The most impressive pool playing that you have ever witnessed?

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justinb386 said:
I would love to read some stories about the most impressive pool playing that you have ever witnessed (either in person, or a recorded or live online or tv stream)?

And please do not tell stories about what you heard from someone else (for example, I remember hearing about one of the European pro players running 20 racks of 8 ball, but I never actually witnessed this). Please be honest, and tell about what you have actually seen for yourself.

Thanks for sharing any stories that you can think of, which were (in your opinion) the most impressive pool playing that you have ever witnessed.
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Most impressive thing I've ever seen on a billiard table, other than Mosconi running 100 every exhibition I saw him give (and how stunningly easy he made it look), was done by the late Harry Sims on a 3C table.

This would have been 15 years or so ago and he was giving a 3C lesson here in St. Louis. (Harry was a past US National Champion.) I was practicing on a table not too far away and was sort of listening in. At one point in the lesson, Harry was trying to make the point that you need a good imagination to be a good 3C player.

So he set up the balls (don't recall the layout, so don't ask) and asked his student how he'd shoot the shot. And the guy says something like, "Well, I'd go off the red three rails." Harry then says, sure, but then says you could shoot it off the black first and go four, shoots the shot, and makes the point. He then says, or you could go rail first, sets up the shot and makes the point. Bottomline: Harry set up the shot four times and made it four different ways, on one try, and none of them was the easy "off the red three rails."

Like I said, one of the greatest things I've ever seen.

Lou Figueroa
 
Most impressive, back in the early 90's, at Hard Times, watching Efren in any match and watching Mark Tadd bang balls by himself.

Most entertaining, however, was watching Keith McCready in a match and Jeanette Lee bending over to shoot. :thumbup:
 
Efren like

Sweating match @ Las Vegas Cue Club between Neils Feijen and Tony Watson paying 10 ahead for xxxx (quite a bit). Tony lost 1st set, asked Neils to move to pit table on right, a very tough table. Neils played as good or better than anyone I had ever seen, except Efren. Tony did win one game, but the rest of the racks were ran out by Neils. I think this was in 2005. Tony's wife was a little upset, to say the least. T ony was completely busted or knowing Tony, he might have flipped it and said let's go again. Neils definitely played pinpoint shape and was very impressive
One other was when Lizard won the break in the finals of Texas Open in 80's. Broke dry and Bob Vanover ran out race to 9. I remember Bob stopping to powder and dry his hands before he shot the final 9-ball in the bottom left hand corner(about a 45 degree angle shot). He was shooting with his Rose McDermott cue). Bob was always the favorite back in the 80's at our state tourneys, no matter who was there. Buddy, Louie, Swanney, you name them, Bob was the favorite.
 
Teacherjohn said:
I believe it was 1975 which would make Keith about 17 or so Sacramento, Not at Terry's but I believe some motel that was holding a tournament. It was about 2 in the morning, no one was playing and all the top players in the world were milling around doing nothing. Probably there were maybe 300 or so spectators waiting for something to happen. Suddenly from the far bleachers a skinny scrawny pimply face kid stands up and yells out."Who wants to play? I seen you guys on TV, read about you in the papers and I'm saying not one of you guys got a hear larger than a Beebee." Silence. Every one looked up to see who was doing the yelling. I didn't know so I asked the guy next to me who it was. "That's Keith from LA," the guy said. "He can play with any of these guys, don't worry about that." A few minutes later, After a brief huddle of all the top players, Louie Roberts waves a wad of cash at Keith and says lets play. Keith practically bowled everyone over as he scrambled down the bleachers to the nearest pool table. They decided to play 7 ahead for $5000. Everyone rushed for a good spot to watch the match.. This was great. 7 ahead could take all nite. I got a good spot right by the table and settled in for a long match. Never happened. They flipped a coin for the break. Keith. won and Louie racked the balls. Keith then ran 7 racks. Louie never shot. Took less than 10 minutes. Greatest pool shooting I ever saw, especially after Keith did all the barking to get the game and then backed it up.
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I remember that circumstance very well. I think it was at a place called the Old Pueblo Hotel. I believe I was coming from Golden Billiards in Sacramento. The tournament was run by a couple thieves, card hustlers, et cetera.

I remember flying out of the stands. They got their money together, and they come up with Louie Roberts to play. There was other players around as well, but they chose Louie, and he didn't get a chance to shoot.

Except for the locals in California, I wasn't well known, but I was getting there. I felt that I needed to make a speech. I was getting tired of all the knuckleheads saying this, saying that, saying whatever. I had had enough of it. And off we went to the flip, and you know the end result. It was a 7-pack. I remember pocketing those balls with much authority.

It reminds me of the same thing I did in Santa Ana, CA. They had a big tournament there. All the New Yorkers were there -- Sigel, Varner, Hubbard -- the whole bunch. I made a speech about one or two o'clock in the morning. I said to pool all your money together, pick you somebody, and let's play. They all huddled in a corner with Tom Armstrong leading the show, who used to stake pool players, especially East Coast players.

Well, guess who they got? They got Varner. Played a race to 15 for 7,000. When Varner looked up, it was 11-1 me, and I ended up beating him 11 to 3 for the money. Sometimes I could really back it up then. Not so much now. For whatever it's worth, I hope to be back in the saddle again sometime soon, even if I don't play as well as I used to.

Want to wish everybody a Happy New Year!

Earthquake Out. :)
 
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Balsis

71 or 72 in vegas ... I watched joe balsis run 11 racks straight pool exhibition with a different person from the audience picking the last ball pocket before the next break shot for every rack...

Joe had a 1/2 cut 14 ball and told the person place it on their chosen pocket....

That's 11 racks in a row folks...


Very honored to say i have one of those 1/2 ..14 ball markers .
 
Keith McCready said:
I remember that circumstance very well. I think it was at a place called the Old Pueblo Hotel. I believe I was coming from Golden Billiards in Sacramento. The tournament was run by a couple thieves, card hustlers, et cetera.

I remember flying out of the stands. They got their money together, and they come up with Louie Roberts to play. There was other players around as well, but they chose Louie, and he didn't get a chance to shoot.

Except for the locals in California, I wasn't well known, but I was getting there. I felt that I needed to make a speech. I was getting tired of all the knuckleheads saying this, saying that, saying whatever. I had had enough of it. And off we went to the flip, and you know the end result. It was a 7-pack. I remember pocketing those balls with much authority.

It reminds me of the same thing I did in Santa Ana, CA. They had a big tournament there. All the New Yorkers were there -- Sigel, Varner, Hubbard -- the whole bunch. I made a speech about one or two o'clock in the morning. I said to pool all your money together, pick you somebody, and let's play. They all huddled in a corner with Tom Armstrong leading the show, who used to stake pool players, especially East Coast players.

Well, guess who they got? They got Varner. Played a race to 15 for 7,000. When Varner looked up, it was 11-1 me, and I ended up beating him 11 to 3 for the money. Sometimes I could really back it up then. Not so much now. For whatever it's worth, I hope to be back in the saddle again sometime soon, even if I don't play as well as I used to.

Want to wish everybody a Happy New Year!

Earthquake Out. :)
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Awesome story. You must've been a walking-around highlight reel back then.
Happy New Year.
 
Since Mike Sigel is on my mind from another thread I'd say Sigel's 150 & out vs Zuglan. It was as clean a 150 in competition as I have seen.
 
Teacherjohn said:
I believe it was 1975 which would make Keith about 17 or so Sacramento, Not at Terry's but I believe some motel that was holding a tournament. It was about 2 in the morning, no one was playing and all the top players in the world were milling around doing nothing. Probably there were maybe 300 or so spectators waiting for something to happen. Suddenly from the far bleachers a skinny scrawny pimply face kid stands up and yells out."Who wants to play? I seen you guys on TV, read about you in the papers and I'm saying not one of you guys got a hear larger than a Beebee." Silence. Every one looked up to see who was doing the yelling. I didn't know so I asked the guy next to me who it was. "That's Keith from LA," the guy said. "He can play with any of these guys, don't worry about that." A few minutes later, After a brief huddle of all the top players, Louie Roberts waves a wad of cash at Keith and says lets play. Keith practically bowled everyone over as he scrambled down the bleachers to the nearest pool table. They decided to play 7 ahead for $5000. Everyone rushed for a good spot to watch the match.. This was great. 7 ahead could take all nite. I got a good spot right by the table and settled in for a long match. Never happened. They flipped a coin for the break. Keith. won and Louie racked the balls. Keith then ran 7 racks. Louie never shot. Took less than 10 minutes. Greatest pool shooting I ever saw, especially after Keith did all the barking to get the game and then backed it up.
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Great story!
 
Keith McCready said:
I remember that circumstance very well. I think it was at a place called the Old Pueblo Hotel. I believe I was coming from Golden Billiards in Sacramento. The tournament was run by a couple thieves, card hustlers, et cetera.

I remember flying out of the stands. They got their money together, and they come up with Louie Roberts to play. There was other players around as well, but they chose Louie, and he didn't get a chance to shoot.

Except for the locals in California, I wasn't well known, but I was getting there. I felt that I needed to make a speech. I was getting tired of all the knuckleheads saying this, saying that, saying whatever. I had had enough of it. And off we went to the flip, and you know the end result. It was a 7-pack. I remember pocketing those balls with much authority.

It reminds me of the same thing I did in Santa Ana, CA. They had a big tournament there. All the New Yorkers were there -- Sigel, Varner, Hubbard -- the whole bunch. I made a speech about one or two o'clock in the morning. I said to pool all your money together, pick you somebody, and let's play. They all huddled in a corner with Tom Armstrong leading the show, who used to stake pool players, especially East Coast players.

Well, guess who they got? They got Varner. Played a race to 15 for 7,000. When Varner looked up, it was 11-1 me, and I ended up beating him 11 to 3 for the money. Sometimes I could really back it up then. Not so much now. For whatever it's worth, I hope to be back in the saddle again sometime soon, even if I don't play as well as I used to.

Want to wish everybody a Happy New Year!

Earthquake Out. :)
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I know you have had tons of experiences like those above. What was your very favorite experience?

Ken
 
"Water dog" in Chicago. Late 80's early 90's. Heroin addict, saw him shooting up in bathroom once, in his leg or maybe his ankle. I think he shot there so his arms weren't tore up so it wouldn't impair his playing.

When he was "right", it was amazing to watch. Robotic is the best way I can describe it. Emotionless, fearless, cold and, when you broke it all down, very sad knowing it was all for survival, so he could buy enough for the next day.

Never saw him lose, and he made fair games. He was friendly, never rude (to me), and soft spoken. But man, his game was so simple, no big strokes, nothing flashy, straight easy positions. I would play him cheap occasionally back then, even, knowing I had absolutely no chance.

Sure, I love SVB, old Earl, etc...but this fella I always wonder about. Haven't seen him in many years. Probably dead, who knows. Wish Freddie was still around. I know he had some great stories, he mentions Waterdog in his book.
 
There was a framed article on the wall about Waterdog at Bill Teeters place, or maybe the Two Cushion Club (I can't remember which). He's passed away, sad story.

On the other end of the "playing style" spectrum was Rafael Martinez. He hits the ball with such control, but he plays wildly imaginative shots that your average pro wouldn't even think of shooting. Saw him play in the finals of a ten ball event in texas, and it was very impressive. I saw it on a stream, and he made some pretty cool outs..
 
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Kobachi said:
"Water dog" in Chicago. Late 80's early 90's. Heroin addict, saw him shooting up in bathroom once, in his leg or maybe his ankle. I think he shot there so his arms weren't tore up so it wouldn't impair his playing.

When he was "right", it was amazing to watch. Robotic is the best way I can describe it. Emotionless, fearless, cold and, when you broke it all down, very sad knowing it was all for survival, so he could buy enough for the next day.

Never saw him lose, and he made fair games. He was friendly, never rude (to me), and soft spoken. But man, his game was so simple, no big strokes, nothing flashy, straight easy positions. I would play him cheap occasionally back then, even, knowing I had absolutely no chance.

Sure, I love SVB, old Earl, etc...but this fella I always wonder about. Haven't seen him in many years. Probably dead, who knows. Wish Freddie was still around. I know he had some great stories, he mentions Waterdog in his book.
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Sad to report that Waterdog has passed in 2006. :(

I remember him coming through my neck of the woods. He was very softspoken, kind of an unassuming-type guy. He was on a mission to be a stand-in for the upcoming TCOM when I met him. Great person, very kind. It is a shame that substance abuse got the best of him.

Here is a thread about his passing: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=38468
 
JAM said:
Sad to report that Waterdog has passed in 2006. :(

I remember him coming through my neck of the woods. He was very softspoken, kind of an unassuming-type guy. He was on a mission to be a stand-in for the upcoming TCOM when I met him. Great person, very kind. It is a shame that substance abuse got the best of him.

Here is a thread about his passing: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=38468
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Thank you Jen, that makes sense, 2006 I was out of the game a bit and hardly frequented Chris's billiards. Thank you for the link. That pic of him brought back some memories :smile:

Have a happy new year!
 
Most Impressive! "Mexican" Ron Rosas 1978 to 1988

"Mexican" Ron Rosas from 1978 to 1988 dominated the Los Angeles pool scene. He was Lethal! I've seen him beat Buddy Hall & Earl Strickland 11-3!
Anyone who came to LA to play had to go up against him, he would be as famous as Hall or Earl, but he never toured or went on the road except a couple trips to Vegas or Reno. He had shots that were unbelievable even by todays standards, ways of killing the ball, just making it stop after hitting a rail at a good speed, that looked like magic. Anyone who ever saw him back during this time period will say the same. Yes, he threw away a great talent do to substance abuse, but prior to that, he was a Legend to us growing up in LA.
 

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Had to add... Earl's 11 racks for the "Million dollars"
I think 7or 8 are shown on the DVD. Hard to top that tension for sure!
This is a great thread for reference!
Thanks OP!
 
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Efren giving Jerry Brunsetter the 5 ball and thr breaks at Hard Times in '96.
Jerry got to the hill first with Efren needing 3 games.
Efren won anyway.

Parica at the Legends of 9-Ball at the Commerce Casino in '97.
Shot over .900 in the tournament. Shot a 1.000 against in one match.
Ran over Morris in the semis and over Efren in the finals.
Lost maybe 6 games total in those two matches.
 
Impressive Pool Players

I remember Keith McCready playing Swanee in the late 80s in a pool tournament at the Sports Arena in Anaheim Hills, CA. Swanee was ahead of Keith 6-1 going to 7. Swanee broke and came up dry. Keith jumped up out of his chair and announced in front of a 100+ people: That just cost you the set and then ran 6 and out to win 7-6.
 
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