the BETMORE CUP

[Mark Griffin]

OK. I was in Indianapolis after the Hopkins show. Just happen to drop a note to "Willie Betmore" - who immediatley responded and invited me (and a special friend)over to the famous (or is it infamous) Betmore's Basement.

Willie was a gracious host - along with his lovely wife Liz. He has a nice house in the Northeast side of Indy. He has a grat place to play pool.

Unfortunetly he only has a GC IV - and me being a Diamond man it was VERY hard to adjust (just kidding).

We had a good time-reminisced about our mutual friend "Breakup" - played some pool - and just had an enjoyable evening. Capped it off with some Italian food and all was well.

I did get a glance at the "Betmore Cup". All I can say is it will take your breath away. This thing is amazing!! I am actually suprised he keeps it in his house - however he did not offer to show it immediatley upn our arrival.

It seems he only allows "special guests" to view this jewel and we (my friend and I) felt very honored.

Next time I am in Indy, I am going to force this guy to put up the cup. I am gonna see if I can take it back to Vegas. And then Willie will have to come here to play. He says he likes Vegas - so that could be a win-win.

All in all - it was a fun time.

Mark Griffin

 

[JCIN]

I too have seen "The Cup". It is a wonder to behold.

Good thing you didn't go to the Basement alone or you might have gotten to see the other legendary fixture in Bettmore's Basement. The Pit.

Willie is the nuts, I wish we had a 1000 more like him in the game.

 

[watchez]

I can't wait for Willie to post what 'really' happened.

 

[Williebetmore]

Good thing you didn't go to the Basement alone or you might have gotten to see the other legendary fixture in Bettmore's Basement. The Pit.

.

JCIN,
Don't make me have to slap you around. Once and for all, THERE IS NO PIT IN THE POOLROOM!!!! (please do not look over in the adjoining theater room)

 

[Williebetmore]

Unfortunetly he only has a GC IV - and me being a Diamond man it was VERY hard to adjust (just kidding).



I did get a glance at the "Betmore Cup". All I can say is it will take your breath away. This thing is amazing!! I am actually suprised he keeps it in his house - however he did not offer to show it immediatley upn our arrival.

It seems he only allows "special guests" to view this jewel and we (my friend and I) felt very honored.

Next time I am in Indy, I am going to force this guy to put up the cup. I am gonna see if I can take it back to Vegas.


Mark Griffin

Mark,
Many thanks for the visit and the kind words. It is a tremendous honor for Betmore's Basement to have such a visitor. For those that don't know, Mark's contributions to the game are stellar (BCA league owner, poolhall owner, Diamond table owner, and Qlympics organizer) and it was my pleasure to host his visit.

Unfortunately, we did get to play earlier that weekend on a friend's table (Diamond), so playing on my table (GCIV) was a bit of a step down. Strange circumstances allowed me to get my table for "next-to-nothing", but if I had to purchase one now, Diamond would definitely be my choice - not only for the quality of table, but also in recognition of all they do for the game.

I guess I am a bit regretful that you mentioned the Betmore Cup; with all the attendant publicity I guess I will have to invest in some special security systems to keep it safe; and perhaps a 24 hour guard as well.

I was distressed though that your friend actually picked it up and handled it without asking first. I know you have let me and some of the AZB'ers hit with your Balabushkas and rare Szamboti's, but what if she had dropped it????? It is one of those rare treasures that have value beyond mere money....irreplaceable...like the Mona Lisa, the Hope Diamond, the shroud of Turin, or King Tut's sarcophagus. Please be a bit more careful in the future.

As for your desire to obtain the coveted Betmore Cup, I will definitely put it up for our next contest (though it's obvious you are a hustler after seeing you stomp us at cutthroat). The usual game is straight pool to 150. We must however, come to some agreement as to what YOU will put up.....I have the idea that you could put up your pool league, or your share in Diamond Billiards.....just think of what a great pool legend it would be if you lost one of these things gambling....it would assure your place in history. Just a thought.

Hope to see you this summer.

 

[Mark Griffin]

Mr. Willie Betmore

I am going to have to seriously think about what I am willing to "gamble" in order to take possession of the "BETMORE CUP'.

I realize it is a one-of-a-kind - but is it really worth the same as the BCA Pool League or my share of Diamond Billiards. Ya know, when you make a bet, make sure you can afford the loss (In other words, 'don't let your mouth make a bet your ass can't cover').

This is going to take some serious thought. After consulting my CPA, attorneys (yes plural!) - and my partners iin Diamond, I will get back to you.

This challenge will obvioously be made in a public forum (Like AZBilliards) because I can understand how you might get faint of heart, and weak kneed to accept a wager with the possible implication of the CUP changing hands.

I am quite certain that Greg & Chad from Diamond will back me on the wager - after all, they are known to gamble on the outcome of pool matches, and they realize the value the CUP could bring to Diamond in future promotions.

I will post my full response at a later date.

But you better start practicing.

With the utmost respect,

Mark Griffin

 

[Williebetmore]

I am going to have to seriously think about what I am willing to "gamble" in order to take possession of the "BETMORE CUP'.

I realize it is a one-of-a-kind - but is it really worth the same as the BCA Pool League or my share of Diamond Billiards. Ya know, when you make a bet, make sure you can afford the loss (In other words, 'don't let your mouth make a bet your ass can't cover').

This is going to take some serious thought. After consulting my CPA, attorneys (yes plural!) - and my partners iin Diamond, I will get back to you.

This challenge will obvioously be made in a public forum (Like AZBilliards) because I can understand how you might get faint of heart, and weak kneed to accept a wager with the possible implication of the CUP changing hands.

I am quite certain that Greg & Chad from Diamond will back me on the wager - after all, they are known to gamble on the outcome of pool matches, and they realize the value the CUP could bring to Diamond in future promotions.

I will post my full response at a later date.

But you better start practicing.

With the utmost respect,

Mark Griffin

Mark,
Yes, I see what you mean. The value of the league and pool table manufacturing concern really DON'T come close to the value of the Betmore Cup. We may have to come up with some other stake for you.....I'll think about it.

In the meantime, I am going to leave work early today and PRACTICE SOME POOL. You have another thing coming if you think you can just waltz in here and win the Betmore Cup. You had better bring your A game.

 

[sde]

Without knowing the true value of "The Cup"...

perhaps Willie would agree to put "The Cup" up against, say an upgrade to a new or tournament used 9' Diamond, installed.

Steve

I am going to have to seriously think about what I am willing to "gamble" in order to take possession of the "BETMORE CUP'.

I realize it is a one-of-a-kind - but is it really worth the same as the BCA Pool League or my share of Diamond Billiards. Ya know, when you make a bet, make sure you can afford the loss (In other words, 'don't let your mouth make a bet your ass can't cover').

This is going to take some serious thought. After consulting my CPA, attorneys (yes plural!) - and my partners iin Diamond, I will get back to you.

This challenge will obvioously be made in a public forum (Like AZBilliards) because I can understand how you might get faint of heart, and weak kneed to accept a wager with the possible implication of the CUP changing hands.

I am quite certain that Greg & Chad from Diamond will back me on the wager - after all, they are known to gamble on the outcome of pool matches, and they realize the value the CUP could bring to Diamond in future promotions.

I will post my full response at a later date.

But you better start practicing.

With the utmost respect,

Mark Griffin

 

[JCIN]

I am going to have to seriously think about what I am willing to "gamble" in order to take possession of the "BETMORE CUP'.

I realize it is a one-of-a-kind - but is it really worth the same as the BCA Pool League or my share of Diamond Billiards. Ya know, when you make a bet, make sure you can afford the loss (In other words, 'don't let your mouth make a bet your ass can't cover').

This is going to take some serious thought. After consulting my CPA, attorneys (yes plural!) - and my partners iin Diamond, I will get back to you.

This challenge will obvioously be made in a public forum (Like AZBilliards) because I can understand how you might get faint of heart, and weak kneed to accept a wager with the possible implication of the CUP changing hands.

I am quite certain that Greg & Chad from Diamond will back me on the wager - after all, they are known to gamble on the outcome of pool matches, and they realize the value the CUP could bring to Diamond in future promotions.

I will post my full response at a later date.

But you better start practicing.

With the utmost respect,

Mark Griffin

I normally dont do this, but you have been good to me and TAR so I am going to knock Willie's action.

Don't bet anything on winning that Cup. It is a trap.

You see I too was infatuated with the majesty of that beautiful piece of art known as "The Cup". I wanted that cup, I needed that cup. But it was all a trap laid by the cunning Williebetmore.

Now Willie owns my soul.

 

[Williebetmore]

Don't bet anything on winning that Cup. It is a trap.

You see I too was infatuated with the majesty of that beautiful piece of art known as "The Cup". I wanted that cup, I needed that cup. But it was all a trap laid by the cunning Williebetmore.

Now Willie owns my soul.

JCIN,
Well, what else could I do....you can't play the violin worth a damn. You could try to take some violin lessons, and practice up...I have a spare fiddle made of gold I might be willing to wager.

 

[DaveK]

Why the big fuss over one of Willies old jock straps ? You'd think (hope?) the dog would just bury the thing in the neighbours yard.

Dave

 

[Williebetmore]

Why the big fuss over one of Willies old jock straps ? You'd think (hope?) the dog would just bury the thing in the neighbours yard.

Dave

Dave,
Poor, poor, poor Dave. Being that you are from Canada, I guess I'll have to explain that the Betmore Cup is actually a trophy cup (think Stanley Cup, except much, much fancier and more prestigious); the majesty of which is nearly impossible to describe. It is one of those wonders that is hard to describe and even harder to put a price on.

Think of the Grand Canyon, a Hawaiian sunset, the Matterhorn on a clear, crisp morning (oh wait....you're from Canada....think of a Wayne Gretsky goal, or a 6 pack of Labatt's and a stringer full of walleye). Some things are priceless.

 

[supergreenman]

Dave,
Poor, poor, poor Dave. Being that you are from Canada, I guess I'll have to explain that the Betmore Cup is actually a trophy cup (think Stanley Cup, except much, much fancier and more prestigious); the majesty of which is nearly impossible to describe. It is one of those wonders that is hard to describe and even harder to put a price on.

Think of the Grand Canyon, a Hawaiian sunset, the Matterhorn on a clear, crisp morning (oh wait....you're from Canada....think of a Wayne Gretsky goal, or a 6 pack of Labatt's and a stringer full of walleye). Some things are priceless.

If it's only worth 1 gretsky goal, it can't be worth a whole lot. That Gretsky guy made goals a dime a dozen.

 

[DaveK]

Dave,
Poor, poor, poor Dave. Being that you are from Canada, I guess I'll have to explain that the Betmore Cup is actually a trophy cup (think Stanley Cup, except much, much fancier and more prestigious);

OUCH ... woudn't that leave a rash ?

Think of ... a 6 pack of Labatt's .....

mmmmmm ... What were we talking about ?

Dave

 

[Williebetmore]

Oops, I forgot to mention

I forgot to mention the COOLEST thing about Mark's visit to the Basement. Perhaps he is just too modest to mention.

I have about 80 black and white photos displayed on the wall. Pictured are famous pool players from yesteryear, as well as famous actors and actresses who have appeared in photos with pool tables.

I usually test all the visitors to see how many of the photos they can identify. Mark is the ALL-TIME CHAMP so far (not including me, I know them all....hey, they're my pictures). I think there were just a few of the poolplayers he did not identify correctly, and he also knew most of the actors. Very impressive performance by Mark - I would say he probably knew 80-90% of the photos; I doubt anyone has even reached 50% before.

 

[klockdoc]

Possibly a PPV?

Hey JCIN. Maybe a TAR PPV project.

The Betmore Cup Challenge. Mark Griffin vs. Williebetmore for the coveted cup. Available on DVD also.

Think about it..

 

[Williebetmore]

Hey JCIN. Maybe a TAR PPV project.

The Betmore Cup Challenge. Mark Griffin vs. Williebetmore for the coveted cup. Available on DVD also.

Think about it..

doc,
I didn't know that TAR was getting into the comedy business (anyone seeing my stroke usually laughs their a$$e$ off).

Having said that, I still plan on retaining the Cup. I will lay in a generous supply of beer and single-barrel bourbon....if I can't win by skill alone, I may have to resort to plying him with liquor. Surely no one from Alaska can beat me (I've NEVER lost to anyone from Alaska).

 

[supergreenman]

doc,
I didn't know that TAR was getting into the comedy business (anyone seeing my stroke usually laughs their a$$e$ off).

Having said that, I still plan on retaining the Cup. I will lay in a generous supply of beer and single-barrel bourbon....if I can't win by skill alone, I may have to resort to plying him with liquor. Surely no one from Alaska can beat me (I've NEVER lost to anyone from Alaska).

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Breakup take a pile of jellybeans off you?

 

[Williebetmore]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Breakup take a pile of jellybeans off you?

Super-G,
You are wrong; the jellybeans were all mine at the end.

If you promise not to tell anyone (and now that breakup has passed away) I will tell you the real story of the grudge match. He raced to an early lead, then I caught up and passed him. I think I was ahead like 70-something to 50-something when we found out there was a hot match starting in the action room. We decided that drinking some brew and watching 2 real players play for a huge pile of dough would be more fun - so we quit and migrated to the action room.

Sweating a match with breakup is one of the funniest, most entertaining things I've ever done in pool; something I'll always remember. Those of you that never had the chance really missed out - he was a truly funny guy and a real pool fanatic. May he rest in peace.

 

[Mark Griffin]

Betmor's Basement

Once again you try to bait me. First you try to say no one from Alaska has ever beaten you. That, my friend is about to change - if you have the 'moxie" to accept an upcoming challenge.

On the picture ID game; it is quite obvious why I knew most of the people in the photos. I grew up with most of them!!!!

Seriously, I was off that day or would have gotten the two or so that I missed.

On watching a match with 'Breakup' - that probably was truly one of the funniest moments in your pool life. Over the years, Mr. Bill (Johnson) and I made many friendly wagers. Often around a pool game. He was a hoot.

We used to flip a coin for $20. The ashtrays in the old Anchorage Billiard Palace cost about $22 each. We kidded Bill because he paid for every one of them. We also would be a buck or three on who would make a ball (say the 5 ball) BEFORE the rack was broken. That was kinda interesting at times.

I miss him - he was a good friend.

Mark