Reflections on a life of Pool

[Ken_4fun]

As usual, I have a different view.

I wouldnt trade some of my pool experiences for anything in the world. Some of these include me playing and some of them observing them.

Among them;

1. The first time I had ever seen someone win $40K in a gambling match in Olathe, KS.

2. The tournament at Micheals in Cincy, where I was in an incredible zone, and played nearly flawless tournament. I played about 2 levels over my head the entire tournament, running out several racks, occassionally running 2 racks in row. (Never played that good before or since).

3. Watching the One Pocket match at DCC where Efren destroys Jason Miller in less than 45 minutes. Best one pocket I have ever seen.

4. Watching Skyler Woodward, win the banks ring game against a roomful of champions. Listening to Freddy the Beard initially say that Skyler has no chance, to finally saying that he was the best banker he had ever seen. "They dont know how tough those banks are!".

5. I have had such a good time going the DCC over the years. I look forward to it every year.

6. Writing for various pool magazines, and contributing to several books. I dont do it anymore, but it was exciting talking to all the old champions.

7. Many more.

My mom told me something a few years ago, when I talked about selling an old Corvette I had since I was 19. She said, "Do you need the money?", "No", I replied. Then she said, "Money comes and money goes, but if you enjoy it and you don't need the money, then why would you sell it?"

Jay, the same applies to you IMO. You have life experiences that money could never buy.

Regrets for me? :angry:

1.) Wish I could have been at Belmont when Secretariat won in 31 lengths.

2.) Not seeing Keith McCready, Buddy Hall, Louie Roberts when they were in their top forms.

3.) Not seeing Stuey Unger play poker live.

Jay I would bet you have done all three of those....didnt you?

Ken

 

[HouTexPlayer]

Awesome story. Are you still located in Houston? Have we ever played before?

I am still in Houston - live out in Tomball nowadays. Not sure if we've ever played - I haven't been out and about much in a while, When I do play, it's normally at Big Tyme.

Last tournament I played in, I drew Sylver and Billy Sharpe playing 9B on a bar box - needless to say I went a very ugly 2 and out! Feel free to PM me - we probably know a lot of the same people.

 

[pro9dg]

Just sitting here at 4 AM, looking at my pool table and wondering what happened in my life. I could have been a doctor like my father and my brother. I could have been many things, so why did I chose this path to follow. Maybe I was just too lazy to go to school all those years. I didn't really like being cooped up in a classroom. I enjoyed the open road and new adventures.

So here I am fifty years later, reflecting on what and who I am. I sit here in my easy chair; a pool table, my cue and the cue ball my only company. In the distance my little Bose radio chimes out soft classics. I like to dance around the table when I'm alone. I'm at peace, what more can one ask. Thanks for joining me on this journey.

Sometimes, when I have been away on a long pool trip it is nice to come home to relax, to unwind, to take a deep breath of the cool night time air.
It tastes so good and I consider myself a lucky man, blessed with so many good things in my life .
As I sit there pensively thinking of such delights, a thought enters my head and as I gaze up at the deep dark star filled night sky, then just for one fleeting second, one brief moment in time a question springs into my mind.
Whatever happened to my shithouse roof?

 

[jay helfert]

I started playing pool in 1988 when I was 16 - my parents got divorced and I lived with my Dad. We had very little in common or to talk about, but pool changed all that, we practically lived in our local bar (3 valley bar tables) for the next 2 years and our time together revolved around us playing and him teaching me. I remember eating the Christmas buffet in the bar one year while playing 3 ball with all his friends - strange, but wonderful times.

At the time, you had to be 21 to play in the APA. My Dad told the LO I was 21 and filled out my registration form for me so we could play on the same team.

The highlight of my pool playing career was my Dad watching me play Johnny Archer when he was in town in June of 1995. Johnny gave a demo and then challenged people in the audience to a single game - you got the breaks.

I stepped up with my Dad in the audience, broke and ran out on Johnny. I never saw my Dad so proud and never did again - he passed away one month later at the age of 45.

I don't play much anymore and never considered myself to play well, but the game has never left my thoughts or my blood - it's as much a part of me now as it was then.

My Dad bought me my first cue in 1993 - I still have it today. I can't wait for the day when I break it out to play my first game with my son - He's 8 months old today and I know that the game will be as important to he and I as it was to my Dad and I.

Very nice story! Thanks for sharing this with us.

 

[1on1pooltournys]

There is something that makes us at peace at the table...isn't there?
I have been involved with pool since a very young age. Those that know me know it is in my genes. I have devoted countless hours and money at pool. I've given up relationships, lost friendships, and made some choices that probably weren't in my best interest because of pool. Sometimes I would get "mad" at pool so to speak. I would lose money, get burnt out, or just simply think about time that I had wasted, or at least thought I had wasted. I can remember sometimes being embarrassed to tell my friends or family about pool when I was younger. People would ask me about pool and I'd say, "it's really hard for you to understand unless you live it." That statement is really true. I recently had a son and people would ask me, "are you going to let him play pool?" I have thought long and hard about that question, and I'm not sure exactly how to answer it. I know I'll encourage my son to do what makes him happy, and if he finds happiness in pool, then so be it. I gave up a lot for pool in my life, but I still have all I really need. I've realized that I gave up "normal." Normal isn't what I wanted to be growing up. I just didn't realize it would take this game to make me different. I'd never trade anything in the world for the experiences pool has given me, the good nor the bad. I've realized that the people that shed negativity on me for participating in this lifestyle, they aren't who I need in my life. Because in this life, all I need is what makes me happy. I spent too much time thinking about what others thought about me and my lifestyle. I chose to alienate certain people in an effort to avoid an explanation. That has changed for me. I have met people from all walks of life through pool. I've made friendships that are irreplaceable and will most definitely last a lifetime. Being a pool player has helped me to communicate with all sorts of people. From strung out drug addicts, to teachers, to doctors, to people on wall street, and the list goes on and on. Pool allowed me to view the world and people with an open mind. It taught me to not judge a book by its cover, and to treat others as they treat me. So, yes there is something very peaceful about being at the table. When life gets me down, I always find myself somewhere playing pool by myself. Mesmerized watching the balls collide into one another. Knowing that this path was what made me who I am, and knowing I will always have it to be there for me when I need it.

Now, when common folks inquire about pool or my lifestyle, I answer with great enthusiasm, and tell pool stories that they probably don't believe. Be proud of who you are, and what you have experienced. I know I sure am.

 

[jay helfert]

As usual, I have a different view.

I wouldnt trade some of my pool experiences for anything in the world. Some of these include me playing and some of them observing them.

Among them;

1. The first time I had ever seen someone win $40K in a gambling match in Olathe, KS.

2. The tournament at Micheals in Cincy, where I was in an incredible zone, and played nearly flawless tournament. I played about 2 levels over my head the entire tournament, running out several racks, occassionally running 2 racks in row. (Never played that good before or since).

3. Watching the One Pocket match at DCC where Efren destroys Jason Miller in less than 45 minutes. Best one pocket I have ever seen.

4. Watching Skyler Woodward, win the banks ring game against a roomful of champions. Listening to Freddy the Beard initially say that Skyler has no chance, to finally saying that he was the best banker he had ever seen. "They dont know how tough those banks are!".

5. I have had such a good time going the DCC over the years. I look forward to it every year.

6. Writing for various pool magazines, and contributing to several books. I dont do it anymore, but it was exciting talking to all the old champions.

7. Many more.

My mom told me something a few years ago, when I talked about selling an old Corvette I had since I was 19. She said, "Do you need the money?", "No", I replied. Then she said, "Money comes and money goes, but if you enjoy it and you don't need the money, then why would you sell it?"

Jay, the same applies to you IMO. You have life experiences that money could never buy.

Regrets for me? :angry:

1.) Wish I could have been at Belmont when Secretariat won in 31 lengths.

2.) Not seeing Keith McCready, Buddy Hall, Louie Roberts when they were in their top forms.

3.) Not seeing Stuey Unger play poker live.

Jay I would bet you have done all three of those....didnt you?

Ken

Thanks Ken. Yes, I've seen Buddy, Keith and Louie all in their prime. ALL awesome players. I also think today's players are better overall but the champions are just the same. No one today plays 9-Ball any better than Buddy did. He had that cue ball on a string. For the money (yes, my money many times!) Keith was a powerhouse, bringing a lot of good players to their knees. Keith struck fear in all the top players, although they would never admit it. And NOBODY ever shot straighter than Louie Roberts. And I mean NOBODY! Not today or any day. To watch him cut a ball razor thin down the rail was amazing. He hit it like it was on a laser beam, directly into the heart of the pocket, and at speed. There was no roll-off or touching the rail with Louie. What an eye he had!

I did see Secretariat do his thing on TV. The greatest horse of all time. And I watched Stuey play in money games at the Horseshoe. He reminded me so much of Keith, the same don't-give-a-shit attitude. Stuey would relax in his chair and just throw bets out there, and look down at you over his little purple glasses. He was very intimidating to play against. It was like he could see into your hand and your mind. I also watched him play Gin Rummy for big money. He held the cards so awkwardly, some stacked high in his hand and some low. He never even put his melds together, just leaving all ten cards randomly placed in his hand. He would watch carefully how the other player arranged his cards and after a few cards had been played he knew what the guy had. He could tell him his hand and guess maybe nine out of ten cards right! No one else had that ability at Gin.

 

[jay helfert]

There is something that makes us at peace at the table...isn't there?
I have been involved with pool since a very young age. Those that know me know it is in my genes. I have devoted countless hours and money at pool. I've given up relationships, lost friendships, and made some choices that probably weren't in my best interest because of pool. Sometimes I would get "mad" at pool so to speak. I would lose money, get burnt out, or just simply think about time that I had wasted, or at least thought I had wasted. I can remember sometimes being embarrassed to tell my friends or family about pool when I was younger. People would ask me about pool and I'd say, "it's really hard for you to understand unless you live it." That statement is really true. I recently had a son and people would ask me, "are you going to let him play pool?" I have thought long and hard about that question, and I'm not sure exactly how to answer it. I know I'll encourage my son to do what makes him happy, and if he finds happiness in pool, then so be it. I gave up a lot for pool in my life, but I still have all I really need. I've realized that I gave up "normal." Normal isn't what I wanted to be growing up. I just didn't realize it would take this game to make me different. I'd never trade anything in the world for the experiences pool has given me, the good nor the bad. I've realized that the people that shed negativity on me for participating in this lifestyle, they aren't who I need in my life. Because in this life, all I need is what makes me happy. I spent too much time thinking about what others thought about me and my lifestyle. I chose to alienate certain people in an effort to avoid an explanation. That has changed for me. I have met people from all walks of life through pool. I've made friendships that are irreplaceable and will most definitely last a lifetime. Being a pool player has helped me to communicate with all sorts of people. From strung out drug addicts, to teachers, to doctors, to people on wall street, and the list goes on and on. Pool allowed me to view the world and people with an open mind. It taught me to not judge a book by its cover, and to treat others as they treat me. So, yes there is something very peaceful about being at the table. When life gets me down, I always find myself somewhere playing pool by myself. Mesmerized watching the balls collide into one another. Knowing that this path was what made me who I am, and knowing I will always have it to be there for me when I need it.

Now, when common folks inquire about pool or my lifestyle, I answer with great enthusiasm, and tell pool stories that they probably don't believe. Be proud of who you are, and what you have experienced. I know I sure am.

Thanks, ALL so familiar! I can't tell you how many times in my younger days when I told someone I was a pool player they would respond, "Oh, you're a hustler!" I disliked that term and had to explain to them that I didn't play bad on purpose just to beat someone. Rather I went to poolrooms looking for the best player to play against.

Like you I got many of my most valuable lessons in life from my years in the poolroom. Yes, the sound of the balls has a hypnotic effect on me. It's my drug of choice. Right now as I type, Dennis is in my poolroom hitting balls. I can hear it from my office and it's like music to my ears.

 

[sjm]

My story is boring compared to yours, Jay, but still fun to reflect on.

As a kid I watched the pros at the Golden Q in Queens, NY, although I didn't shoot there until 1976, having had the luxury of a table in my basement. I was a regular at the Golden Q from the mid 70's to the late 80's. Many of the top pros and road players frequented the place. There was lots of big action there and some of the regulars were truly unforgettable characters. Top players I saw there on multiple occasions include Onofrio Laurie, Ray Martin, Steve Mizerak, Jack Colavita, Gene Nagy, Mike Eufemia, Pete Margo, Pat Fleming, Irving Crane, Johnny Ervolino, Jersey Red and Joe Balsis. Of the ladies, I saw Jean Balukas there just once, but Fran Crimi and Billie Billing played there on many occasions.

The Golden Q regulars included a lot of guys known by their nicknames, among them Big Steve, George the Greek, Little Sammy, Teddy the Greek, Jack the cop, Pete the cop, Buddy the cop, Bobby Gloves, Seaman, Slow Jimmy, Richie the Polack, Charlie Beans, Flatlands Freddie, Bumble Bee, Jake the pimp, Dave the face ---- colorful characters every one of them.

The setup at the Golden Q was sweet, with two exhibition tables in the back with enough bleacher seating for about fifty spectators. Still, if you spectated a big action game, you had to be sure you behaved. I recall an incident where a spectator got under the skin of an action player, and when the spectator got back to his car later on, all four of his tires had been slashed. Though the Golden Q was scheduled to close at 4:00 AM, you could always pay off the houseman to keep the place open late if you were in the right action game and didn't want to quit. Side-betting on action matches was common, but if you made even a small score in side action, you were expected to pay some of the table time due at the end of the match.

It wasn't until I graduated college that I became a serious player, and back then, I played 14.1 only. My skills were pretty ordinary, and I remember that my high run was 58 for years (later in life, I'd up it to 91, but I'd never run 100.)

.... and then came the nine ball era. Though I played it from time to time, I didn't much care for the "shootout" version of nine ball, but when they went to Texas Express in the mid-1980's, I started playing the game quite a bit, but then, in 1986, I decided to focus on my career, more or less giving up the game for seven years.

Came back to pool with a vengeance in the mid-1990's, and most of the pool I played in my life was to be played between 1994 and 2004. I always figured that, as an Ivy league graduate, I was the best pool player among Ivy league graduates, a delusion that was dispelled when I met Cornell graduate Steve Lipsky in the late 1990's. Still, the ego trip was fun while it lasted.

Since 2004, I've spent far more time going to tournaments as a spectator than shooting pool. I'd been going to tournaments since 1976, but now it's an obsession.

As I reflect on over four decades around the game, the fondest memory is of those I have met along the way. One of the cool dudes I've met is Jay Helfert.

Like you said, Jay, reflecting on a life in and around pool is time well spent. The game has enriched my life in ways that almost defy description.

 

[jay helfert]

My story is boring compared to yours, Jay, but still fun to reflect on.

As a kid I watched the pros at the Golden Q in Queens, NY, although I didn't shoot there until 1976, having had the luxury of a table in my basement. I was a regular at the Golden Q from the mid 70's to the late 80's. Many of the top pros and road players frequented the place. There was lots of big action there and some of the regulars were truly unforgettable characters. Top players I saw there on multiple occasions include Onofrio Laurie, Ray Martin, Steve Mizerak, Jack Colavita, Gene Nagy, Mike Eufemia, Pete Margo, Pat Fleming, Irving Crane, Johnny Ervolino, Jersey Red and Joe Balsis. Of the ladies, I saw Jean Balukas there just once, but Fran Crimi and Billie Billing played there on many occasions.

The Golden Q regulars included a lot of guys known by their nicknames, among them Big Steve, George the Greek, Little Sammy, Teddy the Greek, Jack the cop, Pete the cop, Buddy the cop, Bobby Gloves, Seaman, Slow Jimmy, Richie the Polack, Charlie Beans, Flatlands Freddie, Bumble Bee, Jake the pimp, Dave the face ---- colorful characters every one of them.

The setup at the Golden Q was sweet, with two exhibition tables in the back with enough bleacher seating for about fifty spectators. Still, if you spectated a big action game, you had to be sure you behaved. I recall an incident where a spectator got under the skin of an action player, and when the spectator got back to his car later on, all four of his tires had been slashed. Though the Golden Q was scheduled to close at 4:00 AM, you could always pay off the houseman to keep the place open late if you were in the right action game and didn't want to quit. Side-betting on action matches was common, but if you made even a small score in side action, you were expected to pay some of the table time due at the end of the match.

It wasn't until I graduated college that I became a serious player, and back then, I played 14.1 only. My skills were pretty ordinary, and I remember that my high run was 58 for years (later in life, I'd up it to 91, but I'd never run 100.)

.... and then came the nine ball era. Though I played it from time to time, I didn't much care for the "shootout" version of nine ball, but when they went to Texas Express in the mid-1980's, I started playing the game quite a bit, but then, in 1986, I decided to focus on my career, more or less giving up the game for seven years.

Came back to pool with a vengeance in the mid-1990's, and most of the pool I played in my life was to be played between 1994 and 2004. I always figured that, as an Ivy league graduate, I was the best pool player among Ivy league graduates, a delusion that was dispelled when I met Cornell graduate Steve Lipsky in the late 1990's. Still, the ego trip was fun while it lasted.

Since 2004, I've spent far more time going to tournaments as a spectator than shooting pool. I'd been going to tournaments since 1976, but now it's an obsession.

As I reflect on over four decades around the game, the fondest memory is of those I have met along the way. One of the cool dudes I've met is Jay Helfert.

Like you said, Jay, reflecting on a life in and around pool is time well spent. The game has enriched my life ways that almost defy description.

Sorry Stu, I must spread some reputation around before giving you any more. :thumbup:

 

[JoeyA]

That's right! I want a rematch with you too.

Lol

JoeyA

 

[336Robin]

How Nice Thanks!

I LOVE to play One Pocket! It's so creative. If you make it to L.A. please let me know. Dinner's on me! :smile:

Thank you Jay that is so nice of you. I'm in North Carolina near Winston Salem and if you here for some reason....its on me.:smile:

One Pocket is truly so awesome I agree 100%.

 

[Island Drive]

I want a rematch!

I'm finally ready for ya.....:thumbup:

 

[jay helfert]

As usual, I have a different view.

I wouldnt trade some of my pool experiences for anything in the world. Some of these include me playing and some of them observing them.

Among them;

1. The first time I had ever seen someone win $40K in a gambling match in Olathe, KS.

2. The tournament at Micheals in Cincy, where I was in an incredible zone, and played nearly flawless tournament. I played about 2 levels over my head the entire tournament, running out several racks, occassionally running 2 racks in row. (Never played that good before or since).

3. Watching the One Pocket match at DCC where Efren destroys Jason Miller in less than 45 minutes. Best one pocket I have ever seen.

4. Watching Skyler Woodward, win the banks ring game against a roomful of champions. Listening to Freddy the Beard initially say that Skyler has no chance, to finally saying that he was the best banker he had ever seen. "They dont know how tough those banks are!".

5. I have had such a good time going the DCC over the years. I look forward to it every year.

6. Writing for various pool magazines, and contributing to several books. I dont do it anymore, but it was exciting talking to all the old champions.

7. Many more.

My mom told me something a few years ago, when I talked about selling an old Corvette I had since I was 19. She said, "Do you need the money?", "No", I replied. Then she said, "Money comes and money goes, but if you enjoy it and you don't need the money, then why would you sell it?"

Jay, the same applies to you IMO. You have life experiences that money could never buy.

Regrets for me? :angry:

1.) Wish I could have been at Belmont when Secretariat won in 31 lengths.

2.) Not seeing Keith McCready, Buddy Hall, Louie Roberts when they were in their top forms.

3.) Not seeing Stuey Unger play poker live.

Jay I would bet you have done all three of those....didnt you?

Ken

Thanks Ken. Yes I did see Buddy, Keith and Louie in their primes. Many times! And it left an indelible impression on my brain. Buddy for his perfect cue ball control shot after shot, Keith for his flair for the magnificent and Louie for his incredible shot making.

I also witnessed Stuey Unger in action playing Gin Rummy and poker. He reminded me so much of Keith, a total natural at cards.

I had to resurrect this thread, it was so damn good. There are so many intelligent and thoughtful people who post on here! This is the best of AZ.

 

[3RAILKICK]

Waxing nostalgic..the bane of a life well lived..

I had the pleasure of a brief visit to your Sugar Shack, for a Dennis group lesson.

Nice pad. No wonder you would rather spend evenings at home. What's not to like?

Thanks for that fun afternoon, with the conversation and Dennis' instruction.

Be well.

Take care

 

[Runner]

The Life

Jaybird,

I just watched the One Pocket match between Danny D. and Ronnie, (full version!)
and there he is, master of ceremonies, holding court once again on some of the greatest pool ever... looking like he wouldn't want to be ANYWHERE else!

Of course, It's the irreplaceable Jay Helfert... rep to you sir!

One more L.A. Open?....

 

[Island Drive]

Keno

Jaybird,

I just watched the One Pocket match between Danny D. and Ronnie, (full version!)
and there he is, master of ceremonies, holding court once again on some of the greatest pool ever... looking like he wouldn't want to be ANYWHERE else!

Of course, It's the irreplaceable Jay Helfert... rep to you sir!

One more L.A. Open?....

Jay I've got one of these (Just like W.Beanie had when Mark Tadd won it all). We'll flop the board ont table at events end, take 10% off the top and let em go have their fun. There are two side to this board, came from the pool room where Wade Crane first cut his teeth in the Carolinas before takin' it on the road.

 

[jay helfert]

Jay I've got one of these (Just like W.Beanie had when Mark Tadd won it all). We'll flop the board ont table at events end, take 10% off the top and let em go have their fun. There are two side to this board, came from the pool room where Wade Crane first cut his teeth in the Carolinas before takin' it on the road.

You dirty dog.

 

[purpdrag]

Just sitting here at 4 AM, looking at my pool table and wondering what happened in my life. I could have been a doctor like my father and my brother. I could have been many things, so why did I chose this path to follow. Maybe I was just too lazy to go to school all those years. I didn't really like being cooped up in a classroom. I enjoyed the open road and new adventures.

So here I am fifty years later, reflecting on what and who I am. I sit here in my easy chair; a pool table, my cue and the cue ball my only company. In the distance my little Bose radio chimes out soft classics. I like to dance around the table when I'm alone. I'm at peace, what more can one ask. Thanks for joining me on this journey.

Amen Jay, who could ask for more indeed.

Look forward to seeing you again at this year's US Open, and this time I'll introduce myself if I can catch you when you're not too busy. Last couple of year's I didn't want to distract you because the only times I saw you was around the tournament room. I'm not good enough to compete but I like to learn and have been fortunate enough to attend the first few days of each of the last few years.

- Paul

 

[sciarco]

pool

I played a lot of pool starting at 14 for years than got a job at the steel plant and quit pool for 30 or so yrs just playing the odd time when i retired 4 yrs ago i got the itch again so i joined the cpa league and opl league and now i play at least 3 or 4 times a week and i really enjoy it.

 

[wahcheck]

nice

Thanks for resurrecting this thread, Jay; I missed it the first time around.......
IMHO, it's got to be one of the top 10 threads at AZB......

Regarding your original musings that 4AM morning in 2004, I'm sure many of us can reflect on similar experiences in our pool world, but none quite as varied and rich as yours. What marvelous and rich experiences you have had! It must've been fun to have seen all those legendary characters and played among them;
and not only in pool, but characters such as Stu Ungar in Poker; I wonder if you were ever around Amarillo Slim and Archie Karras in those days.......

If you had chosen a different path or career, I think you'd be wondering now what could've been, and what you might've missed out on, if you didn't follow your heart.

What hasn't been said, though, is that you have proven to be that too-rare character in the pool world, who not only enjoyed and played with so many of the best cueists around, and living that life, you were successful in making a good living while doing it.
That, I believe, shows that you had the intelligence, gumption, and foresight to navigate through a pretty tough terrain which has claimed many casualties.

What puts the cherry on top about you, Jay, is that we in the world of pool get to know about so many inside stories and adventures through your ability to articulate what you experienced. So although we may not have been there, it is fun to imagine what it must have been like. Thanks again for that!

I was thinking that the other thread I really enjoyed above most others was the one about "The Rack" in Detroit and how that was a happening in history which we shall probably never see again.