I strongly approve of the fact that Earl Strickland is not even on the list. For pool to succeed, it must capture the imagination of the young, so we must look to the younger players to be the faces of our sport.
Striclkland is one of the greatest players ever, and has certainly been one of the more entertaining ever. He is also someone who has inflicted some deep wounds on pool through countless acts of disrespect for the pool establishment, tournament directors and referees, fellow competitors, and fans. There isn't the slightest doubt in my mind that he'd show disrespect for any major sponsor that showed up at pool's door, too. Lest we forget, after KT's call for disciplined behavior at the IPT King of the Hill players meeting (attended by the original 150), just weeks later, Earl threw a tantrum with the European fans at the Mosconi Cup, and this was long before anyone knew how the IPT would play out. The guy is incapable of sustained discipline, and just keeps on proving it.
This pool enthusiast is hoping for much better. If American pool has nobody better than Earl to market itself, we're in very deep trouble.
Striclkland is one of the greatest players ever, and has certainly been one of the more entertaining ever. He is also someone who has inflicted some deep wounds on pool through countless acts of disrespect for the pool establishment, tournament directors and referees, fellow competitors, and fans. There isn't the slightest doubt in my mind that he'd show disrespect for any major sponsor that showed up at pool's door, too. Lest we forget, after KT's call for disciplined behavior at the IPT King of the Hill players meeting (attended by the original 150), just weeks later, Earl threw a tantrum with the European fans at the Mosconi Cup, and this was long before anyone knew how the IPT would play out. The guy is incapable of sustained discipline, and just keeps on proving it.
This pool enthusiast is hoping for much better. If American pool has nobody better than Earl to market itself, we're in very deep trouble.
sjm said:
Geezy peezy, SJM. Here I thought you and I were finally on the same side of the tracks.
What would you suggest the older pool players in America do, the ones who have devoted their entire life to the game/sport? Just shove them under a rug and forget about 'em?
Earl Strickland ain't that old, as far as I'm concerned, and pool could use a few more just like him, not only for his talent, but because he has personality and isn't afraid to show a little emotion, unlike the robotic pool players from Europe who pocket American tournament monies, show absolutely no emotion, and immediately leave every venue they compete in when their matches are concluded. After they pocket the American dough, of course.
Pool could use a few more Earls. Go to any tournament and see who the spectators are watching. Promoters want Earl in the house to ensure a good attendance. Without the Earls of the world, they can just move all of pool over to Philippines and take the Europeans with them. America has turned its back on American pool players, and it is sickening to me.
JAM
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And another thing, Earl Strickland is the most recognizable American pool player around the world. Pool without Earl is like golf without Tiger Woods. He is one of the most celebrated pool figures in American pool today, having just been accepted into the BCA's Hall of Fame.
JAM
JAM
sjm said:
TAP TAP TAP!!!
I couldn't have said it better myself. Anyone who supports the stuff Earl does really doesn't care about the future of pool. I know of events that Earl has been omitted from because they just couldn't trust him not to give a black eye to the sponsor. It still shocks me that some people really don't get this?
Also consider the number of kids that are watching and might copy his antics! Pool doesn't need whooping and hollering, fighting and cheating to be successful. It needs players that act professionally that the sponsors can trust. The female pool players and the male snooker players have proven this beyond a shadow of a doubt.
JAM said:
I didn't think this thread was about ability? I've gone on record several times stating that IMO he's the greatest ever 9 ball player. I actually think he's pretty funny sometimes. However that certainly doesn't mean he's the most marketable US player.
I agree its good that players have character, however there's a line that still should not be crossed if you ever want to see pro pool make the big time in our life times.
Now take Alex the Lion, there's a marketing dream guy with personality who doesn't embarrass himself and drag pool down with it. No wonder Mr Hearn loves the guy!
TheOne said:
I hear you. Alex is a great guy, personally and professionally, but we're talking about American players in this thread, Craig.
If Alex grew up in America and faced the same obstacles that Earl Strickland and other American players before him did, in an era when promoters used pool players like prostitutes, then we might not see the same jolly Alex that we all know and love today.
If you think the robotic, emotionless European players are helping pool, I'd rather have 10 Earl Stricklands than any one of today's European super stars. Pro pool ain't gonna get big, Craig, with the current climate that exists at professional tournaments I have attended in recent times here in the States. It's like walking in a cold morgue, having to endure some of the final matches I've witnessed. It's no wonder pool has one tire in the sand.
JAM
My 3 would be John Schmidt, Tony Robles and Earl Strickland although I selected Archer in the poll.
I think a good marketing person could put together quite a campaign with those 3 because you've got a couple of really classy, upstanding "citizens" of the game along with the most intense bad boy of the sport who is a world beater and has been for a long time. Folks love to see a tilt and what better than good and evil. And the truth is that after a match, Earl is absolutely approachable and is a genuinely good guy to talk with. When he's at the table, though, he's nobody's friend! (I also hate the behavior that Earl exhibits when things don't go his way, think it shows a bad side to people. But it sure is marketable! Remember, even bad PR is good PR!
)
Just my 2 cents.
Brian in VA - refuses to watch Earl when he gets that way but can't walk past without looking......
I think a good marketing person could put together quite a campaign with those 3 because you've got a couple of really classy, upstanding "citizens" of the game along with the most intense bad boy of the sport who is a world beater and has been for a long time. Folks love to see a tilt and what better than good and evil. And the truth is that after a match, Earl is absolutely approachable and is a genuinely good guy to talk with. When he's at the table, though, he's nobody's friend! (I also hate the behavior that Earl exhibits when things don't go his way, think it shows a bad side to people. But it sure is marketable! Remember, even bad PR is good PR!
)Just my 2 cents.
Brian in VA - refuses to watch Earl when he gets that way but can't walk past without looking......
Correct me If I'm wrong, But Isn't 9-ball pool more popular than snooker worldwide? why is that?
The argument here is the marketability of the game. why do we love to watch TOM and JERRY? I'm sure it is not so interesting or fun to watch if the cartoon only features JERRY ! protagonists, as well as antagonists are needed at the same time. though I don't agree 100% of Earl's antics, but the game needs a character like him. there are rules set for such behavior, and I believe it is effective in maintaining order without affecting the general aura of the game. People will still and keep playing pool regardless of Earl's antics. It shouldn't be even a basis for denying Earl some credit for it.
Every major sport has it's own badboy. John McEnroe (Tennis), Dennis Rodman (Basketball), Mike Tyson (Boxing), and so forth and so on. Let us not forget to give credit for these people. for without them, what kind of sporting environment are we left with? I guess that is one of the reasons why there are only a few snooker players. and even snooker players themselves are switching to playing 9-ball. Tell me if these snooker players can develop or exercise most of their antics in snooker matches. I don't think so. Most of them can only exercise those certain antics in 9-balls and other billiard games. those antics make the game of pool more interesting and entertaining than not. It is not only a show of skill but also a show of character (good or bad).
The argument here is the marketability of the game. why do we love to watch TOM and JERRY? I'm sure it is not so interesting or fun to watch if the cartoon only features JERRY ! protagonists, as well as antagonists are needed at the same time. though I don't agree 100% of Earl's antics, but the game needs a character like him. there are rules set for such behavior, and I believe it is effective in maintaining order without affecting the general aura of the game. People will still and keep playing pool regardless of Earl's antics. It shouldn't be even a basis for denying Earl some credit for it.
Every major sport has it's own badboy. John McEnroe (Tennis), Dennis Rodman (Basketball), Mike Tyson (Boxing), and so forth and so on. Let us not forget to give credit for these people. for without them, what kind of sporting environment are we left with? I guess that is one of the reasons why there are only a few snooker players. and even snooker players themselves are switching to playing 9-ball. Tell me if these snooker players can develop or exercise most of their antics in snooker matches. I don't think so. Most of them can only exercise those certain antics in 9-balls and other billiard games. those antics make the game of pool more interesting and entertaining than not. It is not only a show of skill but also a show of character (good or bad).
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I llike Danny, Johnny, and Corey. jeff olney
Hail Mary Shot said:
Is it? I'd be curious to find out, because I've always viewed 9-Ball as a predominantly American game. I'm sure that there are a lot of 9-ball players in Europe and Asia, but I had always assumed that the game had not yet surpassed more traditional games like Snooker, Billiards, and other games, like UK 8-Ball, in those areas. Even in the US, I would guess that 8-Ball is still more popular than 9-ball, even though 9-ball has pretty much replaced 8-ball as tv's game of choice.
If 9-ball is still predominantly an American game, though, then we must keep in mind that we (Americans) only make up about 5% of the world population.
Aaron
In my opinion, the MOST marketable US player has yet to be mentioned, LiL John Macias.
Lovin' 14.1), Corey Deuel , and if I had to pick a third....wow....tough choice between Gabe, Robles and Morris. I like them all! 
Interesting...
Earl may be the most recognizable American pool player around the world (although Mike Massey may be with his countless exhibitions across the globe), however in my opinion he is not the obvious choice in marketing the sport.
If it was boxing, would you rather have Oscar De La Hoya, or Mike Tyson?
I honestly don't think comparing Earl to Tiger Woods (in terms of Marketablilty or being an ambassador for the sport) is a fair comparison.
Their excellence in competition and/or tournament wins are a different story.
Personally I would chose Robles, Morris and would have difficulty with a third, perhaps Archer.
JAM said:
Earl may be the most recognizable American pool player around the world (although Mike Massey may be with his countless exhibitions across the globe), however in my opinion he is not the obvious choice in marketing the sport.
If it was boxing, would you rather have Oscar De La Hoya, or Mike Tyson?
I honestly don't think comparing Earl to Tiger Woods (in terms of Marketablilty or being an ambassador for the sport) is a fair comparison.
Their excellence in competition and/or tournament wins are a different story.
Personally I would chose Robles, Morris and would have difficulty with a third, perhaps Archer.
Everyone should keep in mind. Marketable players have to be remembered easily. They have to exude PERSONALITY PLUS in the limited time they are allowed to be on TV. While excellent pool players and "clean cut", some of these guys don't fit the bill. Alex P. (while not an American player)is the perfect representation of this kind of personality.
Vahe said:
Mike Tyson (past) of course. records alone show that !
I chose Earl over Robles and Morris. since Earl is more popular than these two guys and he catches more attention! Between Him and Archer, I'll say it's a TIE !
U.S. Open Champion 2006 John Schmidt
While I have been praising Stevie Moore and Danny Harriman as being candidates for a sponsorship from Crotalus Atrox, you have to know I went brain dead by not headlining John Schmidt. I can't believe I didn't mention his name. I definitely went brain dead.
John is a class act, in all aspects and is deadly in all pool games. He has lots of charisma and interacts well with ball-bangers, players and fans.
The women think he is DA BOMB and the guys think he is DA MAN. Well, when you see his girl friend(s) you'll know he is DA MAN. LOL
John also posts on AZ Billiards and won't hesitate to say hello to even the least familiar face and that's just the way he is with or without a sponsor and has always been. He also will answer your most important questions about pool with clarity and experience that makes the answer understandable to player's of all levels.
Anyway, now that my memory has been restored, it's John Schmidt for President.
JoeyA
P.S. Now John,........... just remember to take it easy on me in Fort Walton Beach Florida this weekend. Nah, fogettabout that to. Give it your best as you always do.
While I have been praising Stevie Moore and Danny Harriman as being candidates for a sponsorship from Crotalus Atrox, you have to know I went brain dead by not headlining John Schmidt. I can't believe I didn't mention his name. I definitely went brain dead.
John is a class act, in all aspects and is deadly in all pool games. He has lots of charisma and interacts well with ball-bangers, players and fans.
The women think he is DA BOMB and the guys think he is DA MAN. Well, when you see his girl friend(s) you'll know he is DA MAN. LOL
John also posts on AZ Billiards and won't hesitate to say hello to even the least familiar face and that's just the way he is with or without a sponsor and has always been. He also will answer your most important questions about pool with clarity and experience that makes the answer understandable to player's of all levels.
Anyway, now that my memory has been restored, it's John Schmidt for President.
JoeyA
P.S. Now John,........... just remember to take it easy on me in Fort Walton Beach Florida this weekend. Nah, fogettabout that to. Give it your best as you always do.