Remove Earl from the Mosconi Cut team?

[crawfish]

Even if you hate him, he's still one of the best when he catches that gear. Also, you'll lose viewers. He's the McEnroe of the billiards world. But, you know, there are players that can hang with Earl. Especially under the pressure. Walden? Dig it.

 

[frankwhite]

Yeah wasn't trying to be hateful, i just don't think he's top 5, at least not yet! No offense meant Frank, and who know's what a year will do. I mean look at the difference in the way people view SVB compared to a year or two ago!
Jeremy

True, true.....LOL

 

[GG11]

I've talked to Tony Robles about the Mosconi Cup and the first thing he mentions is Earl Strickland and how amazing a teammate he is. I mean, I don't know much about how the team is selected but what I do know is, it's not every day the pros get to play in a team format so it's a great experience for many of them when they do.

Since Tony is so quick to tell this story, I'll take the liberty of assuming he wouldn't mind it being posted here.

At the Mosconi Cup, each team is given their own practice room. Tony and Earl were there and Earl says to Tony, "C'MON TONY, LET'S WORK ON YOUR BREAK!" and proceeds to rack the balls for Tony. This went on for about 20 minutes or so with Tony breaking and Earl just racking when Charlie Williams walked in and said, "Wow, you know you've got it good when you've got Earl Strickland racking for you!" Everyone in the room busted out laughing.

When Tony tells the story, it's very funny but at the same time, Tony tells it with a gleam in his eye. Earl Strickland may not be the ambassador-type but he brings a lot to the Mosconi team. His intensity becomes the team's intensity and that's a lot of fun for these guys.


Just some food for thought - When you guys create pool teams, are you always looking for the guys winning the most at the moment or does that sense of team mean more to you?

Tony has told me this story many many times! It's a hilarious visual! I know Earl's got a bad rap but as a teammate asset to motive and be there for the team, Earl will forever be happy memory for TR.

 

[Derek]

Just some food for thought - When you guys create pool teams, are you always looking for the guys winning the most at the moment or does that sense of team mean more to you?

Sense of team. I've seen more than enough "super" teams put together who just collapse on one another with all of the egos or personal conflicts. Sometimes it works out to stack the team, but it's not a given. If I'm going to be on a team, then I want to enjoy it. If winning is the most important, and perhaps the only factor, then I'll go play a singles event.

 

[Derek]

Remove Morris? Are you crazy? He's got the best record on the team. from the website, :

Mosconi Cup record: Played in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Matches played: 19, won 16, lost 3, winning percentage 84%.

Maybe that wasn't a good choice. I guess the way I looked at it was they need to get rid of at least two of the guys and the coach after their showing. My preference is keep Earl, Johnny, and Shane, so Rodney -- gentleman that he is -- gets the boot.

If Earl mentally breaks down more until the next Mosconi, then he should be left off the team for players of a more stable condition.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Sense of team. I've seen more than enough "super" teams put together who just collapse on one another with all of the egos or personal conflicts. Sometimes it works out to stack the team, but it's not a given. If I'm going to be on a team, then I want to enjoy it. If winning is the most important, and perhaps the only factor, then I'll go play a singles event.

Well, that's exactly my point. From what I've heard, Earl is an enjoyable teammate and I don't think I need cite his resume.