The real Philly Tournament Update Thread

[12squared]

Nice event guys and great win for Dave. He's a tough customer.

High praise coming from "THE" tough customer. LOL Thanks.

 

[12squared]

--Wednesday--

As a caveat, doubled up this trip as a mini family vacation with Staci and Frankie….

Decide to get to the airport early – everything is full, takes about 45 minutes to find parking.

Get through security, eat lunch in the terminal. Hop in the restroom to take a whiz – family is waiting on me and a man standing next to them has a massive heart attack and dies right there. Wife and daughter are both traumatized and inconsolable for quite some time….

Flight gets delayed about 4 hours.

Finally getting on plane (last boarding group), a storm rolls through, power goes off – airline scanner/software goes down, can’t board the plane yet. Finally get on, plane sits there another 30 minutes or so due to lightening. Did manage to sit next to John and Jeanne who had the same flight.

Touch down in Philly, wait about 45 minutes for a shuttle and off to the car rental place – what could possibly go wrong there? Well….there was only one guy working (who was possibly the most passive aggressive person I’ve ever encountered – at least none of it was directed at me….I think). Forty-five minutes or so later, on I-95 heading north to the hotel (more about I-95 later….).

Figure out that Roosevelt Road in the most convoluted thoroughfare to ever exist (but by the end of the trip, I was navigating it like a champ). Arrive at the hotel around midnight, John and Jeanne are outside having a smoke and inquire what took so long to get there – I digress and leave out the details.

Check in, the hotel is over-booked (even though I made reservations directly with them in February).

Staci and Frankie sleep on a queen-sized bed, I sleep on a thin sofa “mattress” pull-out that had piss and/or cum stains all over it. There is a plastic bag with a sheet and one blanket in the closet that smell moldy – past caring at this point. Throw the sheet on the pull out and eventually figure out that I can hang my legs over the lower pull out frame/bar and rotate every 30 minutes or so when the circulation gets cut off…..

Clark Griswold has got nothing on Dustin Miller.

--Thursday--

After about two hours of legitimate “sleep” alarm goes off way too early. Thursday is designated NYC day. Staci and Frankie are chipper and ready to go. For some reason, my lower back isn’t working right.

Hop in the shower, get ready, figure out how to stand erect again. Downstairs to rectify the lodging arrangement. Run into John, he’s as happy as can be and on his way to go golf with Mitch and Nick. Arrive at the front desk – advise the lady working there that I needed to have a conversation with the manager. Rolls her eyes and huffs. When prompted, advised her that this is a managerial discussion I need to have and inquire about a concert with the boss once again. Not happening. So, I provide the cliff notes version and stated desk employee is highly suspicious of my plight. Conversation goes south real quick. Finally speak to a gentleman who identifies himself as the General Manager – we didn’t start out well, so I offer to him the opportunity to accompany me to the room to see the piss/cum stains on the aforementioned pull out sleeper mattress for himself. He declines and we decide it is in our mutual benefit to rectify the situation. This gentleman has apparently had some formal customer service training, we shake hands, room is comped, and we are able to move to another room on the newly remodeled second floor later that evening.

Up I-95 to NYC. The good about I-95. What I like about I-95 from Philly to NJ/NYC is that cars have their lanes and trucks have theirs. It must have cost an exponential fortune and civil engineering expertise to build and maintain it. I marveled at the all the stored shipping cargo containers (literally thousands of them) and a couple of chemical process plants/refineries around the metropolitan areas.

Parking at the Liberty State Park is easy to get to and affordable. We get on a ferry at the marina, across the Hudson River and get off at the World Financial Center terminal in Manhattan. A $20 cab ride and 10 minutes later we are at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum (when leaving, I figure out that it is literally right across the street – that cabbie saw this tourist/sucker coming from a mile away….).

I’ll admit, I privately wasn’t fond of the idea of the crowd, lines, etc. to see the 9/11 Memorial and Museum (or NYC for that matter), but it is something that Staci and Frankie really wanted to do. I am glad we went. We spent about three hours there – it is something that every American should see and experience. We have a $100 lunch (still not fond of that) at some trendy seafood restaurant and back across the Hudson for a series of additional ferry rides to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. I never want to ride and/or wait on a ferry again. Only got on the wrong one once.

Back down I-95 to Philly to see my Blues win on the hotel room TV and a queen-sized bed.

--Friday--

Staci and Frankie to hang out at the hotel pool while I go to the pool room!

See Jim in the hotel hallway and meet his lovely wife. Arrive at 10 AM and briefly chat with Steve and Darrell. Go inside Bluegrass Billiards and meet Dominick and take in the room. #1 – Dominick is from the John Lavine type of mold – he “gets it.” #2 – What a room. Bluegrass Billiards is very similar to what I envision a smaller version of if I can ever retire comfortably and swing my own place…..

Get a table, hit some balls, finally meet Larry in person, exchange pleasantries with all the guys. Check out some of Mark’s cues. About “all the guys” – what a neat group we have here – I can say without hesitation that I really enjoy the company and respect the overwhelming vast majority of the onepocket.org group. I don’t think anyone is a chump (there are plenty of us “B” players) but we also certainly have some who can flat out play.

Steve does the calcutta, I collect the cheddar. I buy Nick for $100 and Jim for $150. Nick immediately wants half of himself, Jim not so much (uh-oh…). Jeanne keeps it all straight on a spreadsheet, gathers table time monies for the room, and does an excellent job managing the brackets, scheduling matches, anticipating issues, etc. as the Tournament Director. About John Long’s wife – Jeanne…. She is as sharp as a tack and did a great job over the weekend as she has done twice in Memphis. Thank you, Jeanne.

First match. Draw Robert’s pal – “Diamond Dean” – Dean Ragland. Dean is a giant of a man. I’d guess about 6’7” or so…. Anyway, we both play bad. Dean played less bad. I miss a straight in shot for the first game, Dean gets out. Second game, I try to follow a ball in but don’t. Third game, miss another shot I am supposed to make, Dean runs two or three for the W.

I’m pissed off and disgusted at myself and leave for a breather. Get back to the hotel and Staci floats the idea of checking out the Liberty Bell. The bad about I-95. It is an absolute mess around the downtown area. We do the Liberty Bell thing and have dinner at an Italian restaurant called LaScala’s – pretty good chow.

--Saturday--

Make it to the pool room a little after 10 AM, most guys are there hitting balls already. You can feel the competitive spirit ratcheted up a bit from the prior day. I’m intent on winning a couple, hit some balls, and fix my flawed set up from the day prior (I really was dialed in prior to this event….I swear….)

Draw Dan and we have a long/competitive match and I’m not feeling as bad (or at least not terrible) losing 3-1 to such a good player. It is what it is.

Told my family that morning – win or lose, I was going to stay at the pool room for a while. Had a couple of beers, sweated Robert v Dan with some local guys and Dean, met Mitch’s wife Regina and his mom (now I know why Mitch is such a great guy), and was able to chat with my pal Fast Eddie about the ponies and other things for a while.

Around 5:30 PM, headed back to the hotel for dinner with my family (that always comes first for Miller). We splurged for Red Lobster.

--Sunday--

Planned on getting back to the pool room late afternoon to sweat the final matches but didn’t make it.

Took the family to Atlantic City (passed a real cool looking boiler house on the NJ side of the Ben Franklin Bridge), we hit the beach and checked out the whole boardwalk scene. By the time we got back to the hotel, looked at my phone and Dave/Ben were well into their championship match. Congrats on the tourney Dave and honorable mention to Ben and JR.

Watched the Blues lose Game #6 at home (how surreal to be watching this in a hotel room in Philly….).

--Overall--

Didn’t get to hang out at the pool room much (but will at the next one….)

My wife and daughter had a good time, took plenty of pictures for their social media stuff, etc.

I should have played better – but I always say that.

Always good to see my bros.

Until next time…..

-Miller

The more I read all the write ups, the more mine sucks. Thanks for taking the time to let us know your trip. Nice to see you again Dustin, until next time...

 

[Cory in dc]

This was our crew last weekend

Great picture!

I like how you they guy who snaps off the tournament is lurking far in the back.

 

[cincy_kid]

I am pretty sure Jeanne posted this someplace in this thread or elsewhere and I am just missing it but can someone list out the top 4 finishers with payouts (both tourney and calcutta).

I have the finishers but not the exact payouts of each.

4th Jason Moran (1 HOLE NUT)
3rd John Rawski (J.R.)
2nd Ben Smith (hardmix)
1st Dave Gross (12squared)

Gathering info to get the MOT page updated:
http://www.onepocket.org/members-tournament/

Thanks!

 

[cincy_kid]

I am pretty sure Jeanne posted this someplace in this thread or elsewhere and I am just missing it but can someone list out the top 4 finishers with payouts (both tourney and calcutta).

I have the finishers but not the exact payouts of each.

4th Jason Moran (1 HOLE NUT)
3rd John Rawski (J.R.)
2nd Ben Smith (hardmix)
1st Dave Gross (12squared)

Gathering info to get the MOT page updated:
http://www.onepocket.org/members-tournament/

Thanks!

Never mind, I see its on the bracket posted earlier so I will add it up, thanks again!

 

[gulfportdoc]

This was our crew last weekend

How come Jason (1 Hole Nut) always gets the spot right in the exact center of the photo? Talk about a mover.... And who's to his left? "Mr. Action" Newkirk..

~Doc

 

[gulfportdoc]

Great picture!

I like how you they guy who snaps off the tournament is lurking far in the back.

Yeah, Cory. And that tells ya something..

 

[12squared]

Great picture!

I like how you they guy who snaps off the tournament is lurking far in the back.

It really is a great picture, thanks Steve. And is funny post Cory, but I played Steve the day before (was lucky to get past him - he ran 8 n out after a miss to tie it 1-1), but something funny happened during the set so I think Steve sent me to the back of the room. LOL

Steve, do you want to tell this or should I?

 

[J.R.]

The 4th Annual Members Only Tournament (MOT) was aptly named as "The Battle of Brotherly Love." I will rewrite on the Forum exactly what I had posted earlier on Facebook.

"This was my 3rd successive "onepocket.org tournament" and each one has in its own way been memorable to me. But the new friendships are the best part of these tournaments. I hope to be at next year's tournament to continue these friendships and meet some new one pocket nuts like us.

Congratulations to Dave Gross for 1st and everyone else who participated in the tournament. I believe that Dave was the 4th different winner in the past 4 years with two of the past winners not even getting in the money. So it seems there is a lot of solid competition amongst the players."

Now for what I didn't post on Facebook. Thank you, Steve Booth for being the "rock" of onepocket.org. Thank you, Mitch Brown for organizing a superb event at the Bluegrass Billiards. Thank you, Bill Meyers for providing the live streaming so those who could not attend "could." Thank you, Jeanne Long for being a flawless Tournament Director.

Additionally, a few more written reflections about Philadelphia and our tournament.

1. The Bluegrass Billiards is the pool room I would be at if I lived in Philadelphia. Need I say more?

2. Dustin Miller pointed out that "Roosevelt is the most convoluted thoroughfare to ever exist." For those who did not drive, Roosevelt referred to by local Philadelphians simply as "the Boulevard," is the busy street approximately a quarter mile west of the pool room. It has six lanes of traffic moving north and six lanes of traffic moving south. That's twelve lanes of rollicking traffic! The posted speed limit is 45 but 55 to 60 is the usual. The six lanes north are separated by a narrow parkway into three lanes and three lanes. The same set-up exists for the six lanes south. To get over from one set of three lanes to the other three lanes was restricted to a "cross over." Those sightings of a "cross over" occur infrequently at best as you try to navigate "the Boulevard." If you think Dustin and me are exaggerating then do what I did. I googled: Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. The first thing that jumped out at me was, "How Roosevelt Boulevard became the most dangerous road in Philadelphia." But after having driven on it for a few days how would I rate it now? As most of you know, I was a police officer in Chicago for over 40 years. This is how I would rate it. I would rather chase a car load of gangbangers shooting out their car windows at 100 miles an hour through the streets of Chicago then to take a leisurely drive down Philadelphia's Roosevelt Boulevard on a Sunday morning!

3. Philadelphia's famous "Philly steak sandwiches." I had two. At best I rate them equal to a White Castle hamburger with cheese and onions. I don't like White Castle. A Chicago beef sandwich or a Chicago hot dog is boss over a Philly steak sandwich.

4. Philadelphia's "Old Town" section of the city is a "must see" for anyone who visits. I made a promise to myself to stay an extra day after the tournament just to visit the Liberty Bell, Washington Square, and walk the streets where democracy was born. I wish I stayed two extra days but I swear I wouldn't have eaten a third Philly steak sandwich.

5. If your not wearing one of the now universal black onepocket.org shirts be careful not to wear a shirt that was in any of the previous MOT group photos. You can't change your face, but you can change your shirt. I wonder how many of us will now check out the two group photos to see what shirts were worn. :lol

6. Finally, I "wonder" where will next year's MOT be held? I wasn't in New Orleans but Chicago's Chris's Billiards, Fremont's California Billiards, and Philadelphia's Bluegrass Billiards have been exceptional. Looking earnestly forward to next year.

 

[Mkbtank]

The real Philly Tournament Update Thread

The 4th Annual Members Only Tournament (MOT) was aptly named as "The Battle of Brotherly Love." I will rewrite on the Forum exactly what I had posted earlier on Facebook.



"This was my 3rd successive "onepocket.org tournament" and each one has in its own way been memorable to me. But the new friendships are the best part of these tournaments. I hope to be at next year's tournament to continue these friendships and meet some new one pocket nuts like us.



Congratulations to Dave Gross for 1st and everyone else who participated in the tournament. I believe that Dave was the 4th different winner in the past 4 years with two of the past winners not even getting in the money. So it seems there is a lot of solid competition amongst the players."



Now for what I didn't post on Facebook. Thank you, Steve Booth for being the "rock" of onepocket.org. Thank you, Mitch Brown for organizing a superb event at the Bluegrass Billiards. Thank you, Bill Meyers for providing the live streaming so those who could not attend "could." Thank you, Jeanne Long for being a flawless Tournament Director.



Additionally, a few more written reflections about Philadelphia and our tournament.



1. The Bluegrass Billiards is the pool room I would be at if I lived in Philadelphia. Need I say more?



2. Dustin Miller pointed out that "Roosevelt is the most convoluted thoroughfare to ever exist." For those who did not drive, Roosevelt referred to by local Philadelphians simply as "the Boulevard," is the busy street approximately a quarter mile west of the pool room. It has six lanes of traffic moving north and six lanes of traffic moving south. That's twelve lanes of rollicking traffic! The posted speed limit is 45 but 55 to 60 is the usual. The six lanes north are separated by a narrow parkway into three lanes and three lanes. The same set-up exists for the six lanes south. To get over from one set of three lanes to the other three lanes was restricted to a "cross over." Those sightings of a "cross over" occur infrequently at best as you try to navigate "the Boulevard." If you think Dustin and me are exaggerating then do what I did. I googled: Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. The first thing that jumped out at me was, "How Roosevelt Boulevard became the most dangerous road in Philadelphia." But after having driven on it for a few days how would I rate it now? As most of you know, I was a police officer in Chicago for over 40 years. This is how I would rate it. I would rather chase a car load of gangbangers shooting out their car windows at 100 miles an hour through the streets of Chicago then to take a leisurely drive down Philadelphia's Roosevelt Boulevard on a Sunday morning!



3. Philadelphia's famous "Philly steak sandwiches." I had two. At best I rate them equal to a White Castle hamburger with cheese and onions. I don't like White Castle. A Chicago beef sandwich or a Chicago hot dog is boss over a Philly steak sandwich.



4. Philadelphia's "Old Town" section of the city is a "must see" for anyone who visits. I made a promise to myself to stay an extra day after the tournament just to visit the Liberty Bell, Washington Square, and walk the streets where democracy was born. I wish I stayed two extra days but I swear I wouldn't have eaten a third Philly steak sandwich.



5. If your not wearing one of the now universal black onepocket.org shirts be careful not to wear a shirt that was in any of the previous MOT group photos. You can't change your face, but you can change your shirt. I wonder how many of us will now check out the two group photos to see what shirts were worn. :lol



6. Finally, I "wonder" where will next year's MOT be held? I wasn't in New Orleans but Chicago's Chris's Billiards, Fremont's California Billiards, and Philadelphia's Bluegrass Billiards have been exceptional. Looking earnestly forward to next year.

JR: Well since we now know that you are a comedian (1/2 vote), your cheesesteak comments can be understood. I agree completely about the Boulevard. When first learning to drive as a youngster, nothing is more unnerving than your first trips on the Blvd. However like anything else it soon becomes old hat and you will find yourself (myself) taking a crossover at 60mph while merging into the next set of lanes.

I am thrilled that you enjoyed my home room and your trip to Philly! Honestly it has made me so happy that the fellas had a good time. Thank you for the write up. I always enjoy your posts. P.S. I’m happy that we didn’t have to battle this trip. You are one tough customer!!

 

[FastEddieF.]

I had a great time meeting up with old friends and new friends. Larry Landsman was very enjoyable to talk with and a great guy. Met up with Nick "Jake" ,Mitch J.R. Dustin Bob Newkirk,Ben Smith who beat me like a drum,Jason,Chicago Fats,Darrel,The Polit and his wife, Bob Newkirk and his Beautiful wife ,what nice people.If I forgot to mention anyone I'm sorry but everyone was great .Also had fun playing NH John, met his brother, real nice guy.Mitch did a great job hosting everyone. Steve worked his butt off, also the lady keeping the charts was great too. J.R. and Ben played great, and so did the guys who made it into the money. The best player did win it.Dave you're a class act,You really held up under all the pressure. Your new name is SILK because you have a beautiful stroke and when it comes down to pressure your stroke held up.Congrats to all the Players for trying their best. Great Tournament Guys.

 

[FastEddieF.]

I forgot to mention Tall Paul my room mate, he was great whatever I said he went along with. Thanks Paul for being a great guy.

 

[FastEddieF.]

KyBill thanks for the hard work doing the stream. Your new name is Mr Action, you come to play and bet your own. You’re the best, Take Care

 

[Mkbtank]

The real Philly Tournament Update Thread

It was great to see you as always Fast Eddie!! Oh hey. I think I accidentally dropped 10 LARGE in your bag. Just sent it back when you get a minute. Buy yourself a hotdog first though.

 

[FastEddieF.]

Mitch it is in the MAIL.

 

[Bmoretallpaul]

It was great to see you as always Fast Eddie!! Oh hey. I think I accidentally dropped 10 LARGE in your bag. Just sent it back when you get a minute. Buy yourself a hotdog first though.

Wait for it, wait for it

 

[Mkbtank]

The real Philly Tournament Update Thread

Wait for it, wait for it

Paul it was a pleasure meeting you last weekend and good to see your posts. Stick around! I’ll try you some next tournament. I’m thinking I would take 10-8. But you got me.

 

[ChicagoFats]

Fatty Trip Report
____________________
Thursday Morning
I got to Midway airport at 4am and am on the same flight with J.R. departing Chicago and headed to Philly.
He appeared with the giant red one pocket book stating he never read it. Sure enough ... he still didn't read it on the flight.
We arrive in Philly with no bumps or bruises. When we get to Avis, JR booked a car in spot A12.... when we walk out there... there is no car. We have to wait about a half hour for resolution.

We went by the pool room but they weren't open yet. So I stopped at Four Points and dropped my bag. We went to the Nifty Fifty for some food. Bad time to start my diet because JR ordered a milkshake he couldnt finish. I poured the leftovers in my coffee.

BlueGrass Billiards was pretty awesome. I love the fact that it had plenty of parking and a large warehouse with plenty of square footage.
Oneholenut was in action when I arrived playing a sociable local I believe.
As we were there, Russian Kenny came in and started stirring the pot looking for action.

I played a local guy named Harry in 9 ball for 6 hours. We broke dead even. He is a nice unassuming fellow.

I didn get a chance to spar with Newkirk so I guess he had to pay for his own trip this time. His wife was very nice and very proud of her family.

I went to dinner with John Jeanne and Jason... we found a hole in the wall place for a philly. It was fun and good.

I stayed at the four points and roomed with 1holenut. I had to work a little on this trip but still got plenty of time at the tabkes.

I sparred a little with Marianni and he punished me most if the night. It was fun to see how his stamina holds up.

I played Steve's 6 pocket game and boy was that fun... what a change of pace.

I met Larry and he is super nice. We didnt get any matches in but he cheered me on in a couple and that was cool.

I had some beers with CoreyinDC and 1holenut to close thinght out.
I got to meet "Dr. Thread" a.k.a. bmoretallpaul. He is a very gentle giant with a killer one pocket game. I think we played 2 sessions and I didn't win a game or maybe one. He doesn't seem to have any flash(or didn't show it) but he is very smart and plays a great game.


Friday night me and Nick P closed the joint down.


Hardmix actually watched me a bit and pointed out some flaws in my stance and follow through it seemed to help immensely.

I played Dustin and hadn't gambled with him at prior events so not sure where his game was at. He banks dead center pocket like a sicko. I squeaked out a win there, but could have gone either way in the games.

I played Nick P in the tourney and this was right after my discussion with Hardmix. Lets just say the words of wisdom helped me get past Nick.

I go over to table 1 for my match with Mitch. Mitch was in action with baby ghost so I had to wait and started hitting some balls. My tip broke off my playing cue. This was a bad spot for me since I didn't have a backup shaft the same size. I was able to get one of the local guys to glue the tip back on but it was off a couple of millimeters. I was trying to turn my cue in my hand to be consistent with the side of the cue I was hitting with. It was a quick beating by Mitch.

The tip falling off probably made me play a little more conservative since I used mostly center ball the rest of trip. It was an eye opener.

I played robert newkirk and it was a hill hill thriller. I think I had to run 5 and out last game to win.


I played J.R. on table 2. This is 4 inch pockets and the slowest cloth in the joint. I am not sure why we didn't stay on table 3 but those were our 2 choices. Right before the match starts some local dude walks up and basically tells us this is the table of death and we shouldn't play here. So we decided to make an agreement to break to the same pocket. We played 3 games and they closed the place on us at 2am so we had to finish in the morning at 10am.

I got to watch baby ghost aka johnnytronic play 1holenut. It was a great match. 1holenut pulled it out.

I got to meet and play Darmoose. He plays pretty conservative like the Mexican guys at Chris from Chicago. He put me in quite a few tough spots. When he decides to shoot he is confident and usually makes it. I learned 2 shots from our match.

I played Nick from Canada and got redemption from the beating he put on me in Memphis. He caught a bad table roll and I was banking well.



J.R. always reminds me of Liam Neeson in the movie taken.
If you're looking for winning my money, I can tell you I don't have money for you but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long one pocket career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you Fatty. If you take that flyer now, that will be the end of it.

J.R. dusted me off and I was excited to get to do some commentary. Unfortunately Kentucky was having microphone issues. Ben mopped up J.R. and I sat and watched.

Then I got to watch Ben and Dave play. It was a fun match with some high powered offense. Dave played a couple of 3C shots that I hope to stick in my memory banks.

Jeanne ran a great tourney and seemed overwhelmed with joy at the end. Oneholenut took me to the airport and I was off to find other action.

The counter guys were good to us and I had my fair share of spicy sausage from the kitchen.

Overall I went deeper than expected and had a great time!

Thanks for organizing Mitch!

 

[12squared]

Fatty Trip Report
____________________

J.R. always reminds me of Liam Neeson in the movie taken.
If you're looking for winning my money, I can tell you I don't have money for you but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long one pocket career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you Fatty. If you take that flyer now, that will be the end of it.

Great write up, Dan. I'm glad we finally had a chance to meet.

But I must say, the above quote made me laugh, thanks. You a funny man!
Dave

Also funny was J.R. still not reading the giant red book. LOL

 

[J.R.]

Originally Posted by ChicagoFats
Fatty Trip Report

J.R. always reminds me of Liam Neeson in the movie, "Taken."

"If you're looking for winning my money, I can tell you I don't have money for you but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long one pocket career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you Fatty. If you take that flyer now, that will be the end of it."

"ChicagoFats, I know who you are. If you stop telling about my big red book and my very particular set of one pocket skills, that will be the end of it. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will not pursue you, but if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you and I will break your cue stick."