Tired of being tired of hearing people bash league play

MrLucky said:
These statements illustrate that APA isn't for you ! the object of APA is to make a fair playing field for the average and learning players that want a venue that will give them a chance to have fun playing and at least have a chance for a fun "competitive" match against better players!!! If you are looking for 7 on 7 matches tournaments should be your stick not the APA !
Click to expand...
Hey MrLucky! Here's something we agree on. :)
 
Scottster said:
I am sorry, but this quote made me LMFAO. First of all there isnt any big sponsor money going to the top tier players. I could leave it at that, but I cant... It certainly aint coming from any bar table busch leagues.

This is not a personal attack it is just a fact that the BCA doesn't care about pro level pool. If the amateur league's were to support the professional level there would be an established tour for the pros in the USA. With the membership claims these organations claim, there is money to support it, but there isn't a tour because they are more concerned about pool at the bar scene.
Click to expand...

No offense taken, and what you posted is far from a personal attack.

LYFAO all you wish, but where do you think Muller gets the money to sponsor Gabe Owen? Where do you think Mike Gullasy's Baby Pro shop raises the money to sponsor Earl Strickland? I'm not talking big business multi million dollar endorsement deals, and I never insinuated this to be the case.

I could go on, but I don't want to you pass out from hysterical laughter.
 
Last edited:
Gregg said:
Look, I play pool leagues, and so do a good number of others here.

I have no illusions of going pro, of being considered a billiard great, or of even being the best guy at my local pool hall with more than three average regulars.

I know that playing league is not going to turn me into a great player, not likely to get me to Vegas, and I'm better off just getting a cheap plane ticket if I really want to go.

Fact is I like being a good team player, I like to socialize, I like being able to drink (not all pool halls have liquor licenses) a few beers, and be around others who do the same. Sometimes, the thrill of a teammates victory can be as or more exciting by mine. Sometimes seeing someone progress with their game can be a pleasure. There are a lot of things to be excited about when it comes to enjoying league night.

So if your a guy who is not a good teammate, does not like to socialize, likes to only gamble money on pool games, doesn't mind teams who sandbag, or simply understands that everyone's league in their respective areas can greatly vary in quality and local, things would be a lot better here.

People love to focus on the cream of the crop shooters, but can't understand that it's the average enthusiasts that keep pool going on all levels. Where do you think all that sponsor money comes from to pay those top flight sponsored players?
Click to expand...

Great post. You and people like you and the lifeline of pool in America. Your formula for having a good time through pool is time tested. Leagues are the only reason that so many get to enjoy pool, just as you do.
 
Gregg said:
No offense taken, and what you posted is far from a personal attack.

LYFAO all you wish, but where do you think Muller gets the money to sponsor Gabe Owen? Where do you think Mike Gullasy's Baby Pro shop raises the money to sponsor Earl Strickland? .
Click to expand...

I interpreted what you said that the amateur leagues (APA, VNEA, BCA, TAP) were funding money to the pro players directly. This is not happening. However, I do agree that it is the amateur players purchasing items through distributors such as Mueller's that allow them to sponsor Gabe. But it is not the leagues these players are playing in. You also need to realize that Gabe is one of few fortunate american players to have such a sponsor.


Flickit, I did not bash leagues in my post.
When the APA steps up and promotes the game of pool like the USGA does for Golf, then come and tell me how much they are doing for the game of pool. Again, like I stated before, with the numbers of membership they claim they could and should be doing a hell of alot more. As for the BCA, well anarchy needs to occur there.
 
Scottster said:
I interpreted what you said that the amateur leagues (APA, VNEA, BCA, TAP) were funding money to the pro players directly. This is not happening. However, I do agree that it is the amateur players purchasing items through distributors such as Mueller's that allow them to sponsor Gabe. But it is not the leagues these players are playing in. You also need to realize that Gabe is one of few fortunate american players to have such a sponsor.


Flickit, I did not bash leagues in my post.
When the APA steps up and promotes the game of pool like the USGA does for Golf, then come and tell me how much they are doing for the game of pool. Again, like I stated before, with the numbers of membership they claim they could and should be doing a hell of alot more. As for the BCA, well anarchy needs to occur there.
Click to expand...

I am trying to understand your attitude in regards to the APA... Do you not agree that they are doing a lot for pool by bringing in many new players to this sport because of the same reasons and rules that many here bash them for such as the only call the 8 ball rule! The rating system together with rules like the aforementioned one that make it fun for a lower handicapped (read less skilled) new players ;-) ? etcetera !
 
MrLucky said:
I am trying to understand your attitude in regards to the APA... Do you not agree that they are doing a lot for pool by bringing in many new players to this sport because of the same reasons and rules that many here bash them for such as the only call the 8 ball rule! The rating system together with rules like the aforementioned one that make it fun for a lower handicapped (read less skilled) new players ;-) ? etcetera !
Click to expand...

I think a ball pocketed should have a called POCKET. I think their handicapped system is flawed.

I think all bar boxes should be gathered up and crushed. Items you put coins in are: Payphones, Vending Machines, and Video Games, not pool tables. Do amateur bowlers bowl on lanes that are 40ft long? No, they are 60 ft, just like the pros bowl on. Are amateur golfers restricted to having their tournaments on par 3 courses? No, their tournaments are on par 70-72 courses.

I think the best game for all level of players to compete against each other is handicapped Straight Pool on 4 1/2 x 9 ft tables.

I also think in baseball the pitcher's mound should be raised back to the height it was in the early 60's. The fences need to be moved back to at least 425 in center and 325 down the lines. I think the designated hitter is impure to the roots of baseball.

FYI I have still not bashed what amateur pool leagues intentions are.
 
"...I think a ball pocketed should have a called POCKET..."

Are you going to stop watching pro events then?

"...I think all bar boxes should be gathered up and crushed..."

Do you want taverns crushed too?

"...I think the best game for all level of players to compete against each other is handicapped Straight Pool on 4 1/2 x 9 ft tables..."

The people at Valley/Dynamo want all 4.5 x 9 foot tables gathered up and crushed.
And I think the best p.c. for you is a Gateway. Kapish?
 
You're post is absolutely correct, you are exactly the person leagues cater to. Someone who wants to go out once a week, have a good time, play some pool, with no aspirations of greatness.

I hate leagues. I play to get better, and I have fun doing so. I'm not having fun if I feel like I'm running over the guy or if there is no point in concentrating. I don't like playing one match a night then watching some 20-minute games of 8ball, I don't like socializing while shooting, I don't want anyone to complement me or give me advice or buy me a beer or tell me how their week was or discuss all the amazing strategy and twists and turns that just happened in their crappy match. I play pool because I like pool, and I want to get better. The fact is I have much more fun practicing by myself than playing leagues. Leagues were not designed for me, and I don't pretend to like them any more than you would enjoy a 5 hour boozeless session of gambling with a pro (my idea of fun). That doesn't mean I'm knocking league play, I'm simplying acknowledging that its not my cup of tea by a long shot.
 
This is exactly what my point was earlier

henho said:
You're post is absolutely correct, you are exactly the person leagues cater to. Someone who wants to go out once a week, have a good time, play some pool, with no aspirations of greatness.

I hate leagues. I play to get better, and I have fun doing so. I'm not having fun if I feel like I'm running over the guy or if there is no point in concentrating. I don't like playing one match a night then watching some 20-minute games of 8ball, I don't like socializing while shooting, I don't want anyone to complement me or give me advice or buy me a beer or tell me how their week was or discuss all the amazing strategy and twists and turns that just happened in their crappy match. I play pool because I like pool, and I want to get better. The fact is I have much more fun practicing by myself than playing leagues. Leagues were not designed for me, and I don't pretend to like them any more than you would enjoy a 5 hour boozeless session of gambling with a pro (my idea of fun). That doesn't mean I'm knocking league play, I'm simplying acknowledging that its not my cup of tea by a long shot.
Click to expand...

Every person has their own likes and dislikes in all facets of life. Just as different people like different types of food. As for learning things while playing pool league, The guys I play pool with all work at getting better. When one person learns a new shot or reaction to a shot, he shares the information. When I first started playing, there were only a few people who would take the time to show you anything at all. In our league systems nearly every higher ranked player will answer questions or take a few minutes to help someone who wants to learn something. I'm not saying they do private lessons, but they will share the knowledge even with players from other teams.
 
Kevin G. said:
"...I think a ball pocketed should have a called POCKET..."

Are you going to stop watching pro events then?

"...I think all bar boxes should be gathered up and crushed..."

Do you want taverns crushed too?

"...I think the best game for all level of players to compete against each other is handicapped Straight Pool on 4 1/2 x 9 ft tables..."

The people at Valley/Dynamo want all 4.5 x 9 foot tables gathered up and crushed.
And I think the best p.c. for you is a Gateway. Kapish?
Click to expand...


The game in question was 8 ball, and every pro event I've seen you have to call a pocket for your object ball.

I hope you enjoy your bucket of beer and bangin 'em around on your tavern table.
 
And I hope you enjoy that smug feeling of superioirty you've convinced yourself to be worthy of having.
It won't last long. Like all other wannabe's, you'll get crushed soon enough.
Personally, I don't give a .... what you think about league players. I don't play leauge and haven't for years. I just can't stand it when pool players start acting like..., well... you.
 
Scottster said:
The game in question was 8 ball, and every pro event I've seen you have to call a pocket for your object ball.

I hope you enjoy your bucket of beer and bangin 'em around on your tavern table.
Click to expand...

The ONLY game I've played against a pro player, Arturo Gabica, at a Monday night nine ball tournament in S. Jersey's Green Room, he sloped a ball in, waved it off in a sportsmanlike way, and continued to run out.

What do you make of that?

BTW...most bar league rules (TAP, BCA, etc.) are called pocket shots. Not many games in APA are won or lost with slop, and it's the same for both players. If you really want to hammer APA rules, why not do it right and complain about designated category of balls after the break if only one category of balls goes down? Now that really is amateurish.
 
league play

I say play you league play on monday nite , and go to your AA meetings on friday nite. is that a good scadual??? as you say my opinion!!! from a t todler :D :D :D pool and beer dont mix!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
Kevin G. said:
And I hope you enjoy that smug feeling of superioirty you've convinced yourself to be worthy of having.
.
Click to expand...


Smug feeling of superiority? Umm...OK I have not made any comments in this topic, or on this forum ever of being a superior player over anyone. In fact I am quite humble.

I am in support of amateur pool leagues, however I am a strong opponent of bar tables, and the effect they have had on the quality of american pool.

Personally, I am more concerned about the professional level of pool, which is the only reason I ever made a comment on this topic, because of how I interpreted something that Gregg said.

Gregg, when this conversation started, I was under the impression we were talking about 8 ball rules and in 8 ball, I think a a pocket should be called (BCA rules).

9-ball is a different game, and has been labeled a game of "Luck" and I guess it will always be ok for an OB to 7 rails and find a pocket. Should 9-ball be call shot? IMHO, yes. but actually when 9-ball is played by 2 good players I would say over 90% of every shot made goes in the pocket they intended to make it in.
 
If it wasn't for league play at MrCue's in Atlanta and The Pool Room here.There wouldn't be any pool rooms for the Pro's to have local turnaments here.
 
Agreed Gregg.

I dislike how some people feel they are "above" pool league or playing when money isnt involved.

Dont get me wrong. I see a lot of problems with pool leagues, but I enjoy the weekly competition where I am not losing any money.
 
League is what you make it.

I have played league pool for the last 3 years, prior to that I played the odd tournament and what ever I could match up at the pool hall, and of course bar pool. Since I've played league, my skill level has increased exponentially.

This isn't a direct result of league play, just my desire to become better. I chose to seek out the resources I needed to improve my game. If I hadn't started playing league, I doubt I would have ever done that.

Now that I've played for a few years in the different leagues around the city I've become familiar with the structure and politics involved. I've always been a subscriber to the "if you don't like what you've got do something to change it" line of thinking.

This past year I've captained a team and have gotten involved in the running of a brand new grassroots league sanctioned by the Canadian Cue Sports Assn.

Getting a new league up and running has it's advantages because you can take what you like from other leagues you've played in and change what doesn't work or what you don't like. This last season we started out with 5 teams and from the looks of things, we'll be doubling in size for the start of the summer season that starts in 2 weeks.

I have to admit serving on the interm board of directors is going to be a big committment, but I know a good thing when I see it, and I really would like to see this league succeed.

In addition to team play we also run singles 8 and 9 ball, and are starting a juniors league and running skills workshops with the possiblity of running 14.1 and 1 pocket nights in the future.

SGM
 
I like playing in league matches. There are definitely some things I don't like about league play, but overall, it's very satisfying for me. I restarted my journey a few years ago to beat a couple of people who had rolled over me. I got my own table and started to improve. Early on, I went to a couple of tournaments and got creamed. I don't like getting beat. I decided I needed to play better before I wasted money on tournament play.
I was asked to join a non-handicapped league. I saw it as an opportunity to match up for pretty cheap money, play some better players, and have fun all at the same time without having to worry too much about the outcome. I just completed my 3rd year. The thing I disliked the most was only getting to play one game, then sit around for an hour or more and play one more game. When I was subsequently asked to play APA, I jumped at the chance. I had heard bad things about it, but figured as long as my captain didn't ask me to do anything I found morally wrong, I'd be okay. I actually liked the format better. I got to play for a longer period of time and knew I had a better chance to influence the outcome. I've gotten to play some very good players and some not so very good players. The drawbacks are mainly having to sit for so long and agonize through poor play of lower skilled team mates. Being a coach helps, but different players react to coaching in different ways which can be frustrating in itself.
Now I've decided to play BCA and APA Masters over the summer session. My goal is to find a format that I enjoy completely and play the elite league players in our area as I continue to improve to the point where I feel I have a good chance to win playing in the tournaments in our area. In the meantime, I have fun with it as well. I can put as much or as little pressure on myself as I want. I've learned to dig deep and really bear down when I'm behind or up against someone who should beat me. I've also extended invitations to the better players I meet to come out to my house and play which has provided many pleasurable hours of intense competition in various cue games.

And I've learned that I can play quite handily sober, loose after a couple of beers, stoned, or even blitzed. So BEER & POOL DO MIX, and for a lot of people in this world, do mix frequently. Anybody who can't see this must have their head up their colon or is only speaking about their personal choice and for some reason that I am unable to fathom wishes to have everyone else behave as they do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top