Ok so I was just wondering who all of you have to thank for getting involved in and working at this great game of pool? For me I have a couple of uncles and a brother who played quite a bit of pool and if it werent for them I probably wouldnt play, and for sure I would be much less learned about this game. Ive got an uncle that has helped me out quite a bit over the years, his teaching style is what does it for me, hes not an up in your face kinda guy, he lets you do things how you want and then if and when it doesnt work, he suggests how it might work a little bit better. He may not be the best player around but he knows how to get around the table. Anyway who is your mentor?
Your mentor?
- Thread starter tjmc25
- Start date
I guess you would say Tom "Dr Cue" Rossman would be my mentor. He came down to my place for five straight years on December 26 1998/99/00/01/02 before he got away from giving private & individual lessons. He got me started off on the right foot, he was a joy to be around. I'd have Tom down every year if he would come.
And from a local standpoint, there were a couple of guys that sort of helped. Tony & Dave were a couple of local pros, but sad to say they have both passed on at an early age. Both were in their mid/upper 50s when the Lord called them home. They are sorely missed. Dave, by the way, was the 1998 BCA 8-Ball Champion in Las Vegas and was Tom Rossman's room mate in college.
DCP
And from a local standpoint, there were a couple of guys that sort of helped. Tony & Dave were a couple of local pros, but sad to say they have both passed on at an early age. Both were in their mid/upper 50s when the Lord called them home. They are sorely missed. Dave, by the way, was the 1998 BCA 8-Ball Champion in Las Vegas and was Tom Rossman's room mate in college.
DCP
My dad
It'd be my dad, no doubt. Here's a hopefully inspirational story describing how:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?p=1461890#post1461890
-Sean
It'd be my dad, no doubt. Here's a hopefully inspirational story describing how:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?p=1461890#post1461890
-Sean
I was always interested in pool, but it wasn't until I met Gary Spaeth that I realized how much I didn't know and how far the chasm between me and the top pros. That's one of the main reasons I became a cuemaker. I had skills at working with wood and machinery, and after getting to know Gary and a bunch of the other pros, I knew I wanted to be involved in the sport. I also knew I wouldn't make it as a TOP player. Meeting Gary definitely change the course of my life.
I would have to say for me it was Joe Sabia who is no longer here, he passed away a couple years ago. He was a great friend of mine, my best friend. I was just leaving for my NY trip to visit him along with friends/family, unfortunately a week before I left he passed and I showed up off the plane to go to his funeral. I appreciate all the lessons he taught me playing pool and life lessons too, he would speak and I would listen.
I was working the counter at a poolroom and he would come in everyday and I would play him. If he won I paid his time, if I won he paid his own, it was worth every penny for me. I hope to play Joe again one day, he was a great mentor and friend.
I was working the counter at a poolroom and he would come in everyday and I would play him. If he won I paid his time, if I won he paid his own, it was worth every penny for me. I hope to play Joe again one day, he was a great mentor and friend.
Hi t -
Tony "the Cop" and Jack White taught me the finner things about pool
in a little 11 table room in Inglewood CA called Hamner's (around 1965).
It has been a great hobby for the last 45 years.
Tony "the Cop" and Jack White taught me the finner things about pool
in a little 11 table room in Inglewood CA called Hamner's (around 1965).
It has been a great hobby for the last 45 years.
I need one!
I pretty much fell in love with pool and learned on my own. Watching videos and reading articles online. I learned a lot from mnorwoods videos, I watched and then put it in action at the table. I've had some friends that show me some moves here and there, but never really taught me. I watch better players and pick up things along the way. I learned and improved and grown but I've been told by a local A player (maybe higher) that I need lessons, maybe that's my next step.
I pretty much fell in love with pool and learned on my own. Watching videos and reading articles online. I learned a lot from mnorwoods videos, I watched and then put it in action at the table. I've had some friends that show me some moves here and there, but never really taught me. I watch better players and pick up things along the way. I learned and improved and grown but I've been told by a local A player (maybe higher) that I need lessons, maybe that's my next step.
Len Jaszeswski (BCA Master instructer)
During my high school years in Taiwan, I'd go out and play pool on the weekends. I wasn't good, I didn't know too much about the game like I do now, but I could make shots, draw and follow the ball.
Anyways, me and my friend were playing straight pool and then these two guys came up and asked to play us for the table (2v2). We said ok. After they broke, I ran about 10 balls (that was really good for my skills at that time). Then they guy came up and ran 4 racks. Well, eventually we lost like 25-100 and they were letting us already.
I called up the guy a week later and asked to play and I was surprised how open he was. He'd spend 4 hours in the pool hall just playing with me and split the table time, teaching me for free. It seems difficult to do that here in America, feels like all the decent players are after money and would not waste their time teaching for free.
In the matter of 2 months, I went from a high run of 14 to a high run of 25. Without his help, 2 years later right now, I'd probably be stuck on 14 balls.
Anyways, me and my friend were playing straight pool and then these two guys came up and asked to play us for the table (2v2). We said ok. After they broke, I ran about 10 balls (that was really good for my skills at that time). Then they guy came up and ran 4 racks. Well, eventually we lost like 25-100 and they were letting us already.
I called up the guy a week later and asked to play and I was surprised how open he was. He'd spend 4 hours in the pool hall just playing with me and split the table time, teaching me for free. It seems difficult to do that here in America, feels like all the decent players are after money and would not waste their time teaching for free.
In the matter of 2 months, I went from a high run of 14 to a high run of 25. Without his help, 2 years later right now, I'd probably be stuck on 14 balls.
My Father got me started when I was 13 so he is number one. He taught me the basics and many of life's lessons as well. Smokey here on AZB gave me the courage or talked me into joining a league and that has expanded my love for the game. I have anxiety issues and those issues kept me playing at home. He has taught me a few life lessons as well. He is a true friend and I hope to break bread and a rack with him in the future.
Earl Strickland for his funny quotes.
Jeanette Lee and George Breedlove took me "under their wings" and made a huge effort to make sure I was exposed to the very best the pool world could offer. I could never repay them for their generosity and interest.
Danny DiLiberto and Grady Mathews went out of their way to help me. These old school players have an incredible amount of knowledge of the finer points of straight pool and one pocket. A player who considers himself a true student of the game is missing out if he doesn't seek these guys out for a lesson.
For the last year, Mark Wilson has been making a concerted effort to get my stroke where it needs to be. He has been a great friend, and an even greater instructor; I could never have gotten to this level so quickly without his help. He has dedicated his life to pool, and to pool instruction - it would be hard to imagine any teacher better than Mark or Jerry B.; as Randy G noted, they are a true inspiration to any pool player serious about improving.
Our own sjm has also been a strong influence. Anyone who considers himself a student of the game (as I do) should meet sjm for a REAL example of a true, old school, student of the game.
I am a lucky guy for sure.
Danny DiLiberto and Grady Mathews went out of their way to help me. These old school players have an incredible amount of knowledge of the finer points of straight pool and one pocket. A player who considers himself a true student of the game is missing out if he doesn't seek these guys out for a lesson.
For the last year, Mark Wilson has been making a concerted effort to get my stroke where it needs to be. He has been a great friend, and an even greater instructor; I could never have gotten to this level so quickly without his help. He has dedicated his life to pool, and to pool instruction - it would be hard to imagine any teacher better than Mark or Jerry B.; as Randy G noted, they are a true inspiration to any pool player serious about improving.
Our own sjm has also been a strong influence. Anyone who considers himself a student of the game (as I do) should meet sjm for a REAL example of a true, old school, student of the game.
I am a lucky guy for sure.
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