke I've ever seen. I've posted nostalgically about Andy in the past, and I think his death deserves some notice on this board. The Denver newspapers are way too out of touch to take note of his life, but we needn't be.

I knew Andy only as a player, never a friend or confidant, so I don't pretend here to offer a full obituary. Instead, I'm asking those of you with memories of Andy to post them in his honor. One thing about the guy -- and I don't expect any arguments here -- he was straight-up honorable. No B.S. with Andy, ever, so far as I observed.

Far as I know, Andy held a regular job, was married, didn't smoke or drink, but he enjoyed the action side of pool. Sometimes for days at a time.

Sure, he took his lumps and got robbed over the years, but that goes with the territory. His heyday was in the '40s and '50s, but he still played strong in the '60s, when Bill Stroud replaced him as local top dog (Stroud was playing out of Aspen in those days, but frequented the Denver pool rooms.) And of course Danny Medina came along and outshot everyone.

But this thread is for Andy, and I ask anyone with memories to join me in giving our old pal a fine sendoff. Boardmembers such as ironman and JRHendy may wish to contribute.

(Just FYI: The Rocky Mountain News did a fine profile of Andy in 1977 or 1978... The piece was written by Fred Morrow, but I've never been able to track it down. As I recall, Andy told some war stories.)
 
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9BallPaul said:
Noticed in this morning's Rocky Mountain News that Andy Hudson died in the past week. The funeral notice didn't give his age, but I'm guessing he was pushing 100.

For those who don't know, Andy sat atop the food chain in the Denver pool scene for many years. His stroke was pure poetry, as long and silky as any stroke I've ever seen. I've posted nostalgically about Andy in the past, and I think his death deserves some notice on this board. The Denver newspapers are way too out of touch to take note of his life, but we needn't be.

I knew Andy only as a player, never a friend or confidant, so I don't pretend here to offer a full obituary. Instead, I'm asking those of you with memories of Andy to post them in his honor. One thing about the guy -- and I don't expect any arguments here -- he was straight-up honorable. No B.S. with Andy, ever, so far as I observed.

Far as I know, Andy held a regular job, was married, didn't smoke or drink, but he enjoyed the action side of pool. Sometimes for days at a time.

Sure, he took his lumps and got robbed over the years, but that goes with the territory. His heyday was in the '40s and '50s, but he still played strong in the '60s, when Bill Stroud replaced him as local top dog (Stroud was playing out of Aspen in those days, but frequented the Denver pool rooms.) And of course Danny Medina came along and outshot everyone.

But this thread is for Andy, and I ask anyone with memories to join me in giving our old pal a fine sendoff. Boardmembers such as ironman and JRHendy may wish to contribute.

(Just FYI: The Rocky Mountain News did a fine profile of Andy in 1977 or 1978... The piece was written by Fred Morrow, but I've never been able to track it down. As I recall, Andy told some war stories.)
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I only met Andy the short time I was in Denver for a week or so in 85/86. Very dapper, always in a suit during the week, and part of a group that controlled the action in the Family Fun Center. I snuck in & beat a guy named Gordon out of a few hundred playing golf and the next time I went in there they told me not to worry about playing him any more. He probably was in when "Cigar" Sam Jones beat me. A legend in that area for years & years. Condolences to friends and family. John
 
Family Fun Center

Yeah, the Fun Center was the place. Saw Eddie Taylor there, playing three-cushion billiards, and also Bill Staton, aka Weenie Beanie. Every player who passed through Denver in those days stuck his head in the Fun Center. And if you wanted to play for peanuts, Fat Marty was always around.

Still hoping this thread gets seen by the right eyes. Jay Helfert once mentioned that he'd heard some Andy stories. Jay, you out there? Since posting earlier, it's occurred to me that all of Andy's contemporaries have long since passed the scene. Too bad, 'cause Andy had an interesting life, to say the least.
 
Weird coincidence - the little marketing company I work for, here in the Denver area, has a client who runs a local public-relations job list resource. This guy's name is also Andrew Hudson. AND, he knew the Andy Hudson who passed away.

Apparently a bunch of people saw the obit and wigged out, thinking it was THIS guy who had passed away.

I just happened to be in this guy's account in our system, and saw the latest issue of his jobs list mailing, and it's all about this other fellow and the confusion. When he mentioned knowing the other fellow and that he used to be a pro player, I thought "waitaminnit..."

I doubt he'd mind too much, so here's a snippet by Andrew Hudson, about Andrew Hudson:

My brother and I were about 10 and 11 years old respectively and fashioned ourselves pretty good pool sharks. We lived near an apartment building and would frequently sneak in and shoot pool. One Saturday night in the mid '70s we were watching the 10:00 p.m. news and a sports story came on about a pool tournament. The sports announcer began to say, "The winner of the tournament was..." and I blurted out "Andrew Hudson!" and the announcer said "Andrew Hudson!" My brother and I looked at each other and started dancing and screaming around the television! "ANDREW'S THE CHAMPION!! ANDREW'S THE CHAMPION!!" we yelled. My parents thought we were nuts. Actually, they still think we're nuts.
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One more time, R.I.P., Andy Hudson

I was sorely disappointed when my original post on this thread attracted so little attention. But somehow I had missed this cool obituary for Andy that was written by Melissa Little and posted elsewhere on this board, in a place that I never saw it.

Anyway, I wanted to add this to the thread:

Andy Hudson Passes Away at 86 -
An Icon Pool Player from Colorado

Andrew K. Hudson was the first of five children born to Dennis Leroy and Alice Payne Hudson in Denver, CO on October 2, 1920. Andrew married his high school sweetheart Electra in 1938.

Andy was known as the "golden boy" of Colorado as described by John Rayburn, former Channel 9 news commentator, when it came time to play a game of 9-ball, Andy was a pool shark! Those who knew Andy knew of this passion.

He began teaching pocket billiards in 1974 at the Physical Education Department of Metro State College. With this position, he innovated the game of pool for many students opening up the game to woman, which used to be a man's game.

He also introduced and instructed pocket billiards to players at the Family Fun Center, and introduced the game as a family sport. Andy was a member of the Commerce City Recreation Center. He always took first place in pocket billiards at the Colorado Senior Games. Andy was also an avid golfer and bowler.

Andy was passionate about many community causes and would give his time to help in anyway he could. He was a Teachers Assistant for Reading at the 24th Street School. He was his Swinging 30?s Class Treasurer. Andy was a member of the Park Hill Leisure Club. As a devout Catholic, he was a dedicated member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, devoted to assisting his brothers and sisters in Christ, ready to give spiritual guidance when needed. He loved the Lord.

Andy was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, a good neighbor, and an all around great human being. He was an avid reader. He was a polished gentleman and was much loved by our community. Andy had never met a stranger.

In April of 1988 in the Colorado Billiards News, Jonesy wrote:
In the last month I had the privilege to interview one of Colorado's top players.

For over, four decades, the name Andy Hudson has struck fear in the heart of pool players all over America. Born in Denver 67 years ago, and Andy has been playing pool for over 50 years and is nothing short of a true gentleman. He is also one of the nicest people you could ever meet and one of the most knowledgeable players I have ever seen play. Denver should be proud to say that Andy is a home grown son. Thanks Andy, for all the thrills. 'You're a true champ.

Andy's favorite game was one-pocket, his favorite place to play was The Family Fun Center, he practiced three hours a day five days a week, he played pool with a hustler cue, and was asked in this interview what is the biggest mistake that amateurs make playing pool. Andy's answer: "They don't keep their eye on the object ball" - you can take that advice to the bank!

For some of you players that did not get the honor to meet Andy- stop by Hank's Billiards (formally know as Paradise Billiards or The Family Fun Center) and ask any of the veterans and they will only have great stories of Andy Hudson.

When I was 24 years old I was blessed to play Andy everyday at the same time at the same place, The Family Fun Center. I have to say I learned a lot from playing Andy- I would miss him dearly. He was an ICON to pool and Colorado! God bless Andy!

By Melissa Little - October 25, 2007
 
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9BallPaul said:
I was sorely disappointed when my original post on this thread attracted so little attention. But somehow I had missed this cool obituary for Andy that was written by Melissa Little and posted elsewhere on this board, in a place that I never saw it.

Anyway, I wanted to add this to the thread:

Andy Hudson Passes Away at 86 -
An Icon Pool Player from Colorado

Andrew K. Hudson was the first of five children born to Dennis Leroy and Alice Payne Hudson in Denver, CO on October 2, 1920. Andrew married his high school sweetheart Electra in 1938.

Andy was known as the "golden boy" of Colorado as described by John Rayburn, former Channel 9 news commentator, when it came time to play a game of 9-ball, Andy was a pool shark! Those who knew Andy knew of this passion.

He began teaching pocket billiards in 1974 at the Physical Education Department of Metro State College. With this position, he innovated the game of pool for many students opening up the game to woman, which used to be a man's game.

He also introduced and instructed pocket billiards to players at the Family Fun Center, and introduced the game as a family sport. Andy was a member of the Commerce City Recreation Center. He always took first place in pocket billiards at the Colorado Senior Games. Andy was also an avid golfer and bowler.

Andy was passionate about many community causes and would give his time to help in anyway he could. He was a Teachers Assistant for Reading at the 24th Street School. He was his Swinging 30?s Class Treasurer. Andy was a member of the Park Hill Leisure Club. As a devout Catholic, he was a dedicated member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, devoted to assisting his brothers and sisters in Christ, ready to give spiritual guidance when needed. He loved the Lord.

Andy was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, a good neighbor, and an all around great human being. He was an avid reader. He was a polished gentleman and was much loved by our community. Andy had never met a stranger.

In April of 1988 in the Colorado Billiards News, Jonesy wrote:
In the last month I had the privilege to interview one of Colorado's top players.

For over, four decades, the name Andy Hudson has struck fear in the heart of pool players all over America. Born in Denver 67 years ago, and Andy has been playing pool for over 50 years and is nothing short of a true gentleman. He is also one of the nicest people you could ever meet and one of the most knowledgeable players I have ever seen play. Denver should be proud to say that Andy is a home grown son. Thanks Andy, for all the thrills. 'You're a true champ.

Andy's favorite game was one-pocket, his favorite place to play was The Family Fun Center, he practiced three hours a day five days a week, he played pool with a hustler cue, and was asked in this interview what is the biggest mistake that amateurs make playing pool. Andy's answer: "They don't keep their eye on the object ball" - you can take that advice to the bank!

For some of you players that did not get the honor to meet Andy- stop by Hank's Billiards (formally know as Paradise Billiards or The Family Fun Center) and ask any of the veterans and they will only have great stories of Andy Hudson.

When I was 24 years old I was blessed to play Andy everyday at the same time at the same place, The Family Fun Center. I have to say I learned a lot from playing Andy- I would miss him dearly. He was an ICON to pool and Colorado! God bless Andy!

By Melissa Little - October 25, 2007
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Wow, this hit me right between the eyes. Amdy was a great player and you are so correct, a beautiful stroke. More importantly a very classy individual.

I'm so curious about his wife. Andy was a loyal husband and justworshiped his wife. They were such similar people. Always very quiet, polite, and very dignified.

Andy was always a good friend to me and very supportive when I was young and wanted so badly to be a pool player. He would practice with me for countless hours playing $2 9 ball and cared less about the score.

Andy played it all too, solid one pocket, 9-ball, snooker, golf, 3 cushion, but, his favorite game and best game was banks. I watched him send Craig Stevens down the road by beating him 8 straight games of full rack banks. I remember so well, because at the time I was steering and staking Craig.

I remember him playing Detroit Whitey 1 pocket andnear driving the man crazy withsome of the banks he would attempt and make. Whitey tried so hard to take Andy on the road and Andy always politely declined stating that he was a familyman anddidn't like being away from his wife. Hesaid they were on a 50 year honeymoon.

Andy beat many road players who came through Denver backin the 70's and I've seen many just shake their heads at some of the things he would do. Some shots just defied logic.

Years ago down on Larimer Street downtown was a bar called Jays and every Wednesday there was a ring game that got quite popular. One week there was Jimmy {FLyboy) Spears, Craig Stevens, Medina, Ronnie Allen, Al Hougue, SUrfer Rod, Joey Torman, rounding out the game and it had goneon for near 2 1/2 days. The next Wednesday came around and I was heading toward Jays and stopped in the Fun Center. Andy and I were talking and I was all excited about the game. Andy told me he may stop by.

This ring game was tough and on a tough old 4x8 Fischer bar tablewith the big rock.Andy walked in and came over where I was. He asked metogo in with him in the game and it seems we put up about $150 each andhe fired away. At about 6 AM Andy said he hadto gethome ashiswifewould be worried. Ronnie Allen walked over to him extended his hand and stated< "sir, it has been a peasure". Andy beamed and itwasto be one of his proudest moments in pool. Andsy hadwon about $700 and that wasa pretty good score with that group of thieves.

The old Family Fun Center had some pretty good players in it's day and Andy will be reunited withsomesome such as Russ Trotter, Jerry Lawson, Freddy Ioki, Al Hogue, Bill Ackerman, and others I can't remember right now. They will welcomemyold fiend with open arms.

RIP Andy. I love ya.
Butch
 
jrhendy said:
I only met Andy the short time I was in Denver for a week or so in 85/86. Very dapper, always in a suit during the week, and part of a group that controlled the action in the Family Fun Center. I snuck in & beat a guy named Gordon out of a few hundred playing golf and the next time I went in there they told me not to worry about playing him any more. He probably was in when "Cigar" Sam Jones beat me. A legend in that area for years & years. Condolences to friends and family. John
Click to expand...

Ther ain't no shame in getting beat on that table by Sam Jones. On that table Sam was like a magician. He sent many packing and scratching their heads. The man kicked like a mule and neverseemed to hit the wrong sideof the ball.

I just had dinner with Phil Knight and he said to tell ya hello.
 
Thanks, Ironman, for validating the thread. Those are great stories.

It's worth considering that in the '70s, Andy was already past 50 years old, and preumeably well past him prime. I remember being told by old-timers at the Fun Center (remember Tony Cheese?) that Andy was a holy terror as a young player. Nobody locally could touch him, and those who came looking for him left town with empty pockets.

Andy was among a group of black players nationally who shot the lights out, yet received scant attention. We had a thread on that subject some time back. He may have operated under the radar, but he did it with class and dignity.

And he remained a gentleman through and through. Rare guy, rare player.
 
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9BallPaul said:
Thanks, Ironman, for validating the thread. Those are great stories.

It's worth considering that in the '70s, Andy was already past 50 years old, and preumeably well past him prime. I remember being told by old-timers at the Fun Center (remember Tony Cheese?) that Andy was a holy terror as a young player. Nobody locally could touch him, and those who came looking for him left town with empty pockets.

Andy was among a group of black players nationally who shot the lights out, yet received scant attention. We had a thread on that subject some time back. He may have operated under the radar, but he did it with class and dignity.

And he remained a gentleman through and through. Rare guy, rare player.
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A rare guy and a rare player is so very true. Pretty sharp old fella too.

There were several back then who were tough in Denver. Russ Trotter had oneof thesweetest strokesto ever play the game and so tough to beat at any game.

In the 70's Andy and Freddy Ioki (Freddy the Jap) another classy man, played every Thursday night and everyone talked about Freddys 1 pocket expertise. Andy though told me that backin the 60'sFreddy had warped Lassiter real goodplaying 9 ball and that 9 ball had always been Freddys best game.

Bill Barnes was a tough all round player as was Jerry Lawson who played it all and probably the best gambler of them all.

Tony Cheese? I havent heard that name in decades.Another incredible character from that era. Whitey Jack was another. Merwin Thoompson was another great player who had many battles .He loved and respected Andy, but
wanted to beat him so badly, but just couln'dt quite do it.

Hep, thatcrew up there is having some big fun right now. I would give anything to hear Andy tell Marty to be quiet just one more time.
 
ironman said:
Ther ain't no shame in getting beat on that table by Sam Jones. On that table Sam was like a magician. He sent many packing and scratching their heads. The man kicked like a mule and neverseemed to hit the wrong sideof the ball.

I just had dinner with Phil Knight and he said to tell ya hello.
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Tell Phil hello. In the old days in El Monte he had me giving him 9 to 7 before I figured out he played as good as me. I always was too loose at matching up. He told me his dad told him to get one ball the best of it, and then one more in case they got lucky. Phil, Archie "The Greek" and I go back a long way and there are some funny stories. Phil and Archie were always trying to trap each other when they weren't trapping someone else. Have him tell you about Archie and Springfield Johnnie sometime. John
 
He was one of the nicest players I've ever come across in 35 years, South Side Louie Lemke was another, Gabby was great too, George Breedlove, Bobby Hunter, they are all a great group of people, and to hang with this guy is saying ALLOT, I feel too, John Henderson is 'also' a bright light in a dark room.
RIP
 
Island Drive said:
He was one of the nicest players I've ever come across in 35 years, South Side Louie Lemke was another, Gabby was great too, George Breedlove, Bobby Hunter, they are all a great group of people, and to hang with this guy is saying ALLOT, I feel too, John Henderson is 'also' a bright light in a dark room.
RIP
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I.D. you were bound to have played Andy ato one time or another. Both in your day, that could have been a real good match.
 
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