The Secret Society
The Secret Society
One of the worst things about the passing of Jet is the fact that he was, IMHO, the last real pool hustler in Chicago.
I have formulated my own little Secret Society of Hustlers based on people that I knew and who qualified for admission under special criteria. Its an exclusive club and the only requirement to get in is to be accepted and acknowledged by the other members. Who likes who, and who hates who, and who can beat who, play no role in being accepted.
Morality, character, ethics, talent, pool speed, gamble, and personal appearance count for zero. The ones that are in know that they belong, and also know who doesnt belong -- usually unanimously.
Unfortunately, members are dropping like flies, with no new replacements in sight. Among them lately were, Pancho, Billy Johnson, and Jet. Now it looks like Charter member, Grady Mathew is apparently headed out soon.
For posterity's sake I have put together, off the top of my head, a list of Club members. Of course there are many more that belong that arent on this list. As my memory is limited, this is not an all encompassing list, but there are many that arent on there that some might think belong. They would be wrong in thinking that.
Club benefits include: lifetime bites, a place to stay, good dukes and steers, a minimum of knocking, elevated backer access, and an automatic seat at all Jackpot sessions. Plus members usually root for other members when they are playing non-members.
Artie Bodendorfer Chicago
Baby Face Whitlow Detroit gone
Barbara Cooney California
Berle Gabbard Corbin Ky
Bill Incardona Pittsburg
Billy Smith Chicago
Brooklyn Butch Fragone NY
Brooklyn Jimmy Cassas NY
Brooklyn Pancho NY gone
Buddy Hall KY
Bugs Rucker Chicago gone
Clare/ 4 yrs with Jimmy Reid Pittsburg
Clem Metz Pittsburg
Cliff Joyner No Car
Clyde Childress KY gone
Cornbread Red Ky gone
Cuban Joe Cuba gone
Dale Smith Tx
Danny DiLiberto Buffalo, NY
Danny Jones Atlanta, Ga gone
Detroit Whitey Michigan ?
Ed Pucharski Cannonball Ed NY ?
Eddie Taylor Tenn gone
Freddy Bentivegna Chicago
Geece Gerace CA gone
Gene Skinner Fullerton, Ca gone
Grady Mathews CA
Greg Sullivan Louisville, KY
Hubert Cokes Evansville, IN gone
Jack Cooney San Fran
Jersey Red NY gone
Jet Johnson Chicago gone
Jimmy Reid West Palm fla
Joey Speith Cinncinnati gone
John Chapman Cannonball TX gone
John Hager Sr Tex
John Popcorn Miller CA
Johnny Irvolino Brooklyn gone
Jose Parica Philipines
Junior Goff Fla
Keith McReady Ca
Larry Liscotti Conn. gone
Lori Shampo Detroit gone
Luther Lassiter No Car gone
Mexican Johnny Vasquez Tex gone
Michigan City Sam Langford Indiana
Mickey Carpinelli Port Chester NY gone
Mike LeBron Phila
Minnesota Fats Ny gone
One Eyed Tony Corbin Ky gone
Peter Rabbit Linhardt Phila gone
Piggy Banks Rogers Chicago
Pittsburg John Pitt
Ray Booth Fla ?
Ray Maples Atlanta, Ga gone
Richie Ambrose Ny
Ronnie Allen OK
Ronnie Sypher Maryland
Sammy Eubank Little Rock, Ar
Scott Frost Ariz
Shannon Daulton Ky
Sid Heard Corbin/Hazard Ky ?
Sugar shack Johnny Novak Conn
Tony Coleman Benton Harbor MI
Truman Hogue Ky
Wade Crane Ga gone