Yeah you did run into Art Perry, a pretty good ole player. I don't know about the world records part, but he could play. At least a good shortstop speed. He could play with the top players in Cali in his day (but be an underdog). He may have won some of the regular monthly tourneys at Hard Times. He was certainly good enough.
Most of the older pool players still like to come into the poolroom and bang 'em around and maybe impart a little knowledge if they get a chance. They no longer care so much about money games or making a few bucks. They just want to stay involved in the game they love. Guys like this who have been around the game for decades have a lot to share with anyone who cares to listen.
They had their day in the sun, when everyone knew that a player was in the room when they showed up. I never won anything either, but the respect of my peers and that was enough. In my day, if people called you a "player" that was a pretty fair compliment. By the way, the room you were in used to belong to Bucktooth.
Reminds me of old Harry who used to hang around Sixth and Western in L.A. Harry was a short stocky black man in his late 50's (or older) who would play anyone $5 One Pocket. A lot of players tried to beat Harry and failed, including some very good ones. I NEVER could beat him and I tried on several occasions. What surprised me was all the excellent One Pocket players who also could not beat Harry. Harry was a nice guy, soft spoken and not at all interested in gambling for high stakes. But for $5 he was more than glad to kick your ass. :smile:
