What about Stu?I like the list. I might consider:
Predator
Ozzy Reynolds (CSI)
Emily Frazer (Matchroom)
Valley
Zuglan
Joy
WPA
Barbara Lee
*THE REAL* Pool's 15 most influential people/brands list
- Thread starter Kickin' Chicken
- Start date
Stu does deserve massive props. Was thinking about which posters have given ME the most information and Stu is at the top. His knowledge of the inner workings of pool as well as all the outlier type knowledge of the sport (gambling, history of players, etc.) he has posted the most information I have tried to retain. And, he has the best grammar of anyone here...
Cornerman is right to bring Predator into the mix. Not only have they revolutionized the game's equipment, but they have been extremely supportive of pool through a) their financial support of events, b) their sponsorship of many pro players, and c) their sponsorship of many amateur players. Predator is not only influential in pool, but they give back to our sport in so many different ways.
Yes, Cuetec has been a very positive force in pool for a long time and was once the title sponsor of the WPBA, as proprietors Don and Janet Schimmel were champions of the pro game. Cuetec continues to do a tremendous amount for pool, and they are a credit to the game.
Imo it would be difficult to remove Earl from this top 15 I agree the DCC has had a big influence on our sport but do think it's under the umbrella of Greg Sullivan and Diamond could be wrong also what about the Johnson City Hustler's Jamboree?
Predator should be on for sure. Then who could be removed to make room for predator maybe a few good candidates I know you're not a tremendous fan of Earl given his behavior hard to look past his accomplishments though and as far as influence it doesn't necessarily have to be good influence just most influential but somebody has to come off the list to make room for predator.
Last edited:
How about you pick to remove either Walter Tevis (who I did not know), or Balabuska, (who I have only heard of because of The Hustler)...?
What notoriety would Balabuska have beyond the inner circles without mention in The Hustler..?
Earl is a legendary player with lots of fans, but being a great and highly visible player doesn't automatically make you influential. He's not like a Jeanette Lee or a Willy Mosconi, both of whom travelled year round giving exhibitions that brought a lot of positive attention to the game, and both of whom drew significant media attention for pool both inside and outside pool circles, including numerous magazine shoots and TV appearances.
The undeniably controversial Charlie Williams has had far more influence over the years on pool than both Earl and Shane. Charlie has been an event producer, created the UPA tour which had a fairly long shelf life, he revived the World Straight Pool Championship in 2006, although the event was no longer WPA sanctioned by 2011. He was one of the founders of a pro players organization called the ABP in about 2013. Charlie, of course, has many detractors, but his influence in the game over the years has been substantial and he has been one of the game's more innovative people. Doubt he'd make my top fifteen, though.
Earl wouldn't make my top 100. For recognizability, of course, he merits serious consideration on anybody's list, but this poll is about influence., and I would not agree with the assertion that Earl, an all-tie great as a competitor, has been very influential in the game over the years, although perhaps I'm unaware of some of the things he's done and if you'd like to point them out, I'll pay close attention.
Last edited:
Stu;
In addition to the 4 world 9b championships and the 5 US Open 9b titles I would say, yes, there is even more to his influence on the game. His negative influence is undeniable yet it causes stands to be filled for his matches unlike pretty much any other player we know. Negative, I know, but it still influences people to watch even if some are just waiting to see a train wreck.
Added to that are some positive influences, as well, like how when all of a sudden Earl started playing with a javelin length cue and now look at all of the players who are using longer than standard cues and extensions like our very own Captain America, SVB. Earl's influence is responsible for this and some of his other choices like, for instance, using various weights, glasses, finger slides, tennis racket and friction tape wraps, these things have also been duplicated by many players.
Though certainly not on par with Willie or Jeanette, Earl has done some great exhibition shows trying to give a little back to pool. I feel that Earl has had real influence on pool and is perhaps the most controversial person ever to play our sport.
He certainly keeps us talking. That's influence, too!
I'd sooner jump from a window (a low one) and land on my head rather than have Charlie Williams replace Earl on my most influential list.
best,
brian kc
Last edited:
I considered putting Paul Newman as Fast Eddie on the list but went with Walter Tevis, who created him. Prob ahould switch to Newman since so many more know him and Eddie than do the author.
Geosnookery
Well-known member
I play with about 150 players.
The only player most could name is Minnesota Fats.
Equipment?
Master Chalk because it’s on the rail.
Eastpoint...cues sold at Walmart likely known more than the rest together.
How have like guys Earl have been ‘influential’. In what way? Pro players may be known among the 1% of pool players who actually play pool. However, even among that 1% I don’t know anyone who looks to Earl as some model to emulate. I was in the military and learned to swear without Strickland’s tutelage.
Anyways. 99% Pool players pick up a cue and need to read the brand name to remember it. They hit balls on a table...and then go home and watch the Football or Hockey game.
Guys like Florian ‘Venom’ may be entertaining but they have no influence on the Sport. No more than folks watching Lions in Africa on TV then start teaching their pet cat how to hunt.
Pool is a great game, fun. However Thr average guy playing the game could be transported back in time 40 years to a table and not notice. AZ Billards is likely ‘the’ American Pool forum on the Web. It has less postings a day that forums about pet hedgehogs or needlepoint. Hint...almost nobody other than those on this forum are influenced by anything pool related. Nobody cares but a few dozen reinforced by groupthink.
The only player most could name is Minnesota Fats.
Equipment?
Master Chalk because it’s on the rail.
Eastpoint...cues sold at Walmart likely known more than the rest together.
How have like guys Earl have been ‘influential’. In what way? Pro players may be known among the 1% of pool players who actually play pool. However, even among that 1% I don’t know anyone who looks to Earl as some model to emulate. I was in the military and learned to swear without Strickland’s tutelage.
Anyways. 99% Pool players pick up a cue and need to read the brand name to remember it. They hit balls on a table...and then go home and watch the Football or Hockey game.
Guys like Florian ‘Venom’ may be entertaining but they have no influence on the Sport. No more than folks watching Lions in Africa on TV then start teaching their pet cat how to hunt.
Pool is a great game, fun. However Thr average guy playing the game could be transported back in time 40 years to a table and not notice. AZ Billards is likely ‘the’ American Pool forum on the Web. It has less postings a day that forums about pet hedgehogs or needlepoint. Hint...almost nobody other than those on this forum are influenced by anything pool related. Nobody cares but a few dozen reinforced by groupthink.
How about China?
For making inexpensive pretty good quality pool cues into the hands of people that can't or won't spend a lot.
For making inexpensive pretty good quality pool cues into the hands of people that can't or won't spend a lot.
My granddaughter likes Florian and she's 9, we have a picture of the two of them at an exhibition. If I didn't have a 9 year old granddaughter I would think the same as you.
Point is - it's all relevant and in order to really get this list ordered more parameters would need to be set.