Tell me a story …
Ruth McGinnis – America’s First Queen of Pocket Billiards
At age 10 she ran a 47. By age 11 she was performing local exhibitions. At age 13 she was described as “a pocket player of exceptional ability.” Yet right from the start McGinnis found that because of her gender, few people would give her a chance.
LASSITER & FATS: BIG BETS IN TODAY’S DOLLARS
Minnesota Fats won $20,000 from a trio of Johnston City hustlers, back in ’71.
Marshall “Tuscaloosa Squirrel” Carpenter dead at 92
Carpenter was the last of pool’s great ’60s generation made famous with The Hustler.
Guest Post: Black Widow Makes Cue Sports History in Japan
Jeanette Lee was among the first American pool players to compete at the World Games.
Cornbread Red, Minnesota Fats and a Johnston City Burn
Remembered as one of pool’s funniest hustlers, Cornbread got the worst of it against Fats.
Almost Forgotten: Rags, Youngblood & Rotation Slim
Excluded elsewhere, this trio of African American sharks came to compete in Johnston City.
The Legendary Cisero Murphy: Trailblazer and Champion
Cisero Murphy overcame bigotry to compete in national championships.
Freddy ‘The Beard’ Bentivegna’s Parting Gift for Pool Fans
The final book written by Freddy “The Beard” Bentivegna is pure hilarious, ridiculous lunacy.
Rare Photo of Ralph Greenleaf’s widow, the Princess Nai Tai Tai
Karen Fox, widow of the famous billiards history writer Tom Fox, tells the back story.
Guest Post: Fast-Shooting Lou Butera Gunned ’em Down
It was said the only thing that slowed him down was the referee racking the balls.
BCA Hall of Fame: Janscos Inducted Posthumously
Legendary promoters honored for long-lasting contributions to the sport.
Guest Post: The Hustler’s Newman vs Gleason Match Up
Jackie Gleason’s match with Paul Newman was one of the most important in pool history.