San Jose Dick Interview

[Terry Ardeno]

Dear Mr Booth,

Is there any way that you can do an in depth interview with SJD? We all know how busy you are with many things in life as well as just maintaining this site. But that (interviewing SJD) is something that really should be on a 'must do" list. We consider him one of the MVP's here at this site, as well as being a very gifted player.

Please consider doing this. Thanks in advance and as always, thanks for the work you've done and are doing to keep this site the great place that it is!

[Fast Lenny]

Dear Mr Booth,

Is there any way that you can do an in depth interview with SJD? We all know how busy you are with many things in life as well as just maintaining this site. But that (interviewing SJD) is something that really should be on a 'must do" list. We consider him one of the MVP's here at this site, as well as being a very gifted player.

Please consider doing this. Thanks in advance and as always, thanks for the work you've done and are doing to keep this site the great place that it is!

I would be willing to go to Dick's house and do an interview with him on video, people could post questions here for me to ask along with Steve. I have wanted to do this with him for awhile for sure, Steve could embed the video on the site which would be pretty cool. I have plans on doing a few more interviews with some different people. :)

[Skin]

If questions for Dick can be posted, I have a couple I'd like to hear asked in the interview.

1. He came out of a small town in Colorado. How'd he get started in pool?

2. Who taught him, if anybody, in those very early years?

3. He's told a story on here about his first encounter with Ed Kelly. He was 18 and Kelly was 16, and that took place I believe in Louisianna (Shreveport?). The game was 9b and 14.1 - Dick was supposed to win at 9b but Kelly did; Kelly was supposed to win at 14.1 but Dick did. After that they became friends and tried to help each other when they crossed paths according to Dick. I'd like to know more about that.

Skin > enquiring minds want to know. :rolleyes:

[SJDinPHX]

If questions for Dick can be posted, I have a couple I'd like to hear asked in the interview.

1. He came out of a small town in Colorado. How'd he get started in pool?

2. Who taught him, if anybody, in those very early years?

3. He's told a story on here about his first encounter with Ed Kelly. He was 18 and Kelly was 16, and that took place I believe in Louisianna (Shreveport?). The game was 9b and 14.1 - Dick was supposed to win at 9b but Kelly did; Kelly was supposed to win at 14.1 but Dick did. After that they became friends and tried to help each other when they crossed paths according to Dick. I'd like to know more about that.

Skin > enquiring minds want to know. :rolleyes:

Skin,

Eddie is exactly 4 1/2 yrs. younger than me. I believe I was about 22 or so, which would have made Ed about 18, at our first chance encounter, in New Orleans. (circa 1956...green roady, meets greener roady :p) Neither one of us had much money, so after a brief skirmish, we became friends, and decided to try and make a few bucks together. (plus, we had the Irish thing goin'.....In a town like NOLA, were both like drunken sailors on leave)
If I recall, the night life eventually busted us both. Not too much pool action, in the 50's in NOLA. If there was...we never found it.

Cardone recently put us in touch with each other, (thanks Billy)... and we talked for over an hour catching up...We had not seen or talked in about 25 years. That is one of the great things about this site, and modern communications in general.

Don't know why anyone would care, but I will give him a ring later and check his recall of those days. Eddie is a guy worthy of all the respect given him, He earned it... And though our lives took somewhat different paths... 52 years later, I am glad to say, we are still good friends.

[Terry Ardeno]

Dick,
How did you get started in pool? Were you a "natural" player or gifted? How many hours did you practice? Did you have a table at home? What were your early years like? Do you remember when you first started playing for money?
Thanks for any info!

[Fast Lenny]

Dick is so old he sees in black and white! :p

Hey bud, hope the next time we play I do not have to remind you which pocket is yours, I will plead the 5th. Dick let me know when your free and we can do a video interview, would enjoy it, we can sip on some drinks too. ;)

[SJDinPHX]

Dick,
How did you get started in pool? Were you a "natural" player or gifted? How many hours did you practice? Did you have a table at home? What were your early years like? Do you remember when you first started playing for money?
Thanks for any info!

Terry,

To answer your questions in order; ...Don't remember...Maybe I was autistic like "Rain Man"...Zero...No...13.

Please ask El Beardo the same questions...I'm not sure if we are speaking at present...:p

[Terry Ardeno]

Lenny,
If you can arrange this, could you offer copies of it for sale on DVD? Also, if you do arrange this, let us know so we can post some questions for you to ask Dick.
Thanks.

Also, when you talk to Scott again, let him know what a great job he's doing with Billy in the booth! Them guys are funny as heck together!

[Terry Ardeno]

Terry,

To answer your questions in order; ...Don't remember...Maybe I was autistic like "Rain Man"...Zero...No...13.

Please ask El Beardo the same questions...I'm not sure if we are speaking at present...:p


SJD,
You "answered" those questions like somebody had first read you your rights! :D Slightly more informative than sign language! :)




So let me get this straight and sumarize.....At some time, you played pool for money at 13 with no practice.




Period. End of "interview". Ok......uh, ok.

At least that's some what of a start. :confused: Uh....Lenny, you got your work cut out for ya buddy! :D

[SJDinPHX]

Dick is so old he sees in black and white! :p

Hey bud, hope the next time we play I do not have to remind you which pocket is yours, I will plead the 5th. Dick let me know when your free and we can do a video interview, would enjoy it, we can sip on some drinks too. ;)

Thanks Lenny,

Things are a little up in the air right now. Hope we can get together soon.

Even the Az One Pocket tournament is looking a little dim right now. Give me a call, you are welcome at the house any time. (Bring Jude to bet on the side, he lives only a few blocks from me)

9/8 Duck <---has elevated your spot..:cool:

[Fast Lenny]

Thanks Lenny,

Things are a little up in the air right now. Hope we can get together soon.

Even the Az One Pocket tournament is looking a little dim right now. Give me a call, you are welcome at the house any time. (Bring Jude to bet on the side, he lives only a few blocks from me)

9/8 Duck <---has elevated your spot..:cool:

I will take 8-6 and the snaps or 9-7 and the snaps without alternating pockets, I want you to not get confused which pocket your shooting at. :p

I will try to get together with you soon and we can do a video interview in your poolroom. Also Terry, I will upload it on the internet so you will be able to watch it and Steve can embed it here for everyone to see also.

I do hope things get better on the home front Dick, God bless you and yours. I hope your able to make it for the one pocket and I draw you in the tourney, plus I need a good co-pilot who likes to drink for the Grady and John match, we are only 2 1/2 weeks away. :)

[fred bentivegna]

Originally Posted by Terry Ardeno
Dick,
How did you get started in pool? Were you a "natural" player or gifted? How many hours did you practice? Did you have a table at home? What were your early years like? Do you remember when you first started playing for money?
Thanks for any info!
Terry,

To answer your questions in order; ...Don't remember...Maybe I was autistic like "Rain Man"...Zero...No...13.

Please ask El Beardo the same questions...I'm not sure if we are speaking at present...

SJD


The Mufti Diver has asked and he shall receive:
Started playing pool while waiting to be called from the waiting list at the bowling alley. Never bowled again, I was 14. No natural ability whatsoever. Always played good banks but it took 16 years to be a top one pocket player.
I was either playing games or practicing 14-15 hrs a day. No table at home.
Was a sucker from 14 to 21. The first game of pool I played I bet on it.

Beard
I feel so cheap replying like this in the Muff Man's thread. Can this be construed as a hijack? I will let the sanest, fairest, neutralist, poster on the forum decide that, Cowboy D.

[SJDinPHX]

Originally Posted by Terry Ardeno
Dick,
How did you get started in pool? Were you a "natural" player or gifted? How many hours did you practice? Did you have a table at home? What were your early years like? Do you remember when you first started playing for money?
Thanks for any info!
Terry,

To answer your questions in order; ...Don't remember...Maybe I was autistic like "Rain Man"...Zero...No...13.

Please ask El Beardo the same questions...I'm not sure if we are speaking at present...

SJD


The Mufti Diver has asked and he shall receive:

Started playing pool while waiting to be called from the waiting list at the bowling alley. Never bowled again, I was 14. (found out with pool, you could sneak out on the time...whereas, with bowling, the creeps wanted 25 cents up front, for shoe rental)

I had absolutely, NO, ZERO, ZIP NADA natural ability whatsoever. ( I did excell at "pleasuring" myself though, does that count ?)

Always played good banks, (straight in shots, and playing position were my weaknesses at "normal" pool games).... but it did took me over 46 years to become, even a mediocre one pocket player...But, By then, my eyes were failing, along with my "Johnson" and my knees. Sooooo....

I was either playing games (lots of "Cop's and Robber's)...or practicing 14-15 hrs a day. (with short naps in between)

No table at home..... I had one, but my good friend, Detroit Whitey stole it, gotta love the guy, huh !!!!

I Was a sucker from age 14 to 61. The first (and the last) game of pool I played, I bet on, and lost.... So I decided to write about my exciting [sic] exploits, with complete disregard for actual facts...I made up for my obvious shortcomings at pool, by being very..."laughable, hilarious, weird" (pick one)

Beard
I feel so cheap replying like this in the Muff Man's thread. Can this be construed as a hijack? Hate to see the Mufti, get any press


Terry... I have taken the liberty of editing some of the Beard's remarks (please re-read the above quote)

As I said before...one of the interviewee's is obviously in the advanced stages of Alzheimers. He has even forgotten how to properly brag,...coherently..
.

[Skin]

Skin,

Eddie is exactly 4 1/2 yrs. younger than me. I believe I was about 22 or so, which would have made Ed about 18, at our first chance encounter, in New Orleans. (green roady, meets greener roady :p) Neither one of us had much money, so after a brief skirmish, we became friends, and decided to try and make a few bucks together. (plus, we were both like drunken mick sailors on leave)

Cardone recently put us in touch with each other, (thanks Billy)... and we talked for over an hour catching up...We had not seen or talked in about 25 years. That is one of the great things about this site, and modern communications in general.

Don't know why anyone would care, but I will give him a ring later and check his recall of those days. Eddie is a guy worthy of all the respect given him, He earned it... And though our lives took somewhat different paths... 52 years later, I am glad to say, we are still good friends.

Thanks, Dick. I got some of the story right at least. :)

Skin

[Cowboy Dennis]

I feel so cheap replying like this in the Muff Man's thread. Can this be construed as a hijack? I will let the sanest, fairest, neutralist, poster on the forum decide that, Cowboy D.


Freddy,

You know that I am always neutral in these things so I will use the Duck's own post in OUR music thread to show what he said about hi-jacks. Of course in this case it's no reflection on the original poster, Terry Ardeno.



Thread: Cowboy's / Beard's Official Music Lovers Thread View Single Post
#135 03-12-2010, 08:33 AM
SJDinPHX
Verified Member Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,585

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by demonrho

(Damn - I just realized I highjacked the thread from Dennis and Freddie. Sorry guys, I go crazy when the topic of music comes up )


D-Person,

Hi-jacking is perfectly legal, if the subject matter is unbearably BORING...Or if the OP, and his main respondent's, don't have a f-ing clue what they are talking about...This is refered to as a "Mercy Hi-jacking", and certainly applies in this case..
__________________
SJDinPHX <-- Will work for Yukon Jack--

[Terry Ardeno]

Terry... I have taken the liberty of editing some of the Beard's remarks (please re-read the above quote)

As I said before...one of the interviewee's is obviously in the advanced stages of Alzheimers. He has even forgotten how to properly brag,...coherently..
.


How I wish HBO would make a new sitcom based on the characters here at OnePocket.org! :D You guys would be gazillionaires for sure.

Each of you and the Beard's posts on how HE started were funny stuff. And if just reading all this stuff is so much fun, I can't imagine how much fun it would be if all of us could hang out everyday together in the same pool room!

Wish we all lived closer to each other......:D

[Terry Ardeno]

Freddy,

You know that I am always neutral in these things so I will use the Duck's own post in OUR music thread to show what he said about hi-jacks. Of course in this case it's no reflection on the original poster, Terry Ardeno.



Thread: Cowboy's / Beard's Official Music Lovers Thread View Single Post
#135 03-12-2010, 08:33 AM
SJDinPHX
Verified Member Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,585

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by demonrho

(Damn - I just realized I highjacked the thread from Dennis and Freddie. Sorry guys, I go crazy when the topic of music comes up )


D-Person,

Hi-jacking is perfectly legal, if the subject matter is unbearably BORING...Or if the OP, and his main respondent's, don't have a f-ing clue what they are talking about...This is refered to as a "Mercy Hi-jacking", and certainly applies in this case..
__________________
SJDinPHX <-- Will work for Yukon Jack--


No offence taken C-B Dennis! :) aka "The Ref"

May these threads last forever! Viva la OnePocket.org! :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRrFWp4DUho

[JoeyA]

For SJD:

What is your second favorite liquor?

Has drinking helped your pool game?

Can you suggest a Pre-Drink-Routine for wannabees looking to climb the ladder?

JoeyA

[mr3cushion]

For SJD:

What is your second favorite liquor?

Has drinking helped your pool game?

Can you suggest a Pre-Drink-Routine for wannabees looking to climb the ladder?

JoeyA

Joey' These Q&A's are priceless, that's all I can say!
http://mr3cushion,com
Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

[SJDinPHX]

For SJD:

What is your second favorite liquor?

Has drinking helped your pool game?

Can you suggest a Pre-Drink-Routine for wannabees looking to climb the ladder?

JoeyA

JoeyA,

Always glad to share my knowledge with those who sincerely want to learn the game. Just for you, here are my answers to your queries.

Q. #1... Anything 100 proof...Q. #2... Can't really recall, all I know is, when I stumbled in the pool room, I had "action". (many times, fights would break out, over who would get me first)

Q. #3...In my action days, upon waking...my sweetie used to serve me Bloody Mary's in bed...Then after my s, s, and s, and a few beers for mouthwash, I would launch into my controlled regimen of straight YJ...(the trick is, very little chaser...water will kill you !!!)

Then I would head for my favorite bar/bartender, for counseling, and a few more belts, to get my courage up...Then, after a few "lap dances", I would swing by the liquor store, (re-stocking is essential) on my way to the pool room...to formally begin my day...:p

SJ Duck

PS.. to all beginners...I would highly recommend, a very rigid practice regimen, for a few years. (Not at pool, thats the easy part...but first, you MUST get the "pre-drink routine" down pat)....Caution...This may not work for everyone...:cool:

[Skin]

JoeyA,

Always glad to share my knowledge with those who sincerely want to learn the game. Just for you, here is my answers to your queries.

Q. #1... Anything 100 proof...Q. #2... Can't really recall, all I know is when I stumbled in the pool room, I had "action". (many times, fights would break out, over who would get me first)

Q. #3...In my action days, my sweetie used to serve me Bloody Mary's in bed...Then after my s, s, and s, and a few beers for mouthwash, I would launch into my controlled regimen of straight YJ...(the trick is, very little chaser...water will kill you)

Then I would head for my favorite bar/bartender, for counseling, and a few more belts, to get my courage up...Then, after a few "lap dances", I would swing by the liquor store, on my way to the pool room...to formally begin my day...:p

SJ Duck

PS.. to all beginners...I would highly recommend, a very rigid practice regimen, for a few years. (Not at pool, thats the easy part...but first get the pre-drink routine down pat) Caution...This may not work for everyone...:cool:

All, that post may not be too far off. I once saw Dick come up the stairs at Times Square in Dallas, slide a case of half-pints (Southern Comfort I believed at the time) under the cigarette machine, and proceed to drink and take $4000 off two different very strong players over 3 days.

Skin < passed out twice during that time just from the alcohol fumes :rolleyes: :)

[SJDinPHX]

Edit to post #20...These training tips will definately NOT work, for anyone who insists on playing a game ( like 3 cushion billiards) that has been virtually extinct, for over 90 years (or so)...jes' sayin'

[mr3cushion]

Edit to post #20...These training tips will definately NOT work, for anyone who insists on playing a game ( like 3 cushion billiards) that has been virtually extinct, for over 90 years (or so)...jes' sayin'

I thought I was on your S--T list, what happen?

Bill Smith "mr3Cushion"

[Cowboy Dennis]

JoeyA,

Always glad to share my knowledge with those who sincerely want to learn the game. Just for you, here are my answers to your queries.

Q. #1... Anything 100 proof...Q. #2... Can't really recall, all I know is, when I stumbled in the pool room, I had "action". (many times, fights would break out, over who would get me first)

Q. #3...In my action days, upon waking...my sweetie used to serve me Bloody Mary's in bed...Then after my s, s, and s, and a few beers for mouthwash, I would launch into my controlled regimen of straight YJ...(the trick is, very little chaser...water will kill you !!!)

Then I would head for my favorite bar/bartender, for counseling, and a few more belts, to get my courage up...Then, after a few "lap dances", I would swing by the liquor store, (re-stocking is essential) on my way to the pool room...to formally begin my day...:p

SJ Duck




Ducky,

What did you drink AFTER 10 a.m.?

Deek

[SJDinPHX]

Ducky,

What did you drink AFTER 10 a.m.?

Deek

Deek,

Rec'd a PM, notifying me that a certain poster took, yet another cheap shot at me...Sooooo, I got drunk, and retaliated in kind...What's it to ya ???

Duck

[Cowboy Dennis]

Deek,

Rec'd a PM, notifying me that a certain poster took, yet another cheap shot at me...Sooooo, I got drunk, and retaliated in kind...What's it to ya ???

Duck

Are you and Rod conspiring to drive me further insane with your cryptic and non-responsive replys to my posts??? It's working:eek: .

[gulfportdoc]

Edit to post #20...These training tips will definately NOT work, for anyone who insists on playing a game ( like 3 cushion billiards) that has been virtually extinct, for over 90 years (or so)...jes' sayin'
Duckster, you crusty old mick... As you know, Hoppe retired in 1952 (while you were in your 40's). When he died in 1959, he pretty much took the American popularity of 3C with him. So in the U.S. the game has been on life support for 60 years.

Jokes aside, if 3C were still accessible I'd be torn between two great games: 1P and 3C. I fell in love with 3C in the late 60's. But since the early 80's I've never lived in a town where there is a poolroom with 3C tables.:(

Doc

[Skin]

Duckster, you crusty old mick... As you know, Hoppe retired in 1952 (while you were in your 40's). When he died in 1959, he pretty much took the American popularity of 3C with him. So in the U.S. the game has been on life support for 60 years.

Jokes aside, if 3C were still accessible I'd be torn between two great games: 1P and 3C. I fell in love with 3C in the late 60's. But since the early 80's I've never lived in a town where there is a poolroom with 3C tables.:(

Doc

That's the way I feel about it too, Doc. The only place I ever found a billiard table was in the small pool hall where I learned to play pool. I was actually allowed to play on it. too, and loved it. I eventually moved on because that place was mainly golf action on a 5 X 10 snooker table. The old-timers who played wouldn't say a word to me unless I was making noise. Then it was just to tell me to leave. LOL

I always felt, however, that there was a strong connection between 3c and golf. Any game played on a BIG table never gets a knock from me. Oh, the joy and beauty of the balls rolling across those vast, verdant (now blue) expanses on perfect trajectories with perfect speed. It is like creation itself unfolding. Who can put down heaven? ;) :D

Skin < maybe got a little carried away there at the end :)

[demonrho]

...Oh, the joy and beauty of the balls rolling across those vast, verdant (now blue) expanses on perfect trajectories with perfect speed. It is like creation itself unfolding. Who can put down heaven?..

I think one.pocket.org has found its poet laureate.:)

[P00lh0li0]

Wonder if Dick ever heard of guys named Hal Mix or Hal Houle. Anything he can share about them. Heard they were around the Bay Area during his time there. thank you.

[SJDinPHX]

Wonder if Dick ever heard of guys named Hal Mix or Hal Houle. Anything he can share about them. Heard they were around the Bay Area during his time there. thank you.

POOlholio,

I never knew either one, but over on the other channel (AZB) all the banger's think Hal Houle is some sort of God. He has apparently introduced them to various secret "aiming system's" (CTE, BHE, H20, ADD, etc.) and it has elevated all their games to where they never, ever, miss a ball..:eek:

There are about 20 aiming threads in process at all times...and they are not pretty. Lots of name calling etc...John Barton, an APA 3 I think... is "Master of Ceremonies" over there. (he is also official Hal Houle "head nut-hugger")..:cool:

[Fast Lenny]

POOlholio,

I never knew either one, but over on the other channel (AZB) all the banger's think Hal Houle is some sort of God. He has apparently introduced them to various secret "aiming system's" (CTE, BHE, H20, ADD, etc.) and it has elevated all their games to where they never, ever, miss a ball..:eek:

There are about 20 aiming threads in process at all times...and they are not pretty. Lots of name calling etc...John Barton, an APA 3 I think... is "Master of Ceremonies" over there. (he is also official Hal Houle "head nut-hugger")..:cool:He wants to play you even for thousands, are you going to have him fly in so I can stream it? :D

[gulfportdoc]

Wonder if Dick ever heard of guys named Hal Mix or Hal Houle. Anything he can share about them. Heard they were around the Bay Area during his time there. thank you.
I went up to Salem, Oregon and took a lesson from Hal Mix in 1995. He was a cornucopia of pool knowledge. He taught some things about the fundamentals that I'd never heard before. He'd worked with Nick Varner and also Tinsley Johnson. Mix himself still shot pretty well at age 86. He died in the late 1990's I believe.

I mentioned my encounter with Mix a few years ago on AZ. Hal Houle PM'd me, and lambasted Mix. Houle knows a lot too, but he's reportedly not very good at explaining.

Doc

[P00lh0li0]

Never knew mix but I know Houle. He does know a lot but doesn't explain much as you say.

I went up to Salem, Oregon and took a lesson from Hal Mix in 1995. He was a cornucopia of pool knowledge. He taught some things about the fundamentals that I'd never heard before. He'd worked with Nick Varner and also Tinsley Johnson. Mix himself still shot pretty well at age 86. He died in the late 1990's I believe.

I mentioned my encounter with Mix a few years ago on AZ. Hal Houle PM'd me, and lambasted Mix. Houle knows a lot too, but he's reportedly not very good at explaining.

Doc

[P00lh0li0]

Thanks SJD. Just seems not many in the Bay Area know about Houle and wondered if you knew of him during your days in the Bay. Thanks again.

POOlholio,

I never knew either one, but over on the other channel (AZB) all the banger's think Hal Houle is some sort of God. He has apparently introduced them to various secret "aiming system's" (CTE, BHE, H20, ADD, etc.) and it has elevated all their games to where they never, ever, miss a ball..:eek:

There are about 20 aiming threads in process at all times...and they are not pretty. Lots of name calling etc...John Barton, an APA 3 I think... is "Master of Ceremonies" over there. (he is also official Hal Houle "head nut-hugger")..:cool: