What Will Happen To All The Aging Pros

[OldHasBeen]

I agree, BUT .................

You get out of life what you put into it! Spending most of your time in a pool hall trying to take money from any sucker comming in door doesn't exactly contribute a great deal to the world in general. You reap what you sow. I will buy you a meal but I ain't gonna feel sorry for ya. We all put ourselves where we are today. It was the decisions that we made along the line got us here.
Purdman

Don - You said -
"Spending most of your time in a pool hall trying to take money from any sucker comming in door".

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!

YOU GOTTA "HIT THE ROAD" TO GET THE CASH!

TY & GL

 

[Purdman]

Don - You said -
"Spending most of your time in a pool hall trying to take money from any sucker comming in door".

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!

YOU GOTTA "HIT THE ROAD" TO GET THE CASH!

TY & GL

You show me one road player that you would call sucessful! They got to have something else going for them. A woman, inherited cash, sponsor, a business, or stakehorse. You just plain ain't going to make it man. Just take a look at em.
Purdman

 

[OldHasBeen]

This thread - Post#15 - Please read.

You show me one road player that you would call sucessful! They got to have something else going for them. A woman, inherited cash, sponsor, a business, or stakehorse. You just plain ain't going to make it man. Just take a look at em.
Purdman

Purdy - I have the old IRS records (on microfish) to prove this & I could PM you with at least10 others who did it in the '70's.
Now if your talking about it being done now-a-days -- I AGREE 100% WITH YOU.

TY & GL

 

[drivermaker]

Purdy - I have the old IRS records (on microfish) to prove this & I could PM you with at least10 others who did it in the '70's.
Now if your talking about it being done now-a-days -- I AGREE 100% WITH YOU.

TY & GL

I could go along with you on about the 10 guys or so doing it back in the 70's, and also latter part of 60's...but I would also say that NOT ONE OF THOSE 10 socked any of that success money away for the future and their old age. I'll also say that none of them carried hospitalization insurance at the time either.

 

[DaveK]

I have the old IRS records (on microfish) ....

One year per scale ?

Dave, yes, a smartass, but I couldn't resist after laughing at the typo, sorry OHB.

 

[Purdman]

Purdy - I have the old IRS records (on microfish) to prove this & I could PM you with at least10 others who did it in the '70's.
Now if your talking about it being done now-a-days -- I AGREE 100% WITH YOU.

TY & GL

OHB, I don't doubt what you are saying about yourself. You do not have to prove anything to me. You have obvously done something else besides play pool. How much of the pool earnings did you stash away, and the biggie, what was the trade off? Would you try it today? If you could, what is the one thing you would change about your past?
Your Friend, Purdman

 

[bruin70]

Bruin, you're completely missing my point. Actually, a perfect ga,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,n this approach. I think they should change the game BUT even if they don't, the focus remains the same.

here's the bottom line. those behind tv pool fail to recognize their demographic. they want to draw in the general public,,,which is why they concoct these ridiculous formats like 7ball and, a few years ago, speed 9ball. this is/won't happen. the public doesn't give a frog's fart about pool.....and flashing stats on a screen won't change this. those in power should shift their attention towards the POOL WATCHING demographic. the POLL WATCHING demographic will watch any game of pool and flashing stats won't matter.....

flashing stats on screen won't draw the average joe, flashing stats won't matter to viewers who like pool = flashing stats won't matter. just because these incidentals work in other games doesn't mean they will work in pool. the GAME must work FIRST,,,ie,,,,,,

you can't polish a turd.

 

[ccriderone]

here's the bottom line. those behind tv pool fail to recognize their demographic. they want to draw in the general public,,,which is why they concoct these ridiculous formats like 7ball and, a few years ago, speed 9ball. this is/won't happen. the public doesn't give a frog's fart about pool.....and flashing stats on a screen won't change this. those in power should shift their attention towards the POOL WATCHING demographic. the POLL WATCHING demographic will watch any game of pool and flashing stats won't matter.....

flashing stats on screen won't draw the average joe, flashing stats won't matter to viewers who like pool = flashing stats won't matter. just because these incidentals work in other games doesn't mean they will work in pool. the GAME must work FIRST,,,ie,,,,,,

you can't polish a turd.

************************************************************************************************************
Many end up like Detroit Whitey, sitting out in front of an action room on the cement with dark glasses acting like he's blind, he was not selling pencils for a handout. That is the pool players retirement home.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

here's the bottom line. those behind tv pool fail to recognize their demographic. they want to draw in the general public,,,which is why they concoct these ridiculous formats like 7ball and, a few years ago, speed 9ball. this is/won't happen. the public doesn't give a frog's fart about pool.....and flashing stats on a screen won't change this. those in power should shift their attention towards the POOL WATCHING demographic. the POLL WATCHING demographic will watch any game of pool and flashing stats won't matter.....

flashing stats on screen won't draw the average joe, flashing stats won't matter to viewers who like pool = flashing stats won't matter. just because these incidentals work in other games doesn't mean they will work in pool. the GAME must work FIRST,,,ie,,,,,,

you can't polish a turd.

This just shows that we lie on opposite sides of the spectrum. Personally, I'm just more optimistic than you. I understand your point. I just can't agree with it until I feel televised pool has been given a fair shake. I guess we'll just leave it at that.

 

[sjm]

This just shows that we lie on opposite sides of the spectrum. Personally, I'm just more optimistic than you. I understand your point. I just can't agree with it until I feel televised pool has been given a fair shake. I guess we'll just leave it at that.

There's some truth in this, Jude, but pool on TV is in a Catch 22 situation. The ratings (and inherent marketing value of the underlying demographic) are not sufficient to merit significant spending on productions of professional pool. While it's esily argued that a better production will bring better ratings, it's far more easily argued that until the ratings are there, nobody will spend heavily on the TV productions of pro pool.

 

[OldHasBeen]

Really, only one change, maybe.

OHB, I don't doubt what you are saying about yourself. You do not have to prove anything to me. You have obvously done something else besides play pool. How much of the pool earnings did you stash away, and the biggie, what was the trade off? Would you try it today? If you could, what is the one thing you would change about your past?
Your Friend, Purdman

Purdman - As far as - How much did I Stash Away question - Not as much as I should have BUT more than most. While "On The Road", I did accumulate quite a bankroll because I sent all cash home when it got over $1,500. I am also lucky to have my only brother being a VERY successful investment banker who owns his own brokerage company in Ladue, MO
In 1974 he advised me to put a down stroke on 2, 4 family flats in south St. Louis, - and I did. They have since been paid off and will be providing a nice income for life.
I am also lucky that my wife is employed at Washington University and has a very good family med plan.
SO YOU SEE - I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY AND AM VERY AWARE OF IT.
That is why I say - "I'd rather be Fat & Lucky, Than just plain old FAT".
You have no idea how many times that saying has "Red-Assed" a player to "Go-Off' after he has accused me of "Shiting Out On Him".

I guess if I could change one thing about my past, - it MAY BE - the decision to not put forth my best effort in major tournaments.
I was always convinced that more money could be made by setting an image in the minds of all the spectators and reaping the rewards while playing off the "Lemon" that they had witnessed.
I'm sorry if this offends anyone BUT where else can you go and have that many people watch you play at a level under yourself and be sure that this the way you will play while playing them for their CASH.
Now that is brutally honest and maybe too harsh for some readers, BUT it -
"W A S"
The way I had always played in tournaments.
I learned and developed this M.O. way back in Johnston City when I was 19 or so.
Now I have to really ask myself - IF, I were to have put forth my best effort (starting at 19) and pursued every tournament with the talent I had and the desire to win every match I played - Would I have made it to the level of say a "Buddy" OR "Efren" ??? I don't honestly think so. - BUT - Lets say I did, would I be better off ???
I don't think I would have the 3 most important elements of my current life - my wife Rita, my son Tommy and my daughter, Katie.
So my ego may have some doubts - But - my common sense and knowledge tell me other wise.

TY & GL

 

[ScottR]

Now I have to really ask myself - IF, I were to have put forth my best effort (starting at 19) and pursued every tournament with the talent I had and the desire to win every match I played - Would I have made it to the level of say a "Buddy" OR "Efren" ??? I don't honestly think so. - BUT - Lets say I did, would I be better off ???
I don't think I would have the 3 most important elements of my current life - my wife Rita, my son Tommy and my daughter, Katie.
So my ego may have some doubts - But - my common sense and knowledge tell me other wise.

TY & GL

Great post, OHB!! And, IMHO, the reason that you are a successful survivor of the road.

Scott

 

[drivermaker]

In 1974 he advised me to put a down stroke on 2, 4 family flats in south St. Louis, - and I did. They have since been paid off and will be providing a nice income
Now I have to really ask myself - IF, I were to have put forth my best effort (starting at 19) and pursued every tournament with the talent I had and the desire to win every match I played - Would I have made it to the level of say a "Buddy" OR "Efren" ??? I don't honestly think so. - BUT - Lets say I did, would I be better off ???
I don't think I would have the 3 most important elements of my current life - my wife Rita, my son Tommy and my daughter, Katie.
So my ego may have some doubts - But - my common sense and knowledge tell me other wise.
TY & GL

Now...that is certainly a nice ending to a fine story of at least "one aging pro".

 

[macguy]

Yeah, last night I talked to the kid from England again. This is the main reason why snooker succeeds in his opinion. The betting aspect of it. He said that you can even place bets in the middle of a match!!!!

I think it is extremely funny how most people on this forum have not figured out how snooker succeeded. And to think I was trying to be funny in trying to tie in pool to the race tracks.

Thats right, I was at a tournament in England and as the score would change the odds would change. A guy sitting next to me was hoping for his favorite to get behind in the match before placing a bet to get better odds. It was a race to 18 and the guy did fall behind and make a big come back and win. I have to be honest, from what I saw most were more interested in the betting then the beauty of the skills of the players. No one goes to the track to look at the pretty horses.

 

[Purdman]

Purdman - As far as - How much did I Stash Away question - Not as much as I should have BUT more than most. While "On The Road", I did accumulate quite a bankroll because I sent all cash home when it got over $1,500. I am also lucky to have my only brother being a VERY successful investment banker who owns his own brokerage company in Ladue, MO
In 1974 he advised me to put a down stroke on 2, 4 family flats in south St. Louis, - and I did. They have since been paid off and will be providing a nice income for life.
I am also lucky that my wife is employed at Washington University and has a very good family med plan.
SO YOU SEE - I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY AND AM VERY AWARE OF IT.
That is why I say - "I'd rather be Fat & Lucky, Than just plain old FAT".
You have no idea how many times that saying has "Red-Assed" a player to "Go-Off' after he has accused me of "Shiting Out On Him".

I guess if I could change one thing about my past, - it MAY BE - the decision to not put forth my best effort in major tournaments.
I was always convinced that more money could be made by setting an image in the minds of all the spectators and reaping the rewards while playing off the "Lemon" that they had witnessed.
I'm sorry if this offends anyone BUT where else can you go and have that many people watch you play at a level under yourself and be sure that this the way you will play while playing them for their CASH.
Now that is brutally honest and maybe too harsh for some readers, BUT it -
"W A S"
The way I had always played in tournaments.
I learned and developed this M.O. way back in Johnston City when I was 19 or so.
Now I have to really ask myself - IF, I were to have put forth my best effort (starting at 19) and pursued every tournament with the talent I had and the desire to win every match I played - Would I have made it to the level of say a "Buddy" OR "Efren" ??? I don't honestly think so. - BUT - Lets say I did, would I be better off ???
I don't think I would have the 3 most important elements of my current life - my wife Rita, my son Tommy and my daughter, Katie.
So my ego may have some doubts - But - my common sense and knowledge tell me other wise.

TY & GL

Tom, I want to thank you for your honest answer. It is to bad most of the other older pros didn't have the advice and fortitude that you did. You done good buddy. Tell your daughter I would like a poster. Give her a little business.
Purdman

 

[ccriderone]

Tom, I want to thank you for your honest answer. It is to bad most of the other older pros didn't have the advice and fortitude that you did. You done good buddy. Tell your daughter I would like a poster. Give her a little business.
Purdman

*************************************************
The road mans health insurance, its called smith and wesson.
Ask Grady to name you any one he knows today that been out there for years that has any real accumulated money and any thing to fall back on in their old age. He will tell you, there are none. Steve Lillis was out for years and never got more than 6K in the bank, he just lived from game to game. He was out there longer than any one else and was a serious winner for years. When he begain to lose and the backers cut him off, he played his carbunkle and blew it, then became homeless when his wife left him.

Grady says the ones who dont wake up and change their life like Steve did, get a real job with a paycheck, booze or drugs destroys them and their game.

 

[Blackjack]

*************************************************
The road mans health insurance, its called smith and wesson.
Ask Grady to name you any one he knows today that been out there for years that has any real accumulated money and any thing to fall back on in their old age. He will tell you, there are none. Steve Lillis was out for years and never got more than 6K in the bank, he just lived from game to game. He was out there longer than any one else and was a serious winner for years. When he begain to lose and the backers cut him off, he played his carbunkle and blew it, then became homeless when his wife left him.

Grady says the ones who dont wake up and change their life like Steve did, get a real job with a paycheck, booze or drugs destroys them and their game.

A few weeks a go, Steve Lillis and I spoke about this same subject. As a warrior of the road, let me tell you that there is a fine line between survival and complete failure. The survival aspect of it is what kept most of us out there longer than others. Does anyone have anything to show for it? Not really. My life didn't change until I started getting an education and directing my energy into different directions that would earn me more money than pool. That's just a fact. Guys like Steve Lillis and myself were gifted in the art of "staying under the radar" so to speak, but remember... if you win $20K off a hit in Pittsburgh on Saturday, someone is waiting for you in Cleveland to get some of it into his pocket. The myth is that there is an infinite amount of money to be made out there and thats just not true. Guys make the mistake of chasing money - thinking that when they get a certain amount of money things will be "perfect". That would be true if these players knew what to do with their money when they got it. Most of them piss it up a rope. The problem is manifested in a lack of discipline, wisdom, and knowledge, which makes it hard for me not to bring up Don Willis - who though he was a gambler - knew how to manage his money and make it work for him, instead of him working for it. Here is a link to a great site that charts the life and times of "The Cincinatti Kid".

"The Cincinatti Kid" Don Willis

 

[ccriderone]

which makes it hard for me not to bring up Don Willis - who though he was a gambler - knew how to manage his money and make it work for him, instead of him working for it. Here is a link to a great site that charts the life and times of "The Cincinatti Kid".

"The Cincinatti Kid" Don Willis[/QUOTE]

*************************************************
Some will argue, he was the greatest, wanted no part of tourneys, taught lassiter to be great and could wear him out flat.

 

[JustPlay]

A few weeks a go, Steve Lillis and I spoke about this same subject. As a warrior fo the road, let me tell you that there is a fine line between survival and complete failure. The survival aspect of it is what kept most of us out there longer than others. Does anyone have anything to show for it? Not really. My life didn't change until I started getting an education and directing my energy into different directions that would earn me more money that pool. That's just a fact. Guys like Steve Lillis and myself were gifted in the art of "staying under the radar" so to speak, but remember... if you win $20K off a hit in Pittsburgh on Saturday, someone is waiting for you in Cleveland to get some of it into his pocket. The myth is that there is an infinite amount of money to be made out there and thats just not true. Guys make the mistake of chasing money - thinking that when they get a certain amount of money things will be "perfect". That would be true if these players knew what to do with their money when they got it. Most of them piss it up a rope. The problem is manifested in a lack of discipline, wisdom, and knowledge, which makes it hard for me not to bring up Don Willis - who though he was a gambler - knew how to manage his money and make it work for him, instead of him working for it. Here is a link to a great site that charts the life and times of "The Cincinatti Kid".

"The Cincinatti Kid" Don Willis

BlackJack,

You and OHB should have education classes for begining road players or players who want to pursue pool on a full time basis. I am willing to bet that 80- 90% of the Pro players out there today and from the past, never even graduated high school. They learned the hardway on the road. Some have succeed in their pursuit be the best while the majority are just pool room bums. How many of us have walked into a room and seen a player they haven't seen in years trying to hustle nickle and dime games, addicted to some drug or drink and missing most of their teeth and then trying to consitantly borrow money? There is not much in the way of education for these players. The effects of this are seen anywhere from 10-15 years down the road.

 

[OldHasBeen]

ccriderone - Please re-think OR just think.

*************************************************
Ask Grady ???
Grady says the ones who don’t wake up and change their life like Steve did, get a real job with a paycheck, booze or drugs destroys them and their game.

ccriderone - The last think I want to do is get into another discussion with Grady about his memory or facts like we did on OnePocket.org - BUT -
What makes you think Grady is the "End All Authority" on what happened & or on what should be done to avoid the pitfalls of playing OR Hustling POOL.

I didn't choose to "Get A Job" OR "Collect A Paycheck".
I started an Advertising Company - www.communitymagnets.com - from an idea I had in the middle of the night. I started with $0 investment and "Made It Happen" over 14 years ago and now I create jobs and sign commission checks instead.

Now I'm not trying to "Throw Flowers At Myself", but I am simply suggesting that instead of taking someone’s opinion "As Gospel" - You get a much larger degree of input on the subject than JUST GRADY'S.

TY & GL