Thoughts On Grady mathews

Fast Davie NC

Fast Davie NC

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I would like to say that I use to be a big Grady Mathews Fan. I have followed him for years, and attended several of his road tours including the first, In which I was 13 years old in my hometown of Asheville, NC. I learned so much from him at a young age, Just by listening and watching him teach us and play (Of course, His stories as well!). That has lingered with me for years as well as the game of pool itself and the journey to playing to one's satisfaction! I met Grady, Again at the Derby City Classic in 2007 and spoke to him briefly. his wife was much nicer to me than himself. I told her, I would love to book some private lessons (since I am close by in NC). I told her I would love to bring a cam corder and really get serious with lessons with Grady. she told me to just talk to him. When I approached him about everything, he wouldn't even hold a conversation with me! he would not even answer my E Mails after the event when I was interested in purchasing his DVDS!( I have seen Grady's Commentarys with Bill "Pittsburg Billy" Incardona, as Grady always talks about aspiring pool players and wanting to pass his knowledge to them, This is untrue from what I've experienced! maybe Grady should get off of his "High Rockin"Horse Ego" and practice what he preaches! Why do you fight with Mr. Incardona on Accu Stats Videos Grady? Are you intimidated by him? I have met Billy Incardona and he has treated me with more respect than you ever gave me! Anyways, I told Grady, he was an inspiration to me and he quickly "Blew Me Off" as even I asked if he remembered me or the pool room in Asheville, NC, That I grew up in as a "Rack Boy" (with other duties that I had including Brushing and vaccuming tables, cleaning bathrooms, washing windows, fetching packs of cigarettes, food, Etc,). This pool room was full of A+ Players "Back in the Day" and there was always "Big Time Action" (Ask Grady, He Knows the owner, Barry Watson who I have a lot of respect for. He gave me "Pool Knowledge" and "Pool Time" in return for my dirty tasks! A young kid growing up in the 80"s. I have seen more one pocket and 9 ball action that most kids or adults would ever beleive the stories or memories that I have! Mike sigel, Earl strickand, Efren Reyes, Keith Mcready, Jimmy Mataya, Louie Roberts, Nick Varner, Wade Crane, Jim Rempe, David Howard, "The Miz", The list goes on, as I have seen them all play in their prime were true professionals to me. I am very dissapointed Grady! We are all human! Leave your ego to feed to your dog while running or for your wife to re assure your confidence! I am not trying to be mean, but I have lost a lot of respect! Sorry Grady!
 
Sorry to hear things didn't pan out the way you wanted then to with Grady. I wonder if he ever received your messages? Phoning him would have been more reliable. I couldn't imagine him turning away an honest buck from teaching, unless there is more to the story. Grady and Randi were gone for a several weeks recently. Emails might have gone unanswered. Anyway, I've had a completely different experience with Grady. He's been straight-up and an honorable guy in my dealings with him. Showed up to teach when he said he would and put in more time at it than he got paid for.

Martin



Fast Davie NC said:
I would like to say that I use to be a big Grady Mathews Fan. I have followed him for years, and attended several of his road tours including the first, In which I was 13 years old in my hometown of Asheville, NC. I learned so much from him at a young age, Just by listening and watching him teach us and play (Of course, His stories as well!). That has lingered with me for years as well as the game of pool itself and the journey to playing to one's satisfaction! I met Grady, Again at the Derby City Classic in 2007 and spoke to him briefly. his wife was much nicer to me than himself. I told her, I would love to book some private lessons (since I am close by in NC). I told her I would love to bring a cam corder and really get serious with lessons with Grady. she told me to just talk to him. When I approached him about everything, he wouldn't even hold a conversation with me! he would not even answer my E Mails after the event when I was interested in purchasing his DVDS!( I have seen Grady's Commentarys with Bill "Pittsburg Billy" Incardona, as Grady always talks about aspiring pool players and wanting to pass his knowledge to them, This is untrue from what I've experienced! maybe Grady should get off of his "High Rockin"Horse Ego" and practice what he preaches! Why do you fight with Mr. Incardona on Accu Stats Videos Grady? Are you intimidated by him? I have met Billy Incardona and he has treated me with more respect than you ever gave me! Anyways, I told Grady, he was an inspiration to me and he quickly "Blew Me Off" as even I asked if he remembered me or the pool room in Asheville, NC, That I grew up in as a "Rack Boy" (with other duties that I had including Brushing and vaccuming tables, cleaning bathrooms, washing windows, fetching packs of cigarettes, food, Etc,). This pool room was full of A+ Players "Back in the Day" and there was always "Big Time Action" (Ask Grady, He Knows the owner, Barry Watson who I have a lot of respect for. He gave me "Pool Knowledge" and "Pool Time" in return for my dirty tasks! A young kid growing up in the 80"s. I have seen more one pocket and 9 ball action that most kids or adults would ever beleive the stories or memories that I have! Mike sigel, Earl strickand, Efren Reyes, Keith Mcready, Jimmy Mataya, Louie Roberts, Nick Varner, Wade Crane, Jim Rempe, David Howard, "The Miz", The list goes on, as I have seen them all play in their prime were true professionals to me. I am very dissapointed Grady! We are all human! Leave your ego to feed to your dog while running or for your wife to re assure your confidence! I am not trying to be mean, but I have lost a lot of respect! Sorry Grady!
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I think you may have just caught Grady on an off moment. If anything, he always seems to enjoy talking to fans, pool enthusiats, and aspiring pool players who desire to elevate their game.

There are some pool players out there who are non-responsive, for lack of a better word, to fans, but I can't put Grady in that category. I could name a few other names, but definitely not Grady.

Sometimes at pool events, things get hectic. I remember my own personal experience at the DCC one year. Me and my boyfriend were sick as could be with the flu, the entire week. People, as they are wont to do at these pool meccas, were coming up to chat and socialize, but I wasn't able to be my usual self. The tournament schedule became unclear, which caused more stress, and then there was the constant pull of the action, which I didn't want any part of. I just wanted to go home.

You seem like a true pool enthusiast like me. I'll bet if you come to the U.S. Open this year, if you are able to, you may get a different perspective on things. I hope you do. If I am lucky enough to attend, look me up. There's nothing better than hanging outside in front of the Chesapeake Conference Center with the players and pool enthusists. Come and enjoy. :)

JAM
 
Fast Davie NC said:
I would like to say that I use to be a big Grady Mathews Fan. I have followed him for years, and attended several of his road tours including the first, In which I was 13 years old in my hometown of Asheville, NC. I learned so much from him at a young age, Just by listening and watching him teach us and play (Of course, His stories as well!). That has lingered with me for years as well as the game of pool itself and the journey to playing to one's satisfaction! I met Grady, Again at the Derby City Classic in 2007 and spoke to him briefly. his wife was much nicer to me than himself. I told her, I would love to book some private lessons (since I am close by in NC). I told her I would love to bring a cam corder and really get serious with lessons with Grady. she told me to just talk to him. When I approached him about everything, he wouldn't even hold a conversation with me! he would not even answer my E Mails after the event when I was interested in purchasing his DVDS!( I have seen Grady's Commentarys with Bill "Pittsburg Billy" Incardona, as Grady always talks about aspiring pool players and wanting to pass his knowledge to them, This is untrue from what I've experienced! maybe Grady should get off of his "High Rockin"Horse Ego" and practice what he preaches! Why do you fight with Mr. Incardona on Accu Stats Videos Grady? Are you intimidated by him? I have met Billy Incardona and he has treated me with more respect than you ever gave me! Anyways, I told Grady, he was an inspiration to me and he quickly "Blew Me Off" as even I asked if he remembered me or the pool room in Asheville, NC, That I grew up in as a "Rack Boy" (with other duties that I had including Brushing and vaccuming tables, cleaning bathrooms, washing windows, fetching packs of cigarettes, food, Etc,). This pool room was full of A+ Players "Back in the Day" and there was always "Big Time Action" (Ask Grady, He Knows the owner, Barry Watson who I have a lot of respect for. He gave me "Pool Knowledge" and "Pool Time" in return for my dirty tasks! A young kid growing up in the 80"s. I have seen more one pocket and 9 ball action that most kids or adults would ever beleive the stories or memories that I have! Mike sigel, Earl strickand, Efren Reyes, Keith Mcready, Jimmy Mataya, Louie Roberts, Nick Varner, Wade Crane, Jim Rempe, David Howard, "The Miz", The list goes on, as I have seen them all play in their prime were true professionals to me. I am very dissapointed Grady! We are all human! Leave your ego to feed to your dog while running or for your wife to re assure your confidence! I am not trying to be mean, but I have lost a lot of respect! Sorry Grady!
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I also have to agree with the other members posts. I recently had Grady and his lovely wife Randi at my pool room for Grady's history of pool seminar. Grady was very personable with all his fans that attended. He also took additional personal time to play a little pool with anyone who wanted too.

In addition to this, lessons where available the next day on a individual or group basis, and my I say at a very reasonable rate. Now as a pool room owner I suppose it is possible that I received special treatment, NOT!!!!. However, I truly doubt it, because when it comes to the click in the Pro-billiards circle I am nothing more than a devoted fan such as yourself, in fact you may be more well known than me.

I also think some how the wires got crossed, and I also think that bringing this issue up on a open public forum is most likely not the right thing to have done. This is more of a private matter between you and Grady, and by bring it up to the world so to speak, is a little infantile. Kinda like, you will not talk to me so I will make a great deal of noise to get your attention. In most cases this behavior will have the opposite effect that you desire, in fact at this point if I were Grady, I would never answer you all, because that is best way to treat a misbehaving child.

Just my thoughts on the subject, I do not mean to be disrespectful.
 
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tell him you'll play him from $20 a game. i am being both serious and sarcastic. i generally think the older players and players in general are full of it and hold onto their "secrets". this has been a sore point by many who feel the game has suffered from lack of the passing of knowledge. try getting ray martin to teach you stuff.

otoh, there is some validity to "learn by gambling". there aren't enough instances a pro could ever imagine that would be as relevent and unique as those instance that occur in a real game. essentially,,,just telling you things is a form of book learning and have little relevence in real games and real situations.

the rest depends on the teacher and how he uses the games(gambling or not) to instruct.
 
bruin70 said:
tell him you'll play him from $20 a game. i am being both serious and sarcastic. i generally think the older players and players in general are full of it and hold onto their "secrets". this has been a sore point by many who feel the game has suffered from lack of the passing of knowledge. try getting ray martin to teach you stuff.

otoh, there is some validity to "learn by gambling". there aren't enough instances a pro could ever imagine that would be as relevent and unique as those instance that occur in a real game. essentially,,,just telling you things is a form of book learning and have little relevence in real games and real situations.

the rest depends on the teacher and how he uses the games(gambling or not) to instruct.
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I must disagree! I have had the honor iof interacting with both Grady and Ray Martin, and I have nothing but the highest praise and respect for the conduct of these two icons of the sport. I had a lesson with Ray at his house in Kissimee and he certainly put in more time and work than he was paid for, and was extremely encouraging and helpful to an aspiring player. In the case of Grady, I contacted him regarding the fact of our shared nickname (I was frankly leery of going by the same moniker as such a luminary of the game), and he was extremely gracious.

All I can say is that you must have caught these individuals at a bad moment, and your experience does not seem to conform with the norm.
 
> I can also attest to your experience being based on what I think had to be an isolated incident. I've been in the exact spot you were looking to be,as a student of a true master. Grady loves to share his astounding knowledge of pool and everything else,and is very articulate in relaying information to even the densest potential students. He's also one of the squarest people around in his business and personal dealings,and is well-respected as such. Grady will just NOT shaft people. His word is gold. The couple weeks I've spent with him in different stretches has proven that. The only thing that kept me from making it semi-permanent was having a large enough roll to just up and quit my job and not having to worry about feeding myself for months on end. The invite from him was clear,but this was 12 years ago,when he was still constantly on the move. You just have to look at this lack of communication from him as something else bothering him or him being not-well or something physically,I've never asked him a question that went unanswered if he had an answer,or failed to get in touch with him when I've tried. Keep trying,once you do make contact,he's going to take your 20oz bottle of pool knowledge and try to pour 50 gallons into it. Tommy D.
 
VIProfessor said:
I must disagree! I have had the honor iof interacting with both Grady and Ray Martin, and I have nothing but the highest praise and respect for the conduct of these two icons of the sport. I had a lesson with Ray at his house in Kissimee and he certainly put in more time and work than he was paid for, and was extremely encouraging and helpful to an aspiring player. In the case of Grady, I contacted him regarding the fact of our shared nickname (I was frankly leery of going by the same moniker as such a luminary of the game), and he was extremely gracious.

All I can say is that you must have caught these individuals at a bad moment, and your experience does not seem to conform with the norm.
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grady,,,i don't know nor was i refering to him specifically other than the OP should offer to play for $20. ray, i've heard the story from 3 different people in nyc. essentially, "you learn the way i learn". it is a very common response as you probably know.
 
I met Grady at the Rack in Detroit this summer and he was as nice as he could be, took time to tell stories of old players I mentioned from Ketucky, chances are you just caught him at a bad moment, he might have had things on his mind, I think if you give him another chance, he might be different.
 
Fast Davie, I certainly sincerely apologize if I was in any way rude or unfriendly. We were gone on a long road trip from March 24th to May 8th.
I answer all my e-mails and phone calls and I don't have an unlisted number. I'm not that good on the computer so I occasionally miss an e-mail.
I don't know what else to say except again, I'm sorry.
 
Grady said:
Fast Davie, I certainly sincerely apologize if I was in any way rude or unfriendly. We were gone on a long road trip from March 24th to May 8th.
I answer all my e-mails and phone calls and I don't have an unlisted number. I'm not that good on the computer so I occasionally miss an e-mail.
I don't know what else to say except again, I'm sorry.
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There you go Fast Davie. People screw up sometimes. Try to not take it personally and get your feelings hurt. And maybe next time you should give it a LOT of thought before you go world wide with it. Why damage a guys reputation because your feelings got hurt. I think you over-reacted and owe Grady an apology.
 
I have had the pleasure of working closely with Grady for the last three years, as he has acted as Master of Ceremonies for the One Pocket Hall of Fame annual dinner (at the Derby City Classic). He has done a great job with that -- he knows everybody, has tons of stories, and speaks confidently and clearly in a crowd, and like a true hustler, he's real quick at improvising on the spot!

There is a short clip on Youtube of highlights from the 2006 dinner of Grady in 'Master of Ceremony' action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20xZ1qYNZGE

Does the man miscue now and then, both at the pool table, and in life? Of course he does! But who doesn't? But if you look at the BIG PICTURE with Grady, the man has done about anything you could ask for over the last 40 years, if you were to ask a player to go out and be the best, teach the rest, and promote the game like you wish other people would... he's done all that -- and then some. He's in my hall of fame :)
 
Grady said:
Fast Davie, I certainly sincerely apologize if I was in any way rude or unfriendly. We were gone on a long road trip from March 24th to May 8th.
I answer all my e-mails and phone calls and I don't have an unlisted number. I'm not that good on the computer so I occasionally miss an e-mail.
I don't know what else to say except again, I'm sorry.
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You see, he is a pro and a nice guy.
 
One more time

One more time I'm going to stick up for Grady. I take it personal when someone attacks the guys from my era. Grady and I have gambled like dogs against each other. We have competed viciously in everything from Scrabble to Crossword puzzles, to loud disputes in the Accu-stats booth, to who knows more moves in 1pkt. We battle over everything and agree on very little. He aint no saint, but he sure aint the guy that was knocked in the beginning of this thread.

the Beard
 
grady

as a pool player i know of you and hopefully look foward to meeting you one day as you bothering to reply to this thread can only be described as CLASS
 
Not enough good things can be said about Grady Mathews. Here is a man who has chosen to devote his whole adult life to pool, as a promoter, tournament director, author, multi time World Champion, commentator, teacher and instructor as well as a good will ambassador.

Remember the beloved Byron Nelson of golf? Most everybody loved him and he was for a long time golf's elder statesman. But, out of every couple of hundred "fans and supporters", there was maybe 1 or 2 dissidents, if you will. Somebody who had something bad to say.
Now, Grady is about 30 years younger than Nelson was, but I like to think of him at this time in his life as sort of like our elder statesman. Who else is out there with the fans year around? Who else posts on these hallowed forums with such credentials. Freddie Bentivegna is the only other old school pro that regularly contributes here on AZB.

I've spent more time with Grady Mathews than I have with any other top player. He has always maintained the highest degree of friendliness and enthusiasm for pool and fans as well. He is also a very, very apreciative man, one who is so thankful for any little thing done for him. None of us, short of God, are perfect in every way. He isn't either. He could have left the word "horse" out of his book "Bet High & Kiss Low"..:) ...but he is a very, very honorable man.

Ask yourself why is it that when a Grady Mathews or Strickland or some other pro gets whacked here from time to time, why is it that so many people respond to their defense? Because they are, for the most part, very good people who have done an aweful lot of nice things for many, many fans and friends of pool.
 
Fast Davie NC said:
I would like to say that I use to be a big Grady Mathews Fan. I have followed him for years, and attended several of his road tours including the first, In which I was 13 years old in my hometown of Asheville, NC. I learned so much from him at a young age, Just by listening and watching him teach us and play (Of course, His stories as well!). That has lingered with me for years as well as the game of pool itself and the journey to playing to one's satisfaction! I met Grady, Again at the Derby City Classic in 2007 and spoke to him briefly. his wife was much nicer to me than himself. I told her, I would love to book some private lessons (since I am close by in NC). I told her I would love to bring a cam corder and really get serious with lessons with Grady. she told me to just talk to him. When I approached him about everything, he wouldn't even hold a conversation with me! he would not even answer my E Mails after the event when I was interested in purchasing his DVDS!( I have seen Grady's Commentarys with Bill "Pittsburg Billy" Incardona, as Grady always talks about aspiring pool players and wanting to pass his knowledge to them, This is untrue from what I've experienced! maybe Grady should get off of his "High Rockin"Horse Ego" and practice what he preaches! Why do you fight with Mr. Incardona on Accu Stats Videos Grady? Are you intimidated by him? I have met Billy Incardona and he has treated me with more respect than you ever gave me! Anyways, I told Grady, he was an inspiration to me and he quickly "Blew Me Off" as even I asked if he remembered me or the pool room in Asheville, NC, That I grew up in as a "Rack Boy" (with other duties that I had including Brushing and vaccuming tables, cleaning bathrooms, washing windows, fetching packs of cigarettes, food, Etc,). This pool room was full of A+ Players "Back in the Day" and there was always "Big Time Action" (Ask Grady, He Knows the owner, Barry Watson who I have a lot of respect for. He gave me "Pool Knowledge" and "Pool Time" in return for my dirty tasks! A young kid growing up in the 80"s. I have seen more one pocket and 9 ball action that most kids or adults would ever beleive the stories or memories that I have! Mike sigel, Earl strickand, Efren Reyes, Keith Mcready, Jimmy Mataya, Louie Roberts, Nick Varner, Wade Crane, Jim Rempe, David Howard, "The Miz", The list goes on, as I have seen them all play in their prime were true professionals to me. I am very dissapointed Grady! We are all human! Leave your ego to feed to your dog while running or for your wife to re assure your confidence! I am not trying to be mean, but I have lost a lot of respect! Sorry Grady!
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I guess one of the biggest negatives to being a champion with the exposure of Grady, is that you are under 1000000 microscopes at all times. Unless you have a happy-face on 100% of the time, with the 100000 people you run into everyday... someone will complain about you being an a-hole.

With me, it's all statistics. I think I've met Grady about 10 times now, and of those 10 times... he's been one of the most entertaining people I've ever met in life probably 9 times. That's a good average, I must say.

Sounds like you caught him on a bad day. Ask me how I'm doing on my way out of a casino, and you'll think I'm either your long-lost brother or an axe murderer.

Grady's instructional videos are also the best in pool, I think. Grady, you're "THE MAN" for that kicking tape. I should start sending you royalty checks for the money that's made/saved me!
 
Fast Davie NC said:
I would like to say that I use to be a big Grady Mathews Fan.
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FastD,
Here is a link from a couple of years ago describing a visit by Grady.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=13870&highlight=Security

Here is a more recent visit described by JCIN.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=59123&highlight=Grady

As most of the others have noted, he is truly a "professor" of the game and has worked diligently in the areas of teaching, playing, and promoting. It seems obvious there was some miscommunication - DCC is a long, grueling, and hectic experience for players and fans. Remember Grady is very busy those weeks organizing and promoting the ring games (and refereeing grudge matches).
 
Blackjack said:
Ray Martin is in Kissimmee? hmmmm... Cool!
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Whoops! I got my towns mixed up, as so often happens when you go through places on the road. Ray is actually in Largo, and I have PM'ed you the particulars.
 
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