Passing of Johnny Ervolino
Well, I did not really want to get involved with this thread. I did not get to know Johnny until about 10 years ago. Actually met him at Grady's One-Pocket event in Jan. 1993 in Reno, Nv. Another old friend, Bill Amadeo (since deceased) introduced us. I saw Johnny again at the Cue Club in Vegas over the years. His memory was great - and he actually remembered me.
One several occasions (not nearly enough) I would take cheap lessons from Johnny. He showed me a lot, but I'm just a recreational player and couldn't "keep" all the information I was learning from him. Ervolino just played at a different level than most people will ever play. Sure, he was older and made some stupid mistakes (on and off the table), but that does not take away the greatness this guy had.
I totally agree with Blackjack's post. NoMoney should have picked a different thread. This thread was to talk about the Johnny Ervolino we remember. Everyone has the right to express their opinion-but there is a time and place for everything.
I think OldHasBeen may have been a little harsh. However, Nomoney had about the smallest amount of class I have ever seen in this forum. Just what is meant by "so a guy dies and he should get a free ride"? And what difference does it make who Johnny owed money to? He did not owe money to you - and even if he did this is still not the forum to discuss it. I freely gave money to Johnny when he was a little short. And I would gladly do it again. He never ducked me, and he never lied to me. Compare that with many people in other walks of life.
Who cares if he died broke? Who cares if you die with $10 million? It is not how much money - it is what you do with the money. And pool is an honorable sport. And many honorable people indulge in the finest game ever. And some others like to belittle those that have experienced the high of good pool.
Then, here we are trying to pay our respects and you come off with "he was a low life". Buddy,You have missed the whole point. If your life is so small that you have to call the dead names then you must have a miserable life.
"So he could play a LITTLE pool" just shows you do not understand what this game is all about, what it represents, or the beauty or rhythm of the game. Or how the balls can sing in your heart and be in synch with you and the universe. Only a very, very few select individuals ever get the knowledge, ability and the opportunity to run balls - to RUN balls like birds fly in the wind, just soaring higher and higher. And only a few fortunate people get to really watch and know those select ones that have that talent. That is what Johnny had. He was loved by many. The money be damned - this is not about money.
And one last thing to Nomoney - I do not care that Johnny was a scuffler all his life. That only adds to his character. I don't care if he did play on drugs. I guess one could say most of the players from that time frame played on drugs at one time or another. But I have never known Johnny to ever drink or use drugs. As far as his Vegas history - we all have a past. He never hid behind his. What you saw was what you got. And if he had a problem with you he would say it to your face.
You hide behind a nickname and call people names and pay disrespect on a thread that was trying to pay honor to the life of a great player. I really think you should analyze your perspective. You threaten people and call people names. You must really have a nice life. I just wish all this was not necessary.
About two and a half years ago I took him to Alaska for 10 days and he had a great time. Last January we took him to Derby City Classic. He had the time of his life. Even then he still had flashes of greatness. And the stories -I just wish they had been recorded. His memory was as good as I have ever seen. Every detail - every ball - every little nuance was remembered in exact detail. I am proud to have known Johnny Ervolino. He always treated me with respect and dealt with me honestly. That is the Johnny I will remember. I only wish I had spent more time with him.
Mark Griffin
Well, I did not really want to get involved with this thread. I did not get to know Johnny until about 10 years ago. Actually met him at Grady's One-Pocket event in Jan. 1993 in Reno, Nv. Another old friend, Bill Amadeo (since deceased) introduced us. I saw Johnny again at the Cue Club in Vegas over the years. His memory was great - and he actually remembered me.
One several occasions (not nearly enough) I would take cheap lessons from Johnny. He showed me a lot, but I'm just a recreational player and couldn't "keep" all the information I was learning from him. Ervolino just played at a different level than most people will ever play. Sure, he was older and made some stupid mistakes (on and off the table), but that does not take away the greatness this guy had.
I totally agree with Blackjack's post. NoMoney should have picked a different thread. This thread was to talk about the Johnny Ervolino we remember. Everyone has the right to express their opinion-but there is a time and place for everything.
I think OldHasBeen may have been a little harsh. However, Nomoney had about the smallest amount of class I have ever seen in this forum. Just what is meant by "so a guy dies and he should get a free ride"? And what difference does it make who Johnny owed money to? He did not owe money to you - and even if he did this is still not the forum to discuss it. I freely gave money to Johnny when he was a little short. And I would gladly do it again. He never ducked me, and he never lied to me. Compare that with many people in other walks of life.
Who cares if he died broke? Who cares if you die with $10 million? It is not how much money - it is what you do with the money. And pool is an honorable sport. And many honorable people indulge in the finest game ever. And some others like to belittle those that have experienced the high of good pool.
Then, here we are trying to pay our respects and you come off with "he was a low life". Buddy,You have missed the whole point. If your life is so small that you have to call the dead names then you must have a miserable life.
"So he could play a LITTLE pool" just shows you do not understand what this game is all about, what it represents, or the beauty or rhythm of the game. Or how the balls can sing in your heart and be in synch with you and the universe. Only a very, very few select individuals ever get the knowledge, ability and the opportunity to run balls - to RUN balls like birds fly in the wind, just soaring higher and higher. And only a few fortunate people get to really watch and know those select ones that have that talent. That is what Johnny had. He was loved by many. The money be damned - this is not about money.
And one last thing to Nomoney - I do not care that Johnny was a scuffler all his life. That only adds to his character. I don't care if he did play on drugs. I guess one could say most of the players from that time frame played on drugs at one time or another. But I have never known Johnny to ever drink or use drugs. As far as his Vegas history - we all have a past. He never hid behind his. What you saw was what you got. And if he had a problem with you he would say it to your face.
You hide behind a nickname and call people names and pay disrespect on a thread that was trying to pay honor to the life of a great player. I really think you should analyze your perspective. You threaten people and call people names. You must really have a nice life. I just wish all this was not necessary.
About two and a half years ago I took him to Alaska for 10 days and he had a great time. Last January we took him to Derby City Classic. He had the time of his life. Even then he still had flashes of greatness. And the stories -I just wish they had been recorded. His memory was as good as I have ever seen. Every detail - every ball - every little nuance was remembered in exact detail. I am proud to have known Johnny Ervolino. He always treated me with respect and dealt with me honestly. That is the Johnny I will remember. I only wish I had spent more time with him.
Mark Griffin
