Viewing of John Schmidt's 626 straight pool run
- Thread starter Cornerman
- Start date
I believe that John is also offering lessons and/or clinics as possible in/near the viewing venues.
The event was fantastic. It was as exciting as sweating a great match, but it is an achievement beyond that, and you are interacting with the guy who did it as you watch. He explains key shots and how his emotions almost cripple him from getting over the hurdle. He also tells his back story and gives credit to the people who helped him along the way. Most people there had driven several hours to get to Sullivan, Illinois for the viewing and nobody was disappointed. $50 is a bargain for this event.
Haha, sped up for time purposes. Alrighty then
I was one of the people that thought JS's idea of the traveling road show before Corona hit was kind of dumb, from a financial standpoint. But, after listening to the reviews we've had on the show from a few members here, I take that back. It sounds like JS is having a good time, going on the road, showing his video, and interacting with fans "that like him and like straight pool". Maybe it won't make him rich, but it seems like its filling both his head and the fan's heads with good vibes. That is worth more than money. It also seems like if it were not for Corona, he would probably have done 25 or more of these shows by now. Good for him, and good for the fans for checking out the show. It really does seem like a unique way to show his video, rather than a boring video on youtube.
Yes, relatively short section was sped up. About 550 of the balls were at normal speed. The sped up portion was still watchable. The majority of the motions in that section was John walk around the table, something he didn’t do for about 400 of that run.
I always liked the idea, but I never thought he needed to do one or the other exclusively. I don't think selling the video and the roadshow conflicts at all. I expect the same people would still go to the show in person just to hear him talk about it live and answer questions. Afterward, they'd buy the DVD/BluRay from him. It's two completely different experiences. But it's his run and he can do what he wants. I'm sure I'll see it one day.
In a perfect world.
I would love to go and see his show, and later be able to review the DVD at home, so as to take bathroom/snack breaks at my leisure. It’s a shame dedicated 14.1 fans are thus so deprived.
It’s as if a major rock band had a hit recording, but was afraid to release it for fear that fans wouldn’t then attend their live concerts.
Where was this guy on the other thread,
I hope to attend a showing. Trying to get one a my home pool room. I can see where JS would rather do these shows then the DVD. We all know that as soon as the DVD is released, it will get posted somewhere so he won't get the full financial benefit from him. This was the most landmark record in pool and he deserves to be compensated for it.
I think he deserves the right to want to be compensated.
Hey if he has something people are willing to pay for, then good on him for being willing to accept the money.
YouTube is pretty fanatical about copyright, so if it were posted there, it would be pretty easy to get it removed. I think it's impossible to stop all the leakage, but collecting payments from Vimeo is a lot less work than travelling to a new location every night. And, as was pointed out above, there's no reason he couldn't do both. I imagine that the DVD would increase demand for the in-person shows.
I get the sense he enjoys doing it this way, even if it doesn't squeeze every last penny out of it. I would also not be surprised to see it available down the road some day later this year. Until then (and probably after...because his Navy guy is on standby to see if it is just CGI) , we know what DH and his posse will be doing.
Just for people who may have missed things ...
Bob Jewett
Mar 9 2020
"As previously mentioned in this thread, John Schmidt gave a showing of the video at
Colleary’s Bistro,
2143 N. Tustin Street, Suite A6 Orange, CA
Sun, March 8th 4:00 – 8:00pm
I flew down around noon and showed up a hour or so early. Jerry and Jan McWorter were helping get the room set up. Colleary's is an up-scale Italian restaurant. I went and got a snack and coffee and came back about 3:30 when people were starting to filter in.
The main dining area was set up with seats mostly facing a large-screen TV. While people were arriving, the TV was showing part of Crane's 150 against Balsis and Pete Smith's film short of Willie Mosconi's life including the five-rail kick shot to beat Andrew Ponzi in the one hole.
The presentation ended up with about 50 in the audience at $50 each. We were lightly encouraged to buy food and drink from the restaurant but it was not required. I skipped the appetizers and went straight to the spaghetti and meat balls.
ink::thumbup2: I'd like to thank the members here who help with expenses.
After a brief introduction we began watching John's 626 from the first shot. Every shot was shown clear through to the miss (a tricky combination with five balls remaining on the table) for shot 627.
There were basically three modes of playback. Some of it was with voice-over that had been added about a month after the run. The voices included John, Jerry, Doug Desmond (who provided major logistical support and racking during the attempts) and I think Lou Sardo.
During other portions the voice-over was turned off and Jerry and John discussed John's playing history, problems in the section of the run we were watching, and other pool-related stuff.
In the third mode the live narration continued but the video was played at 2X speed to save some time. This was roughly from ball 300 to ball 480. It was returned to normal speed before John passed his previous high run of 490 (on a break shot), the even 500, and numbers 526 and 527. We continued to the end at normal speed.
Around 580 was the only shot I would call a little questionable for a normal match shot. It was right after a break and the cue ball was close to the foot rail and near the left foot pocket. There was no obvious direct shot. A three-ball combo to the side was nearly straight but the balls were all spread out. John played a carom off a ball at about the bottom of the rack to hit a ball near the foot rail and about 10 inches from the pocket. As far as a legitimate match shot, I'd say it was 50-50. There may have been a safe with a little dink to freeze the cue ball to the back of a ball, but in that situation, you are not favored to get the first opening.
The shot for 627 (with five balls left on the table) was an off-angle combo near the right side of the rack in a cluster of three balls. Other shots he could have taken were his break ball on the left side of the rack or a ball on the head string near the right rail. (Directions as viewed from the head of the table, which is where the camera was.) It was really a two-ball combo and John said the third ball probably kept him from cutting the first ball enough to make the shot.
There was no mention of an NDA.
Every shot was shown.
I saw no touch fouls and I was looking for them.
Whoever wants to see the run for themselves should follow http://www.hihatentertainment.com/tickets or maybe call the number listed there to find out about future events. That's Jerry and Jan McWorter who are arranging the presentations."
Bob Jewett
Mar 9 2020
"As previously mentioned in this thread, John Schmidt gave a showing of the video at
Colleary’s Bistro,
2143 N. Tustin Street, Suite A6 Orange, CA
Sun, March 8th 4:00 – 8:00pm
I flew down around noon and showed up a hour or so early. Jerry and Jan McWorter were helping get the room set up. Colleary's is an up-scale Italian restaurant. I went and got a snack and coffee and came back about 3:30 when people were starting to filter in.
The main dining area was set up with seats mostly facing a large-screen TV. While people were arriving, the TV was showing part of Crane's 150 against Balsis and Pete Smith's film short of Willie Mosconi's life including the five-rail kick shot to beat Andrew Ponzi in the one hole.
The presentation ended up with about 50 in the audience at $50 each. We were lightly encouraged to buy food and drink from the restaurant but it was not required. I skipped the appetizers and went straight to the spaghetti and meat balls.
ink::thumbup2: I'd like to thank the members here who help with expenses.After a brief introduction we began watching John's 626 from the first shot. Every shot was shown clear through to the miss (a tricky combination with five balls remaining on the table) for shot 627.
There were basically three modes of playback. Some of it was with voice-over that had been added about a month after the run. The voices included John, Jerry, Doug Desmond (who provided major logistical support and racking during the attempts) and I think Lou Sardo.
During other portions the voice-over was turned off and Jerry and John discussed John's playing history, problems in the section of the run we were watching, and other pool-related stuff.
In the third mode the live narration continued but the video was played at 2X speed to save some time. This was roughly from ball 300 to ball 480. It was returned to normal speed before John passed his previous high run of 490 (on a break shot), the even 500, and numbers 526 and 527. We continued to the end at normal speed.
Around 580 was the only shot I would call a little questionable for a normal match shot. It was right after a break and the cue ball was close to the foot rail and near the left foot pocket. There was no obvious direct shot. A three-ball combo to the side was nearly straight but the balls were all spread out. John played a carom off a ball at about the bottom of the rack to hit a ball near the foot rail and about 10 inches from the pocket. As far as a legitimate match shot, I'd say it was 50-50. There may have been a safe with a little dink to freeze the cue ball to the back of a ball, but in that situation, you are not favored to get the first opening.
The shot for 627 (with five balls left on the table) was an off-angle combo near the right side of the rack in a cluster of three balls. Other shots he could have taken were his break ball on the left side of the rack or a ball on the head string near the right rail. (Directions as viewed from the head of the table, which is where the camera was.) It was really a two-ball combo and John said the third ball probably kept him from cutting the first ball enough to make the shot.
There was no mention of an NDA.
Every shot was shown.
I saw no touch fouls and I was looking for them.
Whoever wants to see the run for themselves should follow http://www.hihatentertainment.com/tickets or maybe call the number listed there to find out about future events. That's Jerry and Jan McWorter who are arranging the presentations."
And if you missed this ....
Mark Wilson
Jan 16 2021
"We had a terrific night showing the all-time record setting high run of 626 balls at the fantastic Durbin Arena. The show is fantastic with host Jerry McWorter and John Schmidt explaining in person the inside challenges and providing a refreshing level of humanity and honesty while conquering the 65 year old record by Willie Mosconi.
Everyone was both inspired and humbled to witness the focus, courage, and persistence demonstrated.
John Schmidt told me that he was excited to have Nick Varner and myself watch it, but was also a little self conscious that we might somehow find fault with his effort.
We were both entertained and genuinely astonished by the excellence demonstrated and rest assured neither of us found anything to critique regarding somebody setting the world record. Only 100 people have even seen the full video and it is certainly worth traveling great distances to see. We had people from South Carolina, Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa present for this well scripted show.
Everyone had a terrific time and are now prepared for training camp over the next couple of days.
I had looked forward to this and not once left the room to insure that I missed nothing despite being confident that John would not miss. My feelings are that nobody will beat this record over the next 65 years and John deserves far more positive attention for this feat."
Mark Wilson
Jan 16 2021
"We had a terrific night showing the all-time record setting high run of 626 balls at the fantastic Durbin Arena. The show is fantastic with host Jerry McWorter and John Schmidt explaining in person the inside challenges and providing a refreshing level of humanity and honesty while conquering the 65 year old record by Willie Mosconi.
Everyone was both inspired and humbled to witness the focus, courage, and persistence demonstrated.
John Schmidt told me that he was excited to have Nick Varner and myself watch it, but was also a little self conscious that we might somehow find fault with his effort.
We were both entertained and genuinely astonished by the excellence demonstrated and rest assured neither of us found anything to critique regarding somebody setting the world record. Only 100 people have even seen the full video and it is certainly worth traveling great distances to see. We had people from South Carolina, Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa present for this well scripted show.
Everyone had a terrific time and are now prepared for training camp over the next couple of days.
I had looked forward to this and not once left the room to insure that I missed nothing despite being confident that John would not miss. My feelings are that nobody will beat this record over the next 65 years and John deserves far more positive attention for this feat."
And maybe you missed this too...
Nick Varner
Jan 19 2021
"Had a great time at the clinic this past weekend. The venue was Mike Durbin’s Billiard Arena. Love going there and playing in the room with such great Equipment. My thanks to Mike Durbin. Definitely pool’s answer to baseball’s field of dreams. It was a real boot camp for pool instruction. We had three instructors Mark Wilson, John Schmidt and myself. The weekend started out on Friday night with a 4 hour review of John Schmidt’s record beating straight pool run of 625 balls. Jerry McWorter helped John with the presentation. Jerry is a 100 ball runner in straight pool himself and an outstanding cue maker. It was so informative and entertaining. To me just making 44 break shots in a row is phenomenal. Glad I got to see this run with the narration and inside scoop from John and Jerry. Next on Saturday and Sunday we got down to the business with the hands on instructional part of the the clinic. The students really worked hard. It was so much fun because the students came with so much excitement and enthusiasm. Thanks to all the students and as usual picked up some valuable information myself. Hard to accomplish anything without enthusiasm."
Nick Varner
Jan 19 2021
"Had a great time at the clinic this past weekend. The venue was Mike Durbin’s Billiard Arena. Love going there and playing in the room with such great Equipment. My thanks to Mike Durbin. Definitely pool’s answer to baseball’s field of dreams. It was a real boot camp for pool instruction. We had three instructors Mark Wilson, John Schmidt and myself. The weekend started out on Friday night with a 4 hour review of John Schmidt’s record beating straight pool run of 625 balls. Jerry McWorter helped John with the presentation. Jerry is a 100 ball runner in straight pool himself and an outstanding cue maker. It was so informative and entertaining. To me just making 44 break shots in a row is phenomenal. Glad I got to see this run with the narration and inside scoop from John and Jerry. Next on Saturday and Sunday we got down to the business with the hands on instructional part of the the clinic. The students really worked hard. It was so much fun because the students came with so much excitement and enthusiasm. Thanks to all the students and as usual picked up some valuable information myself. Hard to accomplish anything without enthusiasm."
And this might have gone under the radar...
Brad Simpson
Jan 25 2021
"I just want to recap what an incredible event we saw last night. Jerry McWorter has put together an incredible presentation of one of the greatest achievements in sports history. Not only do you get to see John Schmidt's entire 626 ball run, but he is there to commentate and answer questions as you watch. John explains shot selection on key shots and is brutally honest about ego, self doubt, fear of choking, and how it affects his game physically as the pressure builds. In the end he grinds through it to break a record that stood for 65 years. Most of the people there made 4-6 hour round trips to be there, and it was beyond our expectations."
Brad Simpson
Jan 25 2021
"I just want to recap what an incredible event we saw last night. Jerry McWorter has put together an incredible presentation of one of the greatest achievements in sports history. Not only do you get to see John Schmidt's entire 626 ball run, but he is there to commentate and answer questions as you watch. John explains shot selection on key shots and is brutally honest about ego, self doubt, fear of choking, and how it affects his game physically as the pressure builds. In the end he grinds through it to break a record that stood for 65 years. Most of the people there made 4-6 hour round trips to be there, and it was beyond our expectations."
... and....
Freddie Agnir
Jan 22 2021
"
Giving my observations and my opinions on watching
John Schmidt
's amazing 626 run last night:
Freddie Agnir
Jan 22 2021
"
Giving my observations and my opinions on watching
John Schmidt
's amazing 626 run last night:
- The video production was entertaining and very watchable.
Jerry McWorter
did a great job as both voice-over commentator and live host for the evening - There were a couple of non-voice over sections of about 10 minutes each where the video kept playing, and John discussed live many aspects of what led up to this, the challenges and hardships, and the help he received. He discussed cloth, conditions, clothing, physical and mental challenges.
- Doug Desmond (the racker) gave some information on Mosconi’s 526 run in Springfield, OH on the voice over. He said it was on an *oversized* 8’ table. I’ve actually never heard it was an oversized 8. I always thought it was a standard 8’ table.
- Even a non-pool player was in attendance, and he loved it. I believe he came with a friend.
- Some of the attendees are on Facebook and the internet, so we had discussions on internet members in general.
- The video is a single, non-moving camera that showed a continuous run, no cutaways or skips for 627 shots, with a miss on the last.
- The only editing was scrubbing the background music/noise and adding voice-over commentary (Jerry, John, Doug).
- There was one ball cleaning maybe around 350. Both 15th and cueball were ball-marked with what looked like Gibby Tkatch’s ball marker
- The ball marker was not moved around. It’s a 2-hand process to pick and replace the ball with that marker (and all markers really).
- John came with some incredibly delicate and difficult shots. Maybe around 15 that were just hairy.
- There were some position shots on the last three or four balls of many racks that needed position within what looked like a 1” or less circle or 2 degree line. If any one of these were a hair off, again they easily would have stopped the run
- No question that the 5” corner pockets were fully taken advantage of. I think that's a necessary thing for running such uber high numbers. John has the high recorded run on a Diamond at 294 as well.
- There was one section in the 400’s IIRC that they sped up for time sake. The rest of the 550 or so balls were in normal time.
- John played pretty fast for the first 300 balls, and slowed down considerably for the next 200. That’s been consistent with his live feeds when he got over 300.
- After he got through 527, his pace went right back to his normal. He hit some more amazing shots after 527 on his way to 626, given the numbers he was at. John hits a shot at 560 that you just have to see to believe.
- After watching this (and his previous 400+ runs), I truly believe John Schmidt has more intimate knowledge of straight pool patterns and runout play than anyone else. Running 300 balls was like automatic for him, meaning there was very little hemming and hawing and looking at all angles (until the pressure of getting past 300 balls, that is).
- Just John talking about his runout thoughts both on video and in person is worth the price of admission ($50 last night).
- The video started right around 700PM and finished around 1030PM. It could have been 645PM and 1045PM respectively. Wasn’t paying that close attention to the time. The time went by quickly. There was never a time that I was thinking that it was boring or anything like that.
- And yes, I encourage every fan of pool to go watch this if it’s in your area.