UPA Got it right

[azhousepro]

Considering the facts that are known now, I completely understand your decision to forfeit out of that match.

It is good for the fans to get to see both sides of this story.

Mike

 

[bruin70]

,,,,,,,,,,,,it's nearly impossible to come back from 5 games down in a race to 11 - he may have a point there. It's nice to see both opponents break but it does change the dynamics,,,,,,,,,,,, been few upsets at the Bike.

think of alternate breaks as being similiar to tennis. it puts pressure on EVERY game, so that you DON'T want to fall far behind.

 

[Danny Harriman]

To the Sniper

Thanks for the positive comments Tony and I wish you all of the best out there, tell Mike and Amanda hello for me.

 

[DeadPoked]

This Frank Alvarez UPA rep lives in Boise. I think he just recently moved back here because I've seen him in a few weekly tournaments just recently. This is the first time I have seen him here in the year that I've been here.

Wasn't very impressed with him personally or in his quality of play. The only good thing I have to say about him is that his girlfriend is cute. Although she had about as much personality as him it seemed.

 

[KBP]

Amateur 9-Ball Tour

The amateurs love the alternating break they say that even if they aren't any good they get a chance at the table. I hate to hear when a player does that but I do understand the rules. I have had to start enforcing some rules of my own for the tournaments, such as unsportsmanlike conduct gets lost of game for the first offense, lost of match for the second and out of the tour for the third. Some people say I shouldn't give them that but what I am trying to do is to teach the average player that if they want to play better its attitude too. A lot of them are use to playing in rough and tumble places or local taverns so this is where I try to work with them. I hope I can produce some pros out of my events one of these days. Got some pretty good players. Maybe one day they will look back and say gee thanks Kay you really pointed me in the right direction. Some do say that the day I tell them they can no longer play is a compliment. Guess time will tell
Kay

 

[Timberly]

This Frank Alvarez UPA rep lives in Boise. I think he just recently moved back here because I've seen him in a few weekly tournaments just recently. This is the first time I have seen him here in the year that I've been here.

Wasn't very impressed with him personally or in his quality of play. The only good thing I have to say about him is that his girlfriend is cute. Although she had about as much personality as him it seemed.

This Frank Alvarez is living in Boise????

 

[DeadPoked]

This Frank Alvarez is living in Boise????

That is the person. I am not positive if he is living here or just visiting but he has been here for at least a few weeks that I know of. He is from here from what I have heard.

I live in Mountain Home and it is about a 45 mile drive me one-way. I stopped playing in the tournaments there for a while. I've been going back recently and I've won the last 3 out of 4 times that I have went.

I never played him in the tournaments but I've practiced with him a little before tournament play. I didn't know exactly who he was at the time though. My first impression of him was that he was an Efren/Busta wannabe with his super long stroke. I saw him miscue on a straight-in shot 6 inches away because of the way he stroked.

Anyways enough rambling, that is the guy.

 

[JAM]

I've gotta state for the record that every single one of my dealings with Frank Alvarez have been extremely pleasant, and I have a fairly extensive history of dealing with him personally as it pertains to the UPA organization by phone, e-mail, and in person.

I do know that Frank Alvarez is a man of faith, a Christian, who in my opinion is charismatic, charming, and is a nice guy -- to me at least. There were some occasions in the past few years when I was up in Frank Alvarez's face detailing some inequities which affected me and mine on the tournament trail, and I didn't parse my words either. However, he responded in a timely manner and actually tried to rectify some of the problems which existed at that time. He went out of his way to do so, calling me long distance and by e-mail.

A few years ago in the early days of the UPA, Teddy Garrihan and Jimmy Wetch -- [where are these UPA members now?] -- were some of the most vocal supporters of the men's organization, and they got up in many folks' faces at a UPA-sanctioned event in Philadelphia. Frank Alvarez, on the other hand, took a different stance and attempted to correct any wrongs which may have existed relating to some players, and he did so with the utmost respect and was courteous.

It is no secret that I am not a fan of the UPA for a variety of reasons, but when it comes to Frank Alvarez, I have been treated with kindness and follow-through. When Keith McCready questioned UPA Representative Frank Alvarez in his official capacity recently at the Super Billiards Expo pertaining to the UPA, Frank responded in kind and was very pleasant.

In sum, I am disgusted with the current state of affairs as it pertains to the UPA, but when it comes to Frank Alvarez, I have to say the man has gone the extra mile in an effort to rectify any discrepancies. Even today, when I see "Frankie-Boy," as I fondly call him, we still have a great rapport. We just do not agree on some topics, but he is very professional in his role as the UPA Representative and has treated me with the utmost respect. I think he's a nice guy, and the UPA is lucky to have him.

Picture taken at the SBE this year of Earthquake, Frankie-Boy, and T-Rex!

JAM

 

[Danny Harriman]

Negative post banger

When you say pool players only think of themselves that is a generalization, please realize that before you make such a broad statement that you may be a little bitter, I can tell you that in my 15 years as a pro my take on the problem with pool is in the way it is promoted even excluding a person like Brady Behrman there is still a deeper problem, American promoters should take a lesson from people like Berry Hearns who really knows what's going on.
The players act up because they have dedicated part of their lives to this game and see a grim future for themselves, now I realize that this is no excuse for poor behaivor but all I ask is a little empathy because I can speak for 90% off all pros when I say that it looks like slim pickens for someone who honestly try's to make a living competing at pocket billiards, not to mention the poor lifestyle that is included. Why do you =think we act up! Guys like Earl Strickland get unlucky because if the game was promoted right and got a personality profile about Earl before his match they would understand. People love to see other " " get emotional to a certain degree, I don't know maybe we need scripts, I'm just tired of people who probably can't make a ball in the ocean criticising pool players.

sincerely, Springfield Danny

 

[pete lafond]

I ask is a little empathy because I can speak for 90% off all pros when I say that it looks like slim pickens for someone who honestly try's to make a living competing at pocket billiards, not to mention the poor lifestyle that is included.

I understand were you are coming from, we just need someone to act on this in an organized manner. Pool needs sponsor$$$$.

 

[Danny Harriman]

To JAM

I may have been a little hard on Franky boy and I do believe that the UPA is fortunate to have him on board also, there is just so much politics and when I was running out of bullets he was pressing me hard for that membership fee while all the while i'm owed $. I realize he donates his time to helping out the UPA and they claim he works for free, he does have people skills and I hope he will continue to be an asset for pro pool.
I guess it's his job to collect the dues from players, however when he began to pressure me hard for the fee I asked him about the money from the upa event in Virginia his words were "That is not the UPA'S fault", that's funny cause I asked Charlie Williams the same question and he said "it kind of is the UPA's fault" with a look of regret on his face, I could'nt agree more with Charlie. I realize that guys like Martin Remlinger and Franky Alvarez are just doing their job when asking for the yearly membership and are genuinly trying to improve the state of mens pool but let's not forget about the little guy who is fading the poor playing conditions and who does not have a backer. I think the upa made a mistake when overlooking that some of their players did'nt get paid and it was just bad timing for me. This jargon about me using the $ that they owe me as a bargaining tool to not pay my membership is bull on the highest level, that's the smooth lawyer talk coming out in Franky boy. Instead he should just admit he was wrong for pressuring me at the past 3 or four tournaments, the upa should now pay me the $1,850.00 dollars that is owed to me from the tournament that they sanctioned and assume the responsability of collecting the $ from Brady and I won't even ask for interest from all of the bull that I've put up with.
What do you think JAM?

 

[drivermaker]

I may have been a little hard on Franky boy and I do believe that the UPA is fortunate to have him on board also, there is just so much politics and when I was running out of bullets he was pressing me hard for that membership fee while all the while i'm owed $. I realize he donates his time to helping out the UPA and they claim he works for free, he does have people skills and I hope he will continue to be an asset for pro pool.
I guess it's his job to collect the dues from players, however when he began to pressure me hard for the fee I asked him about the money from the upa event in Virginia his words were "That is not the UPA'S fault", that's funny cause I asked Charlie Williams the same question and he said "it kind of is the UPA's fault" with a look of regret on his face, I could'nt agree more with Charlie. I realize that guys like Martin Remlinger and Franky Alvarez are just doing their job when asking for the yearly membership and are genuinly trying to improve the state of mens pool but let's not forget about the little guy who is fading the poor playing conditions and who does not have a backer. I think the upa made a mistake when overlooking that some of their players did'nt get paid and it was just bad timing for me. This jargon about me using the $ that they owe me as a bargaining tool to not pay my membership is bull on the highest level, that's the smooth lawyer talk coming out in Franky boy. Instead he should just admit he was wrong for pressuring me at the past 3 or four tournaments, the upa should now pay me the $1,850.00 dollars that is owed to me from the tournament that they sanctioned and assume the responsability of collecting the $ from Brady and I won't even ask for interest from all of the bull that I've put up with.
What do you think JAM?

I know you didn't ask me Danny...but what I think is if you have nothing better going for yourself right now, you oughta pay that membership fee and go out and kick some ass and either win it back or greatly exceed the loss because you have too much talent going to waste not to. You're pissing away a lot MORE that $1,800 lousy bucks by NOT playing. Either that, or find another tour to play on. But give yourself a "get out of jail free card" asap, because this whole incident has you locked up in one. I think a lot of your skills and ability...I really do. If you need some more ass kicking tomorrow...send me a PM.

 

[cuesmith]

I may have been a little hard on Franky boy and I do believe that the UPA is fortunate to have him on board also, there is just so much politics and when I was running out of bullets he was pressing me hard for that membership fee while all the while i'm owed $. I realize he donates his time to helping out the UPA and they claim he works for free, he does have people skills and I hope he will continue to be an asset for pro pool.
I guess it's his job to collect the dues from players, however when he began to pressure me hard for the fee I asked him about the money from the upa event in Virginia his words were "That is not the UPA'S fault", that's funny cause I asked Charlie Williams the same question and he said "it kind of is the UPA's fault" with a look of regret on his face, I could'nt agree more with Charlie. I realize that guys like Martin Remlinger and Franky Alvarez are just doing their job when asking for the yearly membership and are genuinly trying to improve the state of mens pool but let's not forget about the little guy who is fading the poor playing conditions and who does not have a backer. I think the upa made a mistake when overlooking that some of their players did'nt get paid and it was just bad timing for me. This jargon about me using the $ that they owe me as a bargaining tool to not pay my membership is bull on the highest level, that's the smooth lawyer talk coming out in Franky boy. Instead he should just admit he was wrong for pressuring me at the past 3 or four tournaments, the upa should now pay me the $1,850.00 dollars that is owed to me from the tournament that they sanctioned and assume the responsability of collecting the $ from Brady and I won't even ask for interest from all of the bull that I've put up with.
What do you think JAM?

Back in 1987, I staked David Howard in a PBA sanctioned tournament in Colorado. He came in second in the tourney and was given half the prize money in cash and the other half by check. To make a long story short, I ended up with the check and the check bounced. After repeated calls to the tourney promoters I found myself getting the cold shoulder from them. I have to admit I was a bit surprised when I got a call from Pat Flemming, who was on the PBA board. A couple of days later I received a check from the PBA for the amount owed me. This was during the Mackey regime, which had it's problems, but they at least did back up their "Sanctions" ! I can see no excuse for the UPA not standing behind their comittment to their membership! I have a lot of respect for some of the UPA hierarchy (Marty Remlinger in particular), and very little for others!

just more hot air!

Sherm

 

[Danny Harriman]

Melissa Herndon

I apolagize about loosing my temper, that is my sisters first name and almost her last maiden name anyway maybe you understand better now why I conceded. I think I have met you before are you friends with Charlie Williams?
Well now you know my side of the story, that's cool that your one of the pros on az billiards. I'm no longer a pro but feel less stressed cause of it, good luck on the WPBA as your org. is much better united and strucured than t of the Upa y.
sincerely,
Danny Harriman
trebuenonsond@yahoo.com

 

[JAM]

...Well, now you know my side of the story. That's cool that you're one of the pros on Azbilliards. I'm no longer a pro, but feel less stressed cause of it....

You're a pro in everybody else's eyes, Danny. That's ridiculous to think otherwise (IMO).

JAM

 

[JAM]

...from all of the bull that I've put up with.
What do you think JAM?

Danny, pertaining to the UPA, for some players it may be a good platform to advance their pool-playing career. It's a judgment call. Earl Strickland seems to be able to compete in UPA events, and he ain't no member, last time I checked. In my camp, we have encountered some problems relating to the "men's governing body of professional pool," but the men's organization does seem to address the concerns of some players.

You have a lot to offer, and the UPA would be lucky to have you as a member. If you desire to wear the red-white-and-blue, AND yellow patches, of the organization, then I'd say go for it.

Having said that, though, there's most likely a pool happening every single week in the U.S. You can play as much pool as your pocketbook will allow. It's all out there for the taking. The UPA ain't the only fish in this pool sea, my friend, as much as they try to be. Go to the Tournament Section of AzBilliards Main Page and check out the upcoming events.

For starters, I'd be looking at that upcoming event this month at HardTimes in California -- one-pocket and 9-ball -- and go kick some butt:

Hard Times 7th Annual Jamboree
Hard Times-Sacramento, CA
(916) 332-8793
June 14-19, 2005
One-Pocket, $5,000 added
9-Ball, $10,000 added

I also happened to notice that each Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour tournament from now until August is offering two free entry fees for first- and second-place finishers to the $25,000 Joss Tour Season Finale which will take place at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.

Another regional tour to check out is the Seminole Florida Pro Tour. This season, they are playing 10-ball. On June 11-12, 2005, there will be an $8,000-added event held at Planet Pool in Tampa, Florida, (813) 891-1450, limited to 64 players.

So, Danny, stop talking and start chalking. I want to read about you scoring that almighty big "W" on the tournament trail. Hope to see you soon!

JAM

 

[drivermaker]

So, Danny, stop talking and start chalking. I want to read about you scoring that almighty big "W" on the tournament trail.
JAM

Damn JAM...always able to say it better and out articulate me. I guess that's what I get for hanging out in pool rooms all night when I was in school instead of doing my homework.

It now comes down to what Blackjack said, "if that's what Danny really wants".

It's absolutely amazing to me sometime how people find their happiness in life mired in a negative situation that causes unhappiness, when all you have to do is step away from it and go down a positive path. It's all just that simple.
Many just can't live without that unhappiness and feelings of victimization.
GOYA, Danny...GOYA. (Get Off Your Ass)

 

[Danny Harriman]

Hey Jude

I'll be in NY and looking for action, you said you have played pros before, were you gambling? I'll be in your area for damn near the whole month of August maybe we can play some. I know you like 14.1, that would be right up my alley. I'll even play cheap because I love Straight Pool, see you at the Big Apple 9-ball are you playing in this event?

 

[Danny Harriman]

Right back at cha

Frank does not deserve my best game and a player like him should practice more before deciding to go pro, I am not sure but I would say that Frank gets all of his entry's paid for being a rep. I regret to say that I lost most all of the respect I had for Frank and that has nothing to do with his pool game.

 

[NYC cue dude]

Danny, I know you have been playing alot in the New York area lately.
As one of your recent posts have stated that you don't have a backer, is that still the case?

I am a NYC boy, and everyone here knows me. Ask around about Randy from Amsterdam. If your intersted in talking with me, about a backer, ask Ginky or Robles for my number.

Are you in the Summit?

RG