the truth about FL

JLW said:
Let me just say that I've got nothing against Minnesota Fats. I think his mystique really helped pool to appeal to the masses. But, I know someone who played Fats many times years ago (in the 70's). And according to him, Fats would demand a spot from his opponents and still lose. My opinion of Fats' game is based on this information plus what I have read and heard from many pros, including Mosconi. I don't recall ever reading anything by Robert Byrne about Fats. But Byrne has actually won some tournaments. I don't recall Fats ever winning anything. His claim to fame is as a hustler. And, as I said before, I've heard lots of info that suggests he wasn't even so great at doing that.

If memory serves, Minnesota Fats placed fourth in one of the Jansco tournaments. I don't recall the year right off-hand but I believe it was about the time that the Jansco's started their Stardust events and I believe it was a 1p event.

Fats did have an uncanny ability for banking from what I've seen. There was a video for beginners that featured him and some of the banks he shot on it while he was playing eight ball weren't too shabby IMO. I don't believe the video is produced any more, but I see it pop up on Ebay once in a while.

I remember hearing stories about how he would get into eating contests with all kinds of people. There was one I heard about where he got into it with Omaha Fats and before it got underway Minnesota devoured an entire ham and said he wouldn't count it towards the final total.
 
Hal said:
Now that I've been to his website, I recognize his face. I must have seen him somewhere, but he's definitely no legend.


You're probably thinking of Mr. Potatohead.
 
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