Who is Frank McGowan

[yobagua]

Can some of you old straight pool fans give me some info about Frank McGowan who was a straight pool champion. I heard he didnt have high runs but played real great safes and just ran out the loose balls and then played safe again.

 

[chefjohnb]

Can some of you old straight pool fans give me some info about Frank McGowan who was a straight pool champion. I heard he didnt have high runs but played real great safes and just ran out the loose balls and then played safe again.

I don't know much but Jim Rempe mentions him in his Accu-stats straight pool instructional as one of his models, said he Frank McGowan had some of the best pattern play he'd seen, I think he said he played at the "Commodore Room" and around the New York area. I've heard the same about Irving Crane-- that he didn't have really big runs but he'd run 40 and then play a killer safety.

 

[ajrack]

Can some of you old straight pool fans give me some info about Frank McGowan who was a straight pool champion. I heard he didnt have high runs but played real great safes and just ran out the loose balls and then played safe again.

The first straight pool tourney I saw was in southern California at Charlie Millikans pool room where he held the "1968 World Straight Pool Championships". Frank Mcgowan won the tourney. Did not know much about pool at the time but saw all the old champs, Balsis, Crane, Ronnie A, Danny Gartner, Ritchie F, many other names I do not remember. Saw Ronnie break a couple of brand new Ginacues playing "Harry the Horse".
Great tourney to break into the pool world.
Frank worked for George Franks at Corner Pockets of America for a few years ( as I did at the room in Vegas, and Frank would come down and give a lesson and performance or two )and last heard he was living up in Montana. (real old info)

 

[wakuljr]

i am from Montana, i think you are right, he still lives there but doesn't play anymore. i think he lives in Billings, i know he lives on the east side of the state. john