Well folks, mission accomplished and you can scratch that one off the bucket list. I had several PMs after this original post came out of people who were generally supportive and some who wanted to arrange something for me. There was only one guy who had the contacts to legitimately make that happen. We talked about Nick Varner perhaps, and he seemed willing. But I also started checking out people’s websites directly. Mike Sigel has one, it advertised exhibitions, so I sent him an e-mail directly. I had a reply before the day was out saying “sure” and we started talking dates. His schedule is very busy right now with all the irons in the fire around various business objectives he’s trying to accomplish, but there was an open weekend in January so we booked it.
I must admit I went back and forth about Mike and Nick. I knew those two experiences would be very different given their different personality and styles. Mike is known for being very talkative, and in the end, I decided that this is pretty much what I would want, because I wanted to listen. Additionally, if you’re looking to get one of the best who ever played the game, you’d have to give Mike the clear nod with his record.
When I asked Mike if he was interested, the proposal was pretty much like I wrote it up on this forum. I was very clear about what I was looking for. I didn’t say, hey let’s play some matches or do an exhibition and then we’ll hang out a while afterwards. It was basically, I’m looking to hang out with one of the greatest players of the game ever, and by the way, I’d like to play some games and give back to the local hall and straight pool league by having you come down and show the guys some things.
He said, I understand, fine, didn’t blink. After talking to him more, turns out this kinda thing is really not that odd at all. It doesn’t happen as much as it used to when the sport was more popular and the money looser. But hardly rare.
I’m not going to go into the details of the weekend, but I’ll just say my head is still spinning with all the stories, advice, games and just watching the guy play. If you’re wondering if Mike can still play at over 60, I can assure you, he still hits him like the world champion he is. I have a Gold Crown V at the house and he played mostly straight pool. I had two buddies come over to my house to meet Mike. After shooting around for about 20 minutes, he ran 56, 84, and then 126. At the pool hall he had a 54 and a 71, all the while chatting and telling stories in well-known Sigel style (that is, he wasn’t exactly trying terribly hard).
And for those Sigel haters who are going to start talking trash about Mike (and who I will admit made me a little nervous up front), I’ll also say that he was a gracious and fun guest, and I would do it all over again, no hesitations (although once is about all the wife is going to tolerate for this little whim).
I said I’m not going into the details, but here is a taste for those of you who asked.
Watched Mike at work around the table. An absolute joy.
Played some straight pool, nine ball and eight ball using GPPA rules. He started me at a 2 but thought I should have been a 1.
Watched some DCC Big Foot matches on the stream. That was a hoot having him watch all the players and knowing each one personally (as well as several sitting in the background). While Corey Duel was warming up for his match with Niels, Mike shot him a text “I’m watching you” and when Niels started warming up the texts started coming back. Priceless.
Got a close hand look at his GORGEOUS cue that he designed and made. Sure it’s CNC, but it really is a spectacular cue with the silver, diamonds, ivory and abalone.
Talked about hustling, tournaments, commentating, tables, cue making, state of pool, players, games, money, tight pockets, cloth, patterns, leagues, golf, poker, fishing, his family, life, etc., etc., etc.
Talked about the players. Crane, Balsis, Martin, West, Mosconi, Walderone, McCready, Matthews, Hopkins, Rempe, Reyes, Bustamante, Dominguez, SVB, Hall, Archer, Strickland, Varner, etc., etc.
And yes, we talked about Kevin, IPT and all that too. He was very open and there seemed no subject off limits.
He signed my picture of him and Grady Matthews in Dayton, Ohio, I took him to the airport, and the rest is history.
I’m surprised, I guess, that the pros don’t try to market things like this more aggressively. I suppose the market is limited, and there is the risk factor of not knowing who you might get hooked up with. But for the die-hard pool fan, this was the most rewarding, fascinating and unforgettable experience of my pool life.
Regards
