2007 One Pocket HOF call for nominations

[onepocket]

It is that time of year again -- time for nominations for the 4th annual One Pocket Hall of Fame ballot.

Over the last three years we have elected eighteen well-deserving players into the One Pocket Hall of Fame:

* Ronnie 'Fast Eddie' Allen * Jack 'Jersey Red' Breit * Artie Bodendorfer * Melvin 'Strawberry' Brooks * Billy 'Cornbread Red' Burge * Marshall 'Squirrel' Carpenter * Steve Cook * Danny Di Liberto * John 'Rags' Fitzpatrick * Larry 'Boston Shorty' Johnson * Ed 'Champagne Eddie' Kelly * Hayden Lingo * Grady 'Professor' Mathews * Efren 'Bata' Reyes * Leonard 'Bugs' Rucker * Bill 'Weenie Beenie' Staton * Eddie 'Knoxville Bear' Taylor * Nick Varner *

Yet there are many other One Pocket greats who certainly deserve to be honored, and it is time now to turn our attention to the next slate of deserving candidates.

You are all now invited to use this nominations thread to suggest names for this year’s ballot, or to comment on the candidates that others have suggested. In early November the final list of candidates will be placed into the 4th annual OnePocket.org Hall of Fame poll, and the voting can begin!

So, who do you like for this year’s nominees, and why should they join the legends already in the One Pocket Hall of Fame? Don’t be shy about sharing your knowledge or opinions about who belongs on this year’s ballot; this is the right time to air it out. The more we all know about the candidates, the better informed we will be when it comes time to vote, and the more unified we will be in celebrating this coming January’s inductees.

Selection criteria for the One Pocket Hall of Fame:

1. Great Players who have demonstrated their excellence in tournament competition over time.

2. After Hours Legends who have demonstrated their excellence and their heart by matching up against the best of their time.

3. Teachers and Promoters of the game who have had a lasting impact on the growth and popularity of One Pocket.

Please note that players do not have to be 'tournament winners' to qualify for the One Pocket Hall of Fame – action guys are a huge part of the legacy of One Pocket. Likewise, people that have had more of an impact as teachers and promoters of the game are clearly invited too.

The 4th annual One Pocket Hall of Fame legends dinner is already scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 2008 during the 10th Annual Derby City Classic. The dinner is a fantastic event with a very entertaining cast of characters. Besides the current inductees and their families and friends, all the previous inductees are also invited, and the crowd becomes a veritable who’s who of pool action over the last 50 years. Every year this event has sold out and people are turned away, so make your reservations early!

[Terry Ardeno]

I would like to nominate Jimmy Fusco for the One Pocket HOF.

[Terry Ardeno]

It is that time of year again -- time for nominations for the 4th annual One Pocket Hall of Fame ballot.


Selection criteria for the One Pocket Hall of Fame:

1. Great Players who have demonstrated their excellence in tournament competition over time.

2. After Hours Legends who have demonstrated their excellence and their heart by matching up against the best of their time.


Steve,

I have a question that perhaps you could help clarify for me. In the "Great Players" category, the words "over time" are part of the qualifications deemed important, and I totally agree. My question is can you please clarify exactly how MUCH time qualifies as "over time."? The way it reads seems a little ambiguous to me. The reason I'm inquiring is that I want to nominate Shannon Daulton for "Great Player" as well as "After
Hours Legend", but do you think he's just too young for membership? His credentials are awesome and nobody had so many of the titles he's accumulated at such a young age. He is, in my opinion, a very worthy candidate into your HOF's, both in One Pocket as well as Banks.

Thanks for all you do for our great sport!
Terry

[NH Steve]

Steve,

I have a question that perhaps you could help clarify for me. In the "Great Players" category, the words "over time" are part of the qualifications deemed important, and I totally agree. My question is can you please clarify exactly how MUCH time qualifies as "over time."? The way it reads seems a little ambiguous to me. The reason I'm inquiring is that I want to nominate Shannon Daulton for "Great Player" as well as "After
Hours Legend", but do you think he's just too young for membership? His credentials are awesome and nobody had so many of the titles he's accumulated at such a young age. He is, in my opinion, a very worthy candidate into your HOF's, both in One Pocket as well as Banks.

Thanks for all you do for our great sport!
Terry
We have been using 20 years as the guideline. Shannon will be a great candidate, but we might make him wait a little longer...

[JG-in-KY]

I think Allen Hopkins deserves to be in the HOF. Can't recollect him dodging anybody in one hole and he bets his own cheese.

[fred bentivegna]

The living: My #1 is that old wharf rat, Pittsburg Billy Incardona. For chrisakes, this guy is still in big action! Onepocket and "Cardone" are interchangable words. Billy has been a factor in the game since the 60s! He bets high, played great, played everybody, and is still going strong. An extremely worthy Onepocketeer.
#2 is Allen Hopkins. I hated his 1pkt style, but I also always hesitated to bet against him. However, he was the world's best Onepocketeer for a few years.
#3 Jimmy Fusco. The Philly flash. I loved his style, he didnt play quite as good as Hopkins, but he was a considerable Onepocketeer nonetheless.

The dead: Gene Skinner, The Fullerton Kid, deserving, but it'll never happen. Hubert Daddy Warbucks Cokes, deserving, and it could happen. John Cannonball Lefty Chapman, deserving, and it should happen. Rudolph Minnesota Fats Wanderone, deserving, and I hope it happens.

(I just coined a new word, Onepocketeer. I hope I havent overused it already.)

the Beard

reserve your autographed pre pub copies of my upcoming DVD's, "Bank Shot that dont Go, but Do." vol 1 & 2 by going to my web or blog and sending me an email with your info.

[Cal]

A absolutely "MUST" MARVIN HENDERSON

[The Woim]

Would Don Willis be a fair nominee?

Was he a One Pocket player in addition to all the other money match games he played?

Yours Truly,

The Woim

[fred bentivegna]

Would Don Willis be a fair nominee?

Was he a One Pocket player in addition to all the other money match games he played?

Yours Truly,

The Woim

I never even heard of him ever playing Onepocket.

the Beard

[fred bentivegna]

A absolutely "MUST" MARVIN HENDERSON

Are you only saying that because Marvin was originally from Pittsburg?
No, you're right. Marvin definitely belongs in the deceased category. Three more bygone Onepocketeers are Marcel Camp, Paul Detroit Slim Graham, and Hayden Lingo.

the Beard

[Terry Ardeno]

The living: My #1 is that old wharf rat, Pittsburg Billy Incardona. For chrisakes, this guy is still in big action! Onepocket and "Cardone" are interchangable words. Billy has been a factor in the game since the 60s! He bets high, played great, played everybody, and is still going strong. An extremely worthy Onepocketeer.
#2 is Allen Hopkins. I hated his 1pkt style, but I also always hesitated to bet against him. However, he was the world's best Onepocketeer for a few years.
#3 Jimmy Fusco. The Philly flash. I loved his style, he didnt play quite as good as Hopkins, but he was a considerable Onepocketeer nonetheless.

The dead: Gene Skinner, The Fullerton Kid, deserving, but it'll never happen. Hubert Daddy Warbucks Cokes, deserving, and it could happen. John Cannonball Lefty Chapman, deserving, and it should happen. Rudolph Minnesota Fats Wanderone, deserving, and I hope it happens.

(I just coined a new word, Onepocketeer. I hope I havent overused it already.)

the Beard

reserve your autographed pre pub copies of my upcoming DVD's, "Bank Shot that dont Go, but Do." vol 1 & 2 by going to my web or blog and sending me an email with your info.

Since there's no such thing as 101%, I'll just agree 100% with JG-In-Ky & Fred in that Allen Hopkins is such a great choice to be enshrined also. A multi-time World Champion who plays all games to the highest level, he does stand out as someone very worthy of induction. His game was so predictable and he always kept to his style, but it was very effective for him.

I'm also 100% behind Billy Incardona being nominated and hopefully, also inducted. Who has battled at that level for as long as he? Listening to his commentating at Accu-Stats, knowing his love and passion for the game and his lust for battle, as well as his second to none ability to make the correct match ups, all spell HOF.

Cal, Marvin Henderson was a wonderful..."onepocketeet" (quoting Fred's lexicon of Pooldom:D ) but I personally don't think he was as great as the aforementioned trio of Incardona, Hopkins and Fusco. Maybe the voters will see it differently than I do, but he's a lock I think once the upper crust of the cream has been picked over.

As for the dead, Hubert "Daddy Warbucks" Cokes has to be seriously considered for a number of reasons...A staunch gambler, backer and staker...a much feared tush-hog who kept things in order, a very good and accomplished player...and last but certainly not least, he deserves some extra accolades for training and then unleashing "The Little Gorilla" Nick Varner on the world of pool!

[Terry Ardeno]

Would Don Willis be a fair nominee?

Was he a One Pocket player in addition to all the other money match games he played?

Yours Truly,

The Woim


Larry,

Don Willis, one of the all time greats in 9 ball, would not be a fair nominee here for the exact reason Fred alluded to. I have lots of material on Willis and have never heard of him even WATCHING one pocket let alone playing in it.
It would be like nominating Mosconi...great player, wrong HOF.

[oldspurguy]

1. Hayden Lingo

2. Buddy Hall

3. Danny Jones

[Terry Ardeno]

My mind is not what it used to be. Sorry for all the posts, but I forgot to nominate somebody really important and special for the One Pocket HOF, Johnny "The Velvet Foghorn" Ervolino.

So, my top 4 picks alphabetically are Johnny Ervolino, Jimmy Fusco, Allen Hopkins and Billy Incardona.

Thanks again Steve for doing all of this, althought we know that it's really a labor of love!

[NH Steve]

1. Hayden Lingo

2. Buddy Hall

3. Danny Jones
Lingo was overdue of course, when we elected him last year :)

...but the other two are eligible.

[oldspurguy]

Lingo was overdue of course, when we elected him last year :)

...but the other two are eligible.


Thanks for the correction, Steve. I'll go with Mike Sigel then. New list.

1. Buddy Hall

2. Danny Jones

3. Mike Sigel

[NH Steve]

Thanks for the correction, Steve. I'll go with Mike Sigel then. New list.

1. Buddy Hall

2. Danny Jones

3. Mike Sigel
Mike Sigel is certainly a great player, but he has only dabbled a little with One Pocket -- to me he hardly represents the kind of player that we are looking to honor for their 'contribution to the legacy of One Pocket'. One Pocket has not played a significant role in his career, nor has he played a significant role in One Pocket. Same with Jim Rempe -- another great player that dabbled in One Pocket a little, but like Sigel, certainly never embraced the game like many of the other guys that are available to nominate. Same with Lassiter -- he played it, and won his share, but he never embraced it or was closely associated with the game. As it happens, all three of these guys (Rempe, Sigel & Lassiter) are in the BCA HOF, so they have not gone unrecognized.

One thing I am very proud of with the One Pocket HOF (and Bank Pool) is that every single one of the players inducted strongly associated themselves with the game of One Pocket over their careers
-- let's keep it that way!

How about Jose Parica? He certainly deserves to be added to the nominations.

[gulfportdoc]

Not much attention has been given to the Teachers and Promotors category. The Jansco brothers should be considered. In my view, the game was put on the map by having major one-pocket competitions every year from 1961-1972. Without that exposure the game may not have developed into what it is today. Could anyone imagine our modern major one-pocket competitions, including the mightly Derby City, without the Johnston City tournaments preceding them?

In that same way, Rudolph Wanderone also could be considered.

Doc

[fred bentivegna]

Not much attention has been given to the Teachers and Promotors category. The Jansco brothers should be considered. In my view, the game was put on the map by having major one-pocket competitions every year from 1961-1972. Without that exposure the game may not have developed into what it is today. Could anyone imagine our modern major one-pocket competitions, including the mightly Derby City, without the Johnston City tournaments preceding them?

In that same way, Rudolph Wanderone also could be considered.

Doc

I got to agree, Doc. They were both rogues, but loved pool and were soft touches for pool players. I speak from experience, Paulie put up my entry fee every year. And if you think of Fatty you think of Onepocket.
To my pal Terry Ardeno, Terry I overlooked Marvin Henderson. Actually, in his prime especially, I believe Marvin would be a big favorite over Cardone and Fusco, and I would bet on him playing Hopkins. The only thing Marvin couldnt beat was the bottle. There was another old-timer who played just under Rags, but only a few humans can recall him, Tommy The Greek, nee Chicago, from 4th and Main in LA. Jay Helfert, Ronnie Allen are a few of those who can attest to his top speed. Oh yeah, I kinda forgot about Jose Parica.

the Beard
I've got 2 new trick banks up on my blog, www.bankingwiththebeard.blogspot.com/ Do you think you can make 'em?

[The Woim]

My post about Don Willis was a shot in the dark. I've heard so many great stories of him that I'm surprised he didn't play One Pocket.

I'm here to learn and I guess I start schooling after my very first post :o

Yours Truly,
The Woim

P.S. - To Terry, I never met Larry - does he play One Pocket?

[oldspurguy]

Mike Sigel is certainly a great player, but he has only dabbled a little with One Pocket -- to me he hardly represents the kind of player that we are looking to honor for their 'contribution to the legacy of One Pocket'. One Pocket has not played a significant role in his career, nor has he played a significant role in One Pocket. Same with Jim Rempe -- another great player that dabbled in One Pocket a little, but like Sigel, certainly never embraced the game like many of the other guys that are available to nominate. Same with Lassiter -- he played it, and won his share, but he never embraced it or was closely associated with the game. As it happens, all three of these guys (Rempe, Sigel & Lassiter) are in the BCA HOF, so they have not gone unrecognized.

One thing I am very proud of with the One Pocket HOF (and Bank Pool) is that every single one of the players inducted strongly associated themselves with the game of One Pocket over their careers
-- let's keep it that way!

How about Jose Parica? He certainly deserves to be added to the nominations.


Thanks for your info on Sigel. I certainly agree that he is better known for other games. He does appear as a three time winner and four time runnerup, over a thirteen year period, on your listing of one-pocket tournaments. I concur with your opinion and withdraw the nomination. I'll just leave my list at Buddy Hall and Danny Jones. Thanks.

[Terry Ardeno]

To my pal Terry Ardeno, Terry I overlooked Marvin Henderson. Actually, in his prime especially, I believe Marvin would be a big favorite over Cardone and Fusco, and I would bet on him playing Hopkins.

Wow. If you say Henderson would be your favorite over Billy, Jimmy AND Hopkins, then man alive, did I ever clock him wrong. And Cal, I want to publically say "I was wrong" on my assessment of Marvin in my reply to you.
If Fred says he's that strong, then I have to take it as the "GosPool":)

You guys want to know something? I've been reading about and studying about the great pool players since I was 11. I'm 48 now and I like it that I can still learn new facts about some of these players thanks to threads like this and the men who contribute here.

And Fred, one question...you wrote "big favorite" How is it that I've not heard that line on him before? In my mind, I would have bet big on Billy over him and I would also have felt comfortable in taking Fusco and Hopkins over him as well. My question is "Where do you think Marvin Henderson is in the all time top what number of "onepocketeers"? Top 10? Top 20?

Thanks

[fred bentivegna]

Wow. If you say Henderson would be your favorite over Billy, Jimmy AND Hopkins, then man alive, did I ever clock him wrong. And Cal, I want to publically say "I was wrong" on my assessment of Marvin in my reply to you.
If Fred says he's that strong, then I have to take it as the "GosPool":)

You guys want to know something? I've been reading about and studying about the great pool players since I was 11. I'm 48 now and I like it that I can still learn new facts about some of these players thanks to threads like this and the men who contribute here.

And Fred, one question...you wrote "big favorite" How is it that I've not heard that line on him before? In my mind, I would have bet big on Billy over him and I would also have felt comfortable in taking Fusco and Hopkins over him as well. My question is "Where do you think Marvin Henderson is in the all time top what number of "onepocketeers"? Top 10? Top 20?

Thanks
Very hard question. There were so many great Onepocketeers, many were unheralded. Guys like the Eufala Kid, Big Nose Roberts, Clem, Johnny Irish, Tommy the Greek, San Jose Dick, Sellers from New Orleans, Marcel Camp, Gene Skinner, Tacoma Whitey, Blackie Le Seur, Joe Dimaggio, Detroit Slim, and a slew of others. To even be in the top 20 would be some kind of honor. The best way to put it would be to say, when Marvin was in Detroit he was spotproof. Nobody was going to give him any kind of whole ball. Billy and Marvin spent much time together in Detroit. I dont think they ever played!

the Beard
I've got 2 new trick banks up on my blog, www.bankingwiththebeard.blogspot.com/ Do you think you can make 'em?

[BigSnook]

I recall Clem Metz getting some votes last year but haven't noticed his name in this thread yet, surprisingly. Definitely one of the best and toughest in his prime.

I agree with nominating Buddy, Parica, and Hopkins. All three are very deserving.

Was hoping I'd see someone really step to the plate for Johnny Ervolino in this thread when I opened it. I'm sure he's more known for his straight pool accomplishments, as well as his voice, but he's the only two-time winner at the Stardust, and he played well enough, long enough (his last high finish was 5th in Grady's World Championship in 2000) to make him plenty deserving of this honor. He always brought a little color to the game as well.

And one more bump for Jimmy Fusco. He's another one with a long, great career, always in action, and I believe he co-promoted the Legends of One Pocket Philadelphia tourney, along with Grady.

[Terry Ardeno]

Was hoping I'd see someone really step to the plate for Johnny Ervolino in this thread when I opened it. I'm sure he's more known for his straight pool accomplishments, as well as his voice, but he's the only two-time winner at the Stardust, and he played well enough, long enough (his last high finish was 5th in Grady's World Championship in 2000) to make him plenty deserving of this honor. He always brought a little color to the game as well.

And one more bump for Jimmy Fusco. He's another one with a long, great career, always in action, and I believe he co-promoted the Legends of One Pocket Philadelphia tourney, along with Grady.

BigSnook,

Read post #14...Ervolino has been nominated, unless it needs to be 2nd-ed:D
Good thoughts on him and Fusco.

[BigSnook]

Oops....good looking out Terry! This is what happens, I call out of work, drink a few beers, next thing I know I'm reading three words in every post and trying to remember what I did and didn't read. Anyway, if Johnny Ervolino needs to be seconded, then I want to be the guy to do it!

[BigSnook]

Very hard question. There were so many great Onepocketeers, many were unheralded. Guys like the Eufala Kid, Big Nose Roberts, Clem, Johnny Irish, Tommy the Greek, San Jose Dick, Sellers from New Orleans, Marcel Camp, Gene Skinner, Tacoma Whitey, Blackie Le Seur, Joe Dimaggio, Detroit Slim, and a slew of others.


It's a real shame we have zero footage of most of these greats from back then.

I've seen an Accu-Stats match with San Jose Dick, from 1998. Freddie, when was Dick's prime? If you've seen the match I'm referring to, how do you think his speed from 1998 compares to his prime?

Also, was Joe Dimaggio from Philly, or am I thinking of someone else? How would he compare to other greats from that era?

Thanks in advance!

[fred bentivegna]

It's a real shame we have zero footage of most of these greats from back then.

I've seen an Accu-Stats match with San Jose Dick, from 1998. Freddie, when was Dick's prime? If you've seen the match I'm referring to, how do you think his speed from 1998 compares to his prime?

Also, was Joe Dimaggio from Philly, or am I thinking of someone else? How would he compare to other greats from that era?

Thanks in advance!

You must be talking about Grady's tourn. in Baton Rouge re Dick. I was in that tourn. and doing commentary for Accu-stats. He was well past the hill then. You would have to go back to about 1980 for Dick's top speed.
DiMaggio was from Allinger's in Philly. DiMaggio was his nickname. His first name was Vince. I forgot the last. DiMaggio was a 5 x 10 specialist. He played a ball under the really greats. In the 60s I had a stable of great pool players living with me in Ft. Lauderdale. DiMag, Cannonball Eddie, Ronnie Sypher, Monk Costanza, Artie Bodendorfer, and several other top shortstops stayed with me above the Sugar Shack Bar.

the Beard
I've got 2 new trick banks up on my blog, www.bankingwiththebeard.blogspot.com/ Do you think you can make 'em? I dont think so.

[Pelican]

Has Cliff been mentioned?

Pel

[NH Steve]

Has Cliff been mentioned?

Pel
Like Shannon Daulton, we're letting him sweat a couple more years (or so)...

[Pelican]

Dang, I figured Cliff to be old enough. Must be the 'miles' :eek: :D

Pel

[lll]

i would like to reccommend earl heisler for the hof

[hemicudas]

i would like to reccommend earl heisler for the hof

I agree, III. Earl is a good choice. Also, Cleo Vaughn.

[roo7227]

I would like to nominate Jimmy Fusco for the One Pocket HOF.
I'll second this nomination.. He belongs..

Here's a name nobody would mention.. Al Mason.. Jeremy Jones says he's the best mover (especially around the stack) in the world, besides Jack Cooney.. I watched the guy run all 15 balls into his pocket, giving some guy 15-3.. :-O..

By the way, is Cooney in the Hall?..

[NH Steve]

I'll second this nomination.. He belongs..

Here's a name nobody would mention.. Al Mason.. Jeremy Jones says he's the best mover (especially around the stack) in the world, besides Jack Cooney.. I watched the guy run all 15 balls into his pocket, giving some guy 15-3.. :-O..

By the way, is Cooney in the Hall?..The guys whose methods have been 'undercover', like Banks Hall of Famer Vernon Elliott (elected last year), have to reach a point in their career where they don't mind that kind of attention. While they are still working, they probably don't want that. For Vernon, he was ready. But maybe Cooney isn't quite ready to retire?? Freddy, you know him; what do you think??

[fred bentivegna]

The guys whose methods have been 'undercover', like Banks Hall of Famer Vernon Elliott (elected last year), have to reach a point in their career where they don't mind that kind of attention. While they are still working, they probably don't want that. For Vernon, he was ready. But maybe Cooney isn't quite ready to retire?? Freddy, you know him; what do you think??

Actually, I think for all intents and purposes, Jack Cooney is retired. I am as close to Jack and Barbara as anybody, but that doesnt mean that Barbara wouldnt be beneath even lying to me to keep up the lemon image. But this time she may be telling the truth about Jack retiring. That's my take. You do know that I wrote a movie script based loosely on Barbara and Jack and that Barbara nixed me from even using their first names in the movie. I had to change the name from Barbara's Game to Roxanne's Game. I doubt if Barbara would be too hot about Jack being inducted, but I might be able to talk Jack into it (if I can get Barbara to put Jack on the phone --and that wont be easy because Barbara clears all calls). Jack certainly deserves consideration.

the Beard
I've got 2 new trick banks up on my blog, www.bankingwiththebeard.blogspot.com/ Do you think you can make 'em? I don't think so.

[Terry Ardeno]

Actually, I think for all intents and purposes, Jack Cooney is retired. I am as close to Jack and Barbara as anybody, but that doesnt mean that Barbara wouldnt be beneath even lying to me to keep up the lemon image. But this time she may be telling the truth about Jack retiring. That's my take. You do know that I wrote a movie script based loosely on Barbara and Jack and that Barbara nixed me from even using their first names in the movie. I had to change the name from Barbara's Game to Roxanne's Game. I doubt if Barbara would be too hot about Jack being inducted, but I might be able to talk Jack into it (if I can get Barbara to put Jack on the phone --and that wont be easy because Barbara clears all calls). Jack certainly deserves consideration.

the Beard
I've got 2 new trick banks up on my blog, www.bankingwiththebeard.blogspot.com/ Do you think you can make 'em? I don't think so.


Fred,
Whatever happened to that movie script? Any chance of it going forward?
You have a gift for writing about anything and making it sound so funny. Great stuff, as usual.

[fred bentivegna]

Fred,
Whatever happened to that movie script? Any chance of it going forward?
You have a gift for writing about anything and making it sound so funny. Great stuff, as usual.

I entered a few script contests and did ok, but pool scripts are not in anybodys demand after Pool Hall Junkies.

the Beard

[fred bentivegna]

The guys whose methods have been 'undercover', like Banks Hall of Famer Vernon Elliott (elected last year), have to reach a point in their career where they don't mind that kind of attention. While they are still working, they probably don't want that. For Vernon, he was ready. But maybe Cooney isn't quite ready to retire?? Freddy, you know him; what do you think??

Unbelievably, I just got off the phone with Barbara Cooney and she said it would be Ok to put Jack on the list! Now you know he really is retired. She says he hasnt played in years and I believe her (for once). She thought he would be honored to be considered. Naturally she wouldnt let me talk to Jack (he "wasnt there" for the 100th straight time). You see Barbara's best girl friend was my ex-wife and Barbara knew I was chippying around with young un's, and true to the hustlers code didnt snitch on me. She was very upset with me about it since she knew my ex would never forgive her if she found out that Barbara knew and didnt tell her. That Barbara, whatta girl. Since then, she doesnt allow Jack and me to be together without supervision.
Let's put Jack in! He was really some kinda player.

the Beard
I've got 2 new trick banks up on my blog, www.bankingwiththebeard.blogspot.com/ Do you think you can make 'em? I don't think so.

[NH Steve]

For One Pocket, here are the names that have come up so far:

John Cannonball Lefty Chapman
Hubert Daddy Warbucks Cokes
Jack Cooney
Johnny Ervolino
Jimmy Fusco
Buddy Hall
Earl Heisler
Marvin Henderson
Allen Hopkins
Billy Incardona
Jansco brothers
Danny Jones
Clem Metz
Jose Parica
Eddie Robin
Gene Skinner
Cleo Vaughn
Rudolph Minnesota Fats Wanderone

Shannon Daulton & Cliff Joyner are being held aside for their requisite “twenty years” of seasoning – which is coming up fairly soon actually…

Many of these names have had more than one positive comment, while some have only come up once. Others have suffered a few knocks along the way. In the event that there are too many names to include on a reasonable ballot, we will go with the consensus of players getting the most positive endorsements, so don’t be afraid to chip in a comment or two.

[fred bentivegna]

For One Pocket, here are the names that have come up so far:

John Cannonball Lefty Chapman
Hubert Daddy Warbucks Cokes
Jack Cooney
Johnny Ervolino
Jimmy Fusco
Buddy Hall
Earl Heisler
Marvin Henderson
Allen Hopkins
Billy Incardona
Jansco brothers
Danny Jones
Clem Metz
Jose Parica
Eddie Robin
Gene Skinner
Cleo Vaughn
Rudolph Minnesota Fats Wanderone

Shannon Daulton & Cliff Joyner are being held aside for their requisite “twenty years” of seasoning – which is coming up fairly soon actually…

Many of these names have had more than one positive comment, while some have only come up once. Others have suffered a few knocks along the way. In the event that there are too many names to include on a reasonable ballot, we will go with the consensus of players getting the most positive endorsements, so don’t be afraid to chip in a comment or two.

Steve separating these candidates into, Alive, Dead, and Promoters would help considerably.

the Beard

[mypocket]

Steve,

I agree with Freddie. There should be distinct categories.

See you at the DERBY!

[BackPocket9Ball]

For One Pocket, here are the names that have come up so far:

John Cannonball Lefty Chapman
Hubert Daddy Warbucks Cokes
Jack Cooney
Johnny Ervolino
Jimmy Fusco
Buddy Hall
Earl Heisler
Marvin Henderson
Allen Hopkins
Billy Incardona
Jansco brothers
Danny Jones
Clem Metz
Jose Parica
Eddie Robin
Gene Skinner
Cleo Vaughn
Rudolph Minnesota Fats Wanderone

Shannon Daulton & Cliff Joyner are being held aside for their requisite “twenty years” of seasoning – which is coming up fairly soon actually…

Many of these names have had more than one positive comment, while some have only come up once. Others have suffered a few knocks along the way. In the event that there are too many names to include on a reasonable ballot, we will go with the consensus of players getting the most positive endorsements, so don’t be afraid to chip in a comment or two.

Steve, I think that Johnny Irish should be on the nomination list. There is a general consensus among old-timers in New York City that Irish was better than both Red and Ervolino at one pocket -- and perhaps better than many both on this list and already in the HOF.

[NH Steve]

Steve, I think that Johnny Irish should be on the nomination list. There is a general consensus among old-timers in New York City that Irish was better than both Red and Ervolino at one pocket -- and perhaps better than many both on this list and already in the HOF.I agree with you, from what I have heard. The problem is, for those early players there are so very few remaining eye-witnesses to their prowess.

Can any oldtimers help out with more info? Or Do you know anyone that could help out? I would very much like to chat with anyone who can add first hand info about Johnny 'Irish' Lineen.

[fred bentivegna]

I agree with you, from what I have heard. The problem is, for those early players there are so very few remaining eye-witnesses to their prowess.

Can any oldtimers help out with more info? Or Do you know anyone that could help out? I would very much like to chat with anyone who can add first hand info about Johnny 'Irish' Lineen.

Nothing first hand Steve, but from all I have heard from guys before me, Irish probably played better than Jersey Red and Irvolino at all games including 3 cushion. Brooklyn Jimmy would know for sure.

the Beard

[playboy]

3 guys that should be nominated:

1.Jeff Carter

2."Disco"Danny(black danny)

3.James Walden

All three of these guys(especially James)could beat any living human when they were/are right....

[Terry Ardeno]

I agree with you, from what I have heard. The problem is, for those early players there are so very few remaining eye-witnesses to their prowess.

Can any oldtimers help out with more info? Or Do you know anyone that could help out? I would very much like to chat with anyone who can add first hand info about Johnny 'Irish' Lineen.


Steve,
I personally would agree that Lineen should be on the ballot. If you want to know a lot more about him, contact Tom Shaw at Pool & Billiards magazine. He's written an extensive article on him after having done his research. Tom is an outstanding pool historian and a great guy as well. He's very easy to talk with and loves pool.
I guarantee this will help you.

[wgcp]

I would like to nominate Mr. Eddie Robin. Personally as a teacher and his writing style that all of us have read or would like to read in the future. His books and phone conversations have been invaluable to me.

MAJ Bille F. Miller
Camp Arifjan
Kuwait

[NH Steve]

3 guys that should be nominated:

1.Jeff Carter

2."Disco"Danny(black danny)

3.James Walden

All three of these guys(especially James)could beat any living human when they were/are right....Jeff Carter has been a good One Pocket player, but do you really think his career is HOF caliber? I am not familiar with Danny, but I always want to hear more about people I don't already know -- care to share a story?

Walden I doubt reaches the 20 year minimum criteria in his One Pocket career. He can get in line with Shannon Daulton :)

One of the big things I look for in HOF nominations -- besides good players -- is what have they given back to the game, not just taken home in winnings.

When you have a solid player over an extended career, who is strongly associated with One Pocket (or banks), and they have paid their dues in bringing the game to a higher level, or bringing more players into the fold, then you have a winner.

[fred bentivegna]

...One of the big things I look for in HOF nominations -- besides good players -- is what have they given back to the game, not just taken home in winnings.

When you have a solid player over an extended career, who is strongly associated with One Pocket (or banks), and they have paid their dues in bringing the game to a higher level, or bringing more players into the fold, then you have a winner.

Steve, you are the recepient of my first tap, tap to any post on any forum.
Don't spend it all in one place.

the Beard

[fred bentivegna]

Quote Steve Booth:
Can any oldtimers help out with more info? Or Do you know anyone that could help out? I would very much like to chat with anyone who can add first hand info about Johnny 'Irish' Lineen.

My first reply:
Nothing first hand Steve, but from all I have heard from guys before me, Irish probably played better than Jersey Red and Irvolino at all games including 3 cushion. Brooklyn Jimmy would know for sure.

After a memory jolt: In 1965, my first road trip to Miami I hung out at Jack Kramer's Cue & Cushion on 79th and Biscayne. In the winter it was a standard stop for many top players to wait out the northern cold. While there I learned that Johnny Irish Lineen had spent the previous winter there. In the course of many jackpots that were cut up, I learned that he was unanimously regarded as the best player to have played there. This included all games (except banks), straight pool, 9ball, 1pkt and 3 cush. That he was held in such regard was really something considering the lineup that was there on a daily basis: Marcel Camp, Minnesota Fats, Brooklyn Jimmy, Johnny Irvolino, Tommy Staten Island Halliday, Bunny Rogoff. Peter Rabbit, Danny DiLiberto, Harry Cohen, Isaac Little Miami Gonzales,Kokomo Joe Ross, Gene Skinner, Richie Ambrose, Surfer Rod Curry, Kilroy Kosmolski, Scarface, etc., etc. I never got to see him play but he must have really been somthin'.

the Beard

[playboy]

Cecil Tugwell? once upon a time Cecil played better one hole than anybody on the left coast.He beat Efren playing even and owned several other champions(Ronnie Allen included)Nobody had to like playing Cecil one hole back in the 80's.

Cecil was a strong player for at least 20+ years ..His game took a nose dive about 15-20 years ago,partly because he succombed to the ills of drugs;but up until then, Cecil could play jam up!

[jrhendy]

Cecil Tugwell? once upon a time Cecil played better one hole than anybody on the left coast.He beat Efren playing even and owned several other champions(Ronnie Allen included)Nobody had to like playing Cecil one hole back in the 80's.

Cecil was a strong player for at least 20+ years ..His game took a nose dive about 15-20 years ago,partly because he succombed to the ills of drugs;but up until then, Cecil could play jam up!

Cecil was a hell of a player, and I did watch him beat Efren to win a One Pocket tournament at Hard Times in Bellflower in the late 80's. This was after he switched hands and was playing left handed. He could be pretty hard to deal with sometimes, and I am being benevolent, but he sure could play.

[JohnInNH]

I would like to nominate Billy Incardona as one of my choices to the hof this year not only for his great play, but in addition his play by play in describing what goes on in the matches for accu-stats, he is to be commended for his professional analysis, his uncanny ability to forecast what the shooter has in mind during the match, in addition his interviews with the winners and losers of the match are second to none.

In addtion I would like to recommend Buddy Hall for his contributions to one pocket buddy played all games over the years, in addition to his success in 9 ball his contributions to one pocket is legendary, lets not forget his many victories in and out of the tournament arena.

My thanks to Billy Incardona, Buddy Hall for providing a lifetime contribution to the playing of One Pocket.

John

[100andout]

I'm going with Allen Hopkins as well. Having been around him and many great players in the PA/NJ area in the last 20 years.....EVERYONE sais Allen is THE MAN when it comes to 1P.

He's got that patient, stand on your throat and suffocate you style that just breaks you down eventually.

...not to mention everything he has done for the game in this part of the country for years.

Gerry

[jmorton]

Cecil Tugwell? once upon a time...

Cecil is alive and well at Hard Times in Bellflower, CA.

Says he has a lot of work to do to get his game up.

JM
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[gulfportdoc]

Cecil is alive and well at Hard Times in Bellflower, CA.

Says he has a lot of work to do to get his game up.

JM
That's great to hear! Is he clean and sober? How old is Cecil now? 60's?

Doc

[jmorton]

That's great to hear! Is he clean and sober? How old is Cecil now? 60's?

Doc

I spoke with Cecil last night. He says that a lot of people think one thing or another about him and he can't do anything about that. Basically he indicated to me that most of what they think is not true.

He is certainly clean and sober. I've only known him / known of him for a few years and he's always been so.

What really got my interest was the fact that he used to road with Cole Dickson. As a kid in 1969 in Fremont, CA, I first met Cole who was at the top of his game and playing like an angel: one of God's chosen few. But that's another story.

Anyway, Cecil told me that he's not hiding from anybody and that he would accept all phone calls.

He is in and out of Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, CA throughout the day and night and their number is: (562) 867-7733.

He does have white hair now.

JM
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[jmorton]

Cecil was a hell of a player, and I did watch him beat Efren to win a One Pocket tournament at Hard Times in Bellflower in the late 80's. This was after he switched hands and was playing left handed. He could be pretty hard to deal with sometimes, and I am being benevolent, but he sure could play.

I mentioned your name to Cecil last night and he acknowledged remembering you. I changed the subject when I realized you must be a different John Henderson so I didn't ask him what he remembered about you.

I was trying to remember another "John" and asked a guy here at Hard Times about a older black man who was a former road player named John. I met this guy about 5 years ago and played 9-ball a few times with him. Every time we got down to the 8-ball he'd play a three ball safety on me with great precision. Anyway he hurt his leg and started walking around with a cane. He died about a year later.

Well this guy I asked reminded me that the John I was talking about was "Peter Gunn." I said, Damn! that's exactly right. I had forgotten his road name. That's the guy I was thinking about. And this guy told me that Peter Gunn's full name was John Henderson. So I mentioned this to Cecil and he couldn't make the connection between Peter Gunn and John Henderson.

So when you wrote you saw Cecil beat Efren I now know why he knew your name. And because he couldn't make the Peter Gunn connection tells me that the guy I talked to might be wrong about Peter Gunn's real name.

Did you know Peter Gunn? Was his true name John "Henderson," too?

JM
________
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[jmorton]

Did you know Peter Gunn? Was his true name John "Henderson," too?
JM

Okay. I just talked to an old-timer by the name of Calvin and he told me that Peter Gunn's real name was nothing like John Henderson. He says it might have been Lynn or something.

I'm still checking it out.

But Cecil did remember you, John Henderson from Sacramento.

JM
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[hemicudas]

Sounds more like, Peter Rabbit Linhard.

[jmorton]

Sounds more like, Peter Rabbit Linhard.

I'll run this name by Calvin probably today at Hard Times. When he hears the name he'll probably recognize it if that's it.

But Calvin did say that Peter Gunn (not Peter Rabbit) was part of the Los Angeles scene. So I'm thinking: not.

Calvin told me that Peter Gunn hustled on the road taking off plenty of cowboys at a time when they didn't hesitate to call someone "nigger" to their face. Said he was built like a fullback.

And I know he was a strapper because I played a few games of 9-ball with him about a year or two before he passed back in around 2002 - 2003. And I didn't see any scars or crippling on him neither.

But these older guys like Calvin who is in his 70's mix and match their memories. Come to think of it I've been caught doing that myself.

Calvin said that near the end Peter Gunn didn't want anybody to see him in his terrible condition. So Calvin must have been close.

Calvin is a regular from here in L.A. For a time he used to hang with some kids: Keith McCready and Cole Dickson back in the 60's.

The detective work continues.

JM
________
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[jmorton]

... Calvin told me that Peter Gunn hustled on the road ...

And I didn't see any scars or crippling on him neither.

But these older guys like Calvin who is in his 70's mix and match their memories. Come to think of it I've been caught doing that myself...

The detective work continues.

JM

Well my detective work paid off.

Peter Gunn's real name seems to have been Lynn Wesson.

And my memory was faulty. Peter Gunn did walk around with a cane. I do now remember him playing pool getting around the table with his cane. I now remember feeling bad for his game. Yet he easily beat me at the time.

I was told that he didn't want anyone to know his name while he was making a living on the road. So he had other names too which I don't know at this time.

I was told that many years before I met him he had been stabbed in the back at a bar. This crippled him.

JM
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