Ronnie / Fats

[Duane Remick]

I spent a lot of time with Fatty. He truly was the greatest.

He could play one pocket and banks very well.

I was in Johnson City when Fatty beat Richie Florence out of about 35K.
Fats was getting 8/7 as I remember. Smart game maker.

Kelly went on the road with Taylor just like I did. That is where we both developed the respect we had for Taylors game. Kelly learned to bank from Taylor just like I did.

There was no question at the time that Taylor was the best bank and one pocket player. Everyone even complained when he got in a ring 9 or 10 ball game.

He could also beat RA playing one handed. I watched him do it at the Stardust. I was sitting next to Squirrel and was amazed. I shouldn't have been surprised as he ran 14 banks playing practice pool with me one handed to my two.

Taylor could also play straight pool. I watched him beat Beanie at a game that Miz lost at.

Taylor had knowledge about banks that no one had or has today. He freely shared those secrets with anyone that he thought could learn.

He is much missed.

Bill S.

Mr Taylor-
LEGENDARY ….
" Were you able to see much of the also Great HAROLD WORST ??????
I read some where-
Most of the players AVOIDED Mr Worst-

 

[bstroud]

Worst came to pool a little later.

First time I saw him was at the Stardust when I was there with Taylor.

Bet on him when he played Crane 9 ball and won.

Went to lunch with him once.

He was just starting to play one pocket and was already playing it well.

Bill S.

 

[jay helfert]

I saw Squirrel beat Ronnie in Atlanta, 1963, giving Ronnie 9-6.
I'm assuming it was on the square.

No question that Squirrel was a better player in 1963. It was mid to late 60's before Ronnie really blossomed.

 

[jay helfert]

I spent a lot of time with Fatty. He truly was the greatest.

He could play one pocket and banks very well.

I was in Johnson City when Fatty beat Richie Florence out of about 35K.
Fats was getting 8/7 as I remember. Smart game maker.

Kelly went on the road with Taylor just like I did. That is where we both developed the respect we had for Taylors game. Kelly learned to bank from Taylor just like I did.

There was no question at the time that Taylor was the best bank and one pocket player. Everyone even complained when he got in a ring 9 or 10 ball game.

He could also beat RA playing one handed. I watched him do it at the Stardust. I was sitting next to Squirrel and was amazed. I shouldn't have been surprised as he ran 14 banks playing practice pool with me one handed to my two.

Taylor could also play straight pool. I watched him beat Beanie at a game that Miz lost at.

Taylor had knowledge about banks that no one had or has today. He freely shared those secrets with anyone that he thought could learn.

He is much missed.

Bill S.

Billy, just wondering if Taylor beat Ronnie at Banks one handed. Ronnie did play good Banks and I could see them matching up that way one handed. I would have to bet on Ronnie playing One Pocket 'one hand up in the air' though. They would have busted me.

I watched Chris Raftis run all over Taylor playing 9-Ball one handed. He simply robbed him! Taylor was not in the same league with Raftis and Goositay.

 

[bstroud]

Jay,

It was even one pocket.

Taylor and I split right after the Stardust. He went on to the SF tournament.
RA won the tournament and Taylor busted him for the money playing one pocket.

Bill S.

 

[billinboston]

Another guy .. Lassiter.. 9 ball wizard for money...yet, even beat Ronnie and Boston Shorty in one pocket tournament play. So.... just how good would Luther have been if he played all one pocket instead of 9 ball ?

 

[jay helfert]

Another guy .. Lassiter.. 9 ball wizard for money...yet, even beat Ronnie and Boston Shorty in one pocket tournament play. So.... just how good would Luther have been if he played all one pocket instead of 9 ball ?

Lassiter would never play Ronnie any One Pocket for the cash (or Shorty for that matter)! He played so good that he could beat anybody at any game in a tournament match. He was the best 9-Ball player and also the best Straight Pool player of that era (50's and 60's).

 

[billinboston]

Was talking to Boston Shorty in a pool room one night, and he told me quite a bit about who he thought could play real good. He told me Fatty was excellent at banks and not bad at 3 cushion.. he told me Harold worst was incredible and had ice in his veins because he pocketed so many balls effortlessly with out missing and would play anyone for any amount of money
He also told me that he watched a money match with Lassiter in a room in New Jersey and they were playing 50 a game 9 ball, and he said “ I tell ya.. Lassiter ran f...,,. Rack after rack after f...... rack the whole night, and I don’t remember him miising more than a ball or two the whole f...... night “
lol.... Shorty was a character