Something Ginky Wrote

Fast Lenny

Faster Than You...
Silver Member
I saw this posted online, his wife Athena had posted it and I thought I would share it too. It is copied and pasted so it might be a little tough to read, I did fix the first couple chapters, maybe someone can take the time to fix it but either way I think it is worth you time.
RIP George. :)

(Athena)
About a year ago, Ginky started writing a book. He never got to finish.. only wrote a few chapters. I am only releasing this chapter, and the rest I will speak with his sister about. This is the introduction and first chapter of his book.. I thought It was deep and touching and really wanted to share it with you all.



Fighting The Green Monster - By George “Ginky” SanSouci

Chapter 1 "Mom if only you could See me now".



My father died when I was young. My mom raised my sister and I. The standout memory I have from my father was him chasing me and my sister around the house and
trying to tickle us. I remember how much we were laughing.

But my mom, I have many great memories, these memories and what I have learned from her and my
beautiful sister are what define me.



I can say I was a mommas boy. Growing up, I loved her so much. We were always close, but as I got older, and faced adolescence, I got involved in the wrong crowd. I used to break into cars, and do a whole bunch of stupid things, that at that time, I thought were cool.

The one thing I can say is that, regardless of what I got involved in, I always had family around. When I say family, I don’t only mean blood. Chris and Rob Faldetta, a set of twins from the neighborhood were my family as well. They were the closest thing I had to brothers, so they were my brothers, actually they are my brothers. We recently reconnected and we are as close as ever.

My sister Irene, she's beautiful and strong, and I love her with everything.

Everyday she reminds me so much of my mother. Recently, Athena and I went

upstate to visit her for Thanksgiving, and she just reconfirmed how much I

admire her. I have a brother. A half brother. My mom and dad were never

married, but as most couples do, had been through a point of separation. My

dad's middle name was Edward, and he named his son, who is my half brother, Eddie. My

mom and dad were pregnant with a boy before me, they were going to name him

Edward as well, but she miscarried. So when my mom had me, instead they gave me

my fathers full name. I became a Jr. George Edward SanSouci Jr. No space in

SanSouci please. It pisses me off when people do that.



My brother Eddie, he was older than me, and we lived in the same neighborhood. I remember

always riding my bike by his building, or by the corner he used to hang out at,

and I would watch him. I thought he was so cool, and I always wanted a big

brother, but I was to afraid and too proud to go up to him and tell him. I

would always watch him from a distance, and know that one day, him and I will

reconnect. That day has yet to come, but hopefully, when this book comes out.

Him and I will talk.



Chris and Rob, they are two talented guys. I remember getting a motorcycle, and they

chromed the shit out of that bike. I mean, if the sun hit it, it would blind

you. I love those kids! They were there through a lot.



My mom, god bless her soul was always a hard working woman. She worked as a waitress and

tried to give us everything we needed, because her children were the most

important thing to her. She wanted us to live a comfortable life, and always

put us first. Even when it came to her health. I remember that she used to sit

on the couch with a tub of Olives and eat them one by one. The green cocktail

olives, which I hated, and hate till this day. Funny because Athena is a

Kalamata olive, and I love her.



I remember going to my moms house one day, and she was in her room. I remember looking in

from the crack of the door, and I saw my mom had something like a hole on her

breast. I got scared, and I didnt say anything to my mom, but told my sister

Irene to ask her. Irene came home and made my mom show her, and we were

devastated. We didnt know what it was, but we made sure we would put her in the

hospital, and take care of whatever that thing on her was. I vividly remember

it. It was as if someone had burnt a hole on her body.



Then we found out she had cancer. It was breast cancer. So we started the treatment for

her. I was very busy with pool, and I regret not spending a lot of time with

her. I remember going to the hospital and seeing her, and then I had to leave,

because I had a tournament in California, and someone had called saying Keith

McCready wanted to play me for a lot of money. I told my mom I would see her

when I came back, and I gave her a kiss goodbye.



I left and went to California, and I was gambling with Keith. I was down two sets, when

the phone in the billiards rang. It was my sister, and they told her that I was

gambling but she told them it was really important. When the cashier came up to

me and told me I had an important phone call from my sister in New York, I got

this panicking feeling. I already knew somehow, what she was going to say. I

grabbed the phone, and received the worst news I could ever hope for. My mom

had lost her battle with cancer.



I run back to the table and tell Keith I would pay him for the sets and he said “No, this

is more important. Forget about this game. It never happened. Kid, go home and

handle your business”. I will never forget Keith. If it were anyone else, they

would have used this as a tactic to make as much money possible, but the fact

that I was losing, gambling for about $20,000 and he just let it go, shows me

how much heart he has.



We never gambled again, because Keith is now a very good friend. If your readin this, I

love ya kid, and I will always be one of your biggest fans, and friend.



That day changed my life. I tried to live it for the better. Sure, I have ****ed up a

lot. Yes, my neck surgery has gotten me addicted to pain meds, but everyday is

a struggle. I fight it because I love my life, I love my career, and I love my

family.



I was lost for a very long time, even when I was ontop of my game, after the surgery it

just wasnt natural. I was on pain killers all the time, and the memories are so

hazy because my mind was ****ed up.



I have a lot of regrets, the way I have treated people who love me, and I have a lot of

respect for the people who stayed. Athena, she is the love of my life, because

when I shut everyone out, she let me in. When I shut my family out, she called

them, hell she picked them up and brought them to me, and I wasn't there but

she didnt give up. I was embarrassed of my addiction and I didnt want to see or

talk to Chris and Rob, or My sister, because I didnt want them to see me like

that. I would cry at night saying “God what is mom thinking looking down on

me”, but Athena didnt give up. She dragged me to rehab, yelled and screamed and cried and gave up her life, stopped school for a while, worked two jobs to support me, and never let me out of her site. Athena showed me how much she love me over and over again, And I never once apologized. I never once told her “I appreciate what you have done for me” until now. I love her. She is my soulmate, and no matter what happens. There will never ever be another woman who I can love like I love her.

My sister Irene, she understands me now. She is worried about me, but since I saw her she is so proud that I kicked my habit. On thanksgiving, she actually said “I'm proud of you”. No one understands how good that feels, to hear my sister say that. My niece Erin, she is a grown woman now. Wow I remember the day she was born. I am her godfather, and I love her and Jeanna and Jimmy. I am glad to know that as I am writing this book, my life is getting better and better. I am winning local tournaments, placing in the top 10 in bigger tournaments, and hopefully will be playing in the US Open. I have a lot of love and a lot of skill to share with everybody. And although I have been gone for a while. Watch out Suckers, because Ginky's Back. And he aint going anywhere without a bang. I was always humble, but Athena told me not to be. This time I am taking her advice.



Im a ****ing Legend. Deal with it, Live with it. I am the man to watch. And If my

mother is up there looking down. Mom, if only you could see me now. I know you

would be proud.
 
What an heart-warming chapter written by a well-respected American pool legend, George San Souci.

I am aware of that happening between Keith and Ginky. The two of them spoke about it in my presence, and when Ginky's mother was mentioned, the whole expression on his face changed. It was quite evident that he had a very close relationship with her. Sadly, Keith lost his mother to breast cancer when he was a young boy, so he had complete empathy for Ginky when the two of them were engaged in battle on a field of green.

I remember interviewing George San Souci at a pool tournament for the readers of this forum. Somebody asked what kind of cue Ginky shot with. Here's a brief snippet of the interview:

I am sitting here with George "Ginky" San Souci from the Big Apple. Here is what he says about his playing cue:

Ginky: "I play with a pro taper, 15 inches, medium-sized tip, Tiger Sniper, 13 millimeter, 29-1/2 inches long, 19-1/2-ounce cue, a Pete Tascarella cue stick. I break with my playing cue."


Here's a cute shot of George sporting a blond 'do. :D
 

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Here's a group shot of Ginky winning the 17th Annual Ocean State Championship, hosted by the owners of Snookers in Providence, RI (Regina and Steve Goulding). Allen Hopkins was runner-up, and Joe Tucker came in third place. It was one of the best finals I had ever had the pleasure to watch in person. Neither Allen nor Ginky made a mistake in the match. It came down to who got lucky on the break that determined the winner. Both players gave it their all, and it was quiet a memorable tournament for me. :)
 

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A cute shot of George. Host Steve Goulding, and Mike Zuglan, the TD of the 17th Ocean State Championship, which was a Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour event.
 

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I saw this posted online, his wife Athena had posted it and I thought I would share it too. It is copied and pasted so it might be a little tough to read, I did fix the first couple chapters, maybe someone can take the time to fix it but either way I think it is worth you time.
RIP George. :)

(Athena)
About a year ago, Ginky started writing a book. He never got to finish.. only wrote a few chapters. I am only releasing this chapter, and the rest I will speak with his sister about. This is the introduction and first chapter of his book.. I thought It was deep and touching and really wanted to share it with you all.



Fighting The Green Monster - By George “Ginky” SanSouci

Chapter 1 "Mom if only you could See me now".



My father died when I was young. My mom raised my sister and I. The standout memory I have from my father was him chasing me and my sister around the house and
trying to tickle us. I remember how much we were laughing.

But my mom, I have many great memories, these memories and what I have learned from her and my
beautiful sister are what define me.



I can say I was a mommas boy. Growing up, I loved her so much. We were always close, but as I got older, and faced adolescence, I got involved in the wrong crowd. I used to break into cars, and do a whole bunch of stupid things, that at that time, I thought were cool.

The one thing I can say is that, regardless of what I got involved in, I always had family around. When I say family, I don’t only mean blood. Chris and Rob Faldetta, a set of twins from the neighborhood were my family as well. They were the closest thing I had to brothers, so they were my brothers, actually they are my brothers. We recently reconnected and we are as close as ever.

My sister Irene, she's beautiful and strong, and I love her with everything.

Everyday she reminds me so much of my mother. Recently, Athena and I went

upstate to visit her for Thanksgiving, and she just reconfirmed how much I

admire her. I have a brother. A half brother. My mom and dad were never

married, but as most couples do, had been through a point of separation. My

dad's middle name was Edward, and he named his son, who is my half brother, Eddie. My

mom and dad were pregnant with a boy before me, they were going to name him

Edward as well, but she miscarried. So when my mom had me, instead they gave me

my fathers full name. I became a Jr. George Edward SanSouci Jr. No space in

SanSouci please. It pisses me off when people do that.



My brother Eddie, he was older than me, and we lived in the same neighborhood. I remember

always riding my bike by his building, or by the corner he used to hang out at,

and I would watch him. I thought he was so cool, and I always wanted a big

brother, but I was to afraid and too proud to go up to him and tell him. I

would always watch him from a distance, and know that one day, him and I will

reconnect. That day has yet to come, but hopefully, when this book comes out.

Him and I will talk.



Chris and Rob, they are two talented guys. I remember getting a motorcycle, and they

chromed the shit out of that bike. I mean, if the sun hit it, it would blind

you. I love those kids! They were there through a lot.



My mom, god bless her soul was always a hard working woman. She worked as a waitress and

tried to give us everything we needed, because her children were the most

important thing to her. She wanted us to live a comfortable life, and always

put us first. Even when it came to her health. I remember that she used to sit

on the couch with a tub of Olives and eat them one by one. The green cocktail

olives, which I hated, and hate till this day. Funny because Athena is a

Kalamata olive, and I love her.



I remember going to my moms house one day, and she was in her room. I remember looking in

from the crack of the door, and I saw my mom had something like a hole on her

breast. I got scared, and I didnt say anything to my mom, but told my sister

Irene to ask her. Irene came home and made my mom show her, and we were

devastated. We didnt know what it was, but we made sure we would put her in the

hospital, and take care of whatever that thing on her was. I vividly remember

it. It was as if someone had burnt a hole on her body.



Then we found out she had cancer. It was breast cancer. So we started the treatment for

her. I was very busy with pool, and I regret not spending a lot of time with

her. I remember going to the hospital and seeing her, and then I had to leave,

because I had a tournament in California, and someone had called saying Keith

McCready wanted to play me for a lot of money. I told my mom I would see her

when I came back, and I gave her a kiss goodbye.



I left and went to California, and I was gambling with Keith. I was down two sets, when

the phone in the billiards rang. It was my sister, and they told her that I was

gambling but she told them it was really important. When the cashier came up to

me and told me I had an important phone call from my sister in New York, I got

this panicking feeling. I already knew somehow, what she was going to say. I

grabbed the phone, and received the worst news I could ever hope for. My mom

had lost her battle with cancer.



I run back to the table and tell Keith I would pay him for the sets and he said “No, this

is more important. Forget about this game. It never happened. Kid, go home and

handle your business”. I will never forget Keith. If it were anyone else, they

would have used this as a tactic to make as much money possible, but the fact

that I was losing, gambling for about $20,000 and he just let it go, shows me

how much heart he has.



We never gambled again, because Keith is now a very good friend. If your readin this, I

love ya kid, and I will always be one of your biggest fans, and friend.



That day changed my life. I tried to live it for the better. Sure, I have ****ed up a

lot. Yes, my neck surgery has gotten me addicted to pain meds, but everyday is

a struggle. I fight it because I love my life, I love my career, and I love my

family.



I was lost for a very long time, even when I was ontop of my game, after the surgery it

just wasnt natural. I was on pain killers all the time, and the memories are so

hazy because my mind was ****ed up.



I have a lot of regrets, the way I have treated people who love me, and I have a lot of

respect for the people who stayed. Athena, she is the love of my life, because

when I shut everyone out, she let me in. When I shut my family out, she called

them, hell she picked them up and brought them to me, and I wasn't there but

she didnt give up. I was embarrassed of my addiction and I didnt want to see or

talk to Chris and Rob, or My sister, because I didnt want them to see me like

that. I would cry at night saying “God what is mom thinking looking down on

me”, but Athena didnt give up. She dragged me to rehab, yelled and screamed and cried and gave up her life, stopped school for a while, worked two jobs to support me, and never let me out of her site. Athena showed me how much she love me over and over again, And I never once apologized. I never once told her “I appreciate what you have done for me” until now. I love her. She is my soulmate, and no matter what happens. There will never ever be another woman who I can love like I love her.

My sister Irene, she understands me now. She is worried about me, but since I saw her she is so proud that I kicked my habit. On thanksgiving, she actually said “I'm proud of you”. No one understands how good that feels, to hear my sister say that. My niece Erin, she is a grown woman now. Wow I remember the day she was born. I am her godfather, and I love her and Jeanna and Jimmy. I am glad to know that as I am writing this book, my life is getting better and better. I am winning local tournaments, placing in the top 10 in bigger tournaments, and hopefully will be playing in the US Open. I have a lot of love and a lot of skill to share with everybody. And although I have been gone for a while. Watch out Suckers, because Ginky's Back. And he aint going anywhere without a bang. I was always humble, but Athena told me not to be. This time I am taking her advice.



Im a ****ing Legend. Deal with it, Live with it. I am the man to watch. And If my

mother is up there looking down. Mom, if only you could see me now. I know you

would be proud.

Thank you lenny that was awesom,boy i always liked keith,that story makes me love him,i hope this book makes it to the shelfs,i cany wait to read the rest.GOD BLESS GEORGE AND THE REST OF HIS CLOSE FAMILY!
 
JAM has said before "Keith was no angel".

Maybe he was, sometimes.

RIP Ginky, with no space between the SanSouci.

Best,
Brian kc
 
JAM has said before "Keith was no angel".

Maybe he was, sometimes.

RIP Ginky, with no space between the SanSouci.

Best,
Brian kc

Keith does have his good points, much to the surprise of a few AzBilliards' forum members. :grin-square:

BTW, there is definitely a space in "San Souci." Check out Ginky's Wiki article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_San_Souci

Somebody added some content to his article which I will have to edit after I finish this job I'm on.

Here's a brief snippet of a colloquy between me (RailbirdJAM) and Athena San Souci:

RailbirdJAM: I had always thought Ginky's last name was "San Souci," with a space between "San" and "Souci." It is listed as "SanSouci." This needs to be clarified. Thanks in advance. RailbirdJAM
16:54, 25 July 2007 (UTC)

Resolved: Inserted space between San and Souci.

Athena: hey its athena i dont know how to fix that i saw that too lol... if anyone can please fix it . thanx Athena San Souci

RailbirdJAM: Well, that settles it. Hi, Athena. This is "JAM." I knew it was spelled wrong but wanted to make sure. I will try to get it fixed, and if I cannot do it, I hope somebody else will.

BTW, Athena, do you have a BETTER photo of Ginky, one where he is playing pool? The only one I had was this one and a couple others when his hair was BLOND. However, an action shot of Ginky playing pool would be cool! My best to you and Ginky.

RailbirdJAM 11:20, 4 August 2007 (UTC)

RailbirdJAM: I fixed it. I wasn't sure how to do it, but I read and read and read and figured it out.
RailbirdJAM 11:56, 4 August 2007 (UTC)

Athena: Hey JAM its Athena again i have many many photos but, i dont know how to add them. send me a PM on Azbilliards and i'll send you a good photo. - Athena
 
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BTW, there is definitely a space in "San Souci." Check out Ginky's Wicki article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_San_Souci

<snip>

RailbirdJAM: I had always thought Ginky's last name was "San Souci," with a space between "San" and "Souci." It is listed as "SanSouci." This needs to be clarified. Thanks in advance. RailbirdJAM
16:54, 25 July 2007 (UTC)

Resolved: Inserted space between San and Souci.

Athena: hey its athena i dont know how to fix that i saw that too lol... if anyone can please fix it . thanx Athena San Souci

RailbirdJAM: Well, that settles it. Hi, Athena. This is "JAM." I knew it was spelled wrong but wanted to make sure. I will try to get it fixed, and if I cannot do it, I hope somebody else will.

<snip>

JAM:

The following is from the op, just above, written by Ginky:

"So when my mom had me, instead they gave me my fathers full name. I became a Jr. George Edward SanSouci Jr. No space in SanSouci please. It pisses me off when people do that."

Best,
Brian kc
 
JAM:

The following is from the op, just above, written by Ginky:

"So when my mom had me, instead they gave me my fathers full name. I became a Jr. George Edward SanSouci Jr. No space in SanSouci please. It pisses me off when people do that."

Best,
Brian kc

OMG, now I'm not sure how to handle the Wiki article. I wonder why Athena suggested there be a space between "San" and Souci" in Ginky's last name.

That said, I have to go with what Ginky writes as the correct way to spell the last name. Thanks for the correction. I will attempt to revise that Wiki article to reflect the proper spelling and make it global.:)
 
A great read, Lenny. I appreciate your sharing.

Make no mistake about it. Keith loves pool and never gives up, trying to win.

To hear that he packed it in, in deference to Ginky's family issues, shows absolute class. Not a move to impress the World, just the right thing to do.

I have no further words to express the quality evidenced. Just thumbs up.
 
Thanx for this post Lenny

At some point you have to accept the news...fate.
The Irish side of me is going into the 'wake' mode....

Country Club USA....maybe 12 or 15 years ago..

A young kid asked George if he could practice with him.
George said sure..he was always gracious like that.
George wins 30 or 40 games in a row..with a few 4 and 5 packs.
The kid is racking...again.
I could always make George laugh.
I said "Jack it up,man...he just can't keep DOING this!"
Everybody started laughing,including the kid....
..one guy spilled his drink and George missed the 1-ball on the break.
..mission accomplished

ps
I don't know Keith...had a long lay-off while he was flowering.
But we have a lot of mutual friends...
...and this post confirms many of the good things they say about him
 
OMG, now I'm not sure how to handle the Wiki article. I wonder why Athena suggested there be a space between "San" and Souci" in Ginky's last name.

That said, I have to go with what Ginky writes as the correct way to spell the last name. Thanks for the correction. I will attempt to revise that Wiki article to reflect the proper spelling and make it global.:)

I have been told that you can't believe everything on Wiki because none of it is really checked out or guarantees accuracy. It is something that is up to the reader and submitters to determine and try to correct if anything is not accurate.
 
Funny reading it and hearing Ginky's voice in my mind. The whole thing is sad. At the expo over the weekend, everyone was asking "how", but to me it doesn't even matter. Gone is gone and its sad no matter how it happened.

Some of his closest friends were there, some playing for their living. I cannot even imagine trying to win a pool tournament with that on my mind.

I was very proud of pool seeing how much money they raised. Its beautiful to see we stick together and care. People that may have not even had the pleaser of knowing him were donating. Its a beautiful thing.
 
... a great read. It never ceases to me amaze me - the more time that goes by, the more respect and admiration I have for Keith McCready.

Keith, you're in MY hall of fame - and so is the Ginkster!
 
I went in and edited most of the wikipedia text with no space in his last name but i cant seem to edit the one in Bold at the top. There's an EDIT link in the top right corner so if you know how to fix it go right ahead.

Btw i saw a link to the IPT page and its wrong there aswell :rolleyes:
 
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I went in and edited most of the wikipedia text with no space in his last name but i cant seem to edit the one in Bold at the top. There's an EDIT link in the top right corner so if you know how to fix it go right ahead.

Btw i saw a link to the IPT page and its wrong there aswell :rolleyes:

There used to be a page called "George SanSouci" with no space between the "San" and "Souci." At Athena's request, as I posted earlier in this thread, she said it should have a space, so the title of the article was changed to "George San Souci," with the space.

Now for it to go back to the previous page, it must be done by an Wiki Administrator. If a previous page exists, the new page cannot be changed to that previous page's name unless it is a Wiki Administrator that makes the change.

I have sent in a request to my Wiki sponsor to see if he can help effect this change.

Thanks for your efforts, RunoutJJ. That Wiki sure is complicated and difficult to adhere to their rules sometimes. :o
 
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