Calendar

Dec
13
Fri
1874: Birth of Hugo Kerkau
Dec 13 all-day
1874: Birth of Hugo Kerkau

Hugo Kerkau, a German carom billiards player and world champion, was founder of “Café Kerkau” (1901) and the Kerkau Palace (1910), both located in Berlin. The Kerkau Palace had 48 tables and was famous for chess playing as well as pool. Kerkau was born on December 13, 1874 and died, at age 43, on April 15, 1918.

Dec
21
Sat
1982: Death of Eufaula Kid Glenn Womack
Dec 21 all-day
1982: Death of Eufaula Kid Glenn Womack

Glenn Womack, renowned as “The Eufaula Kid,” was one of the only southern players universally regarded as unbeatable during the the era of so-called “Rebel traps” tables with tight pockets. Eddie Robin similarly recalled that Eufaula was a formidable player in the 1940s, having engaged in several intense matches with Johnny “Irish” Lineen. Remarked Robin: “Anyone who could play ‘Irish’ even up in those days should be considered an all-time great, win or lose. Womack was born on Feb. 6, 1919 and died on December 21, 1982.

Feb
2
Sun
1985: Efren Reyes Makes First US Appearance
Feb 2 all-day
1985: Efren Reyes Makes First US Appearance

On this day in 1985, pool legend Efren Reyes showed up anonymously at Red’s Billiards, in Houston, Texas, to participate in the room’s 9-Ball Open. This was his first known appearance in the United States. The tournament’s 108-man field included many of the nation’s top players, including Earl Strickland. But Reyes (then traveling under the pseudonym Cesar Morales) came out on top.

Although sportswriter John Grissim came across Reyes in Manilla during the 1970s and wrote then about his prowess, and although Reyes was considered the Philippines top player by 1985, when he showed up at Reds he was completely unknown. Reyes beat Wade Crane (then playing under the alias Billy Johnson) in the tournament final.

“I didn’t even know the rules,” Reyes said months after his first U.S. victory. “I figured as long as I keep making balls, I will win.”

Feb
24
Mon
1968: Birth of Allison Fisher
Feb 24 all-day
1968: Birth of Allison Fisher

Allison Fisher, one of the winningest competitors in all of pro sports, was born on Feb. 24, 1968 in Cheshunt, England. She won her first world title at the age of 17, and so far has won over 80 national titles and 11 world titles. Ms. Fisher, known colloquially as “The Duchess of Doom,” was inducted into the Billiard Congress Hall of Fame in 2009.

Mar
2
Sun
1984: Death of Don Willis
Mar 2 all-day
1984: Death of Don Willis

Don Willis (May 1, 1909 – March 2, 1984) was the long-time road partner of the great Wimpy Lassiter. Willis participated in few tournaments, but rather earned his reputation as a gambling road player. You can read more about his partnership with Lassiter and their “Big Hoorah” hustle at the #poolhistory website, here. 

Apr
11
Fri
1996: Strickland Runs 11 Racks for Million-Dollar Prize
Apr 11 all-day
1996: Strickland Runs 11 Racks for Million-Dollar Prize

On April 11, 1996, Earl Strickland ran 11 consecutive racks to win the “Dallas Million-Dollar Challenge.”  Conducted during the first Professional CueSports Association tournament in 1996, in Dallas Texas, the challenged include rules stipulating that anyone who could break and run 10 racks would win a million dollars. Because of a reported racking “glitch” Strickland needed to run 11.

However, the promotional company immediately balked at paying the prize, which, according to reports, could be accepted as a lump sum of $630,000 or as a 20-year annuity with payments of $50,000. After some legal wrangling with the insurance company, Stickland reportedly ended up with more than the $630,000 than he would’ve taken as a lump sum — even after paying $200,000 in legal fees.

Apr
18
Fri
1918: Death of Hugo Kerkau
Apr 18 all-day
1918: Death of Hugo Kerkau

Hugo Kerkau, a German carom billiards player and world champion, was founder of “Café Kerkau” (1901) and the Kerkau Palace (1910), both located in Berlin. The Kerkau Palace had 48 tables and was famous for chess playing as well as pool. Kerkau was born on December 13, 1874 and died, at age 43, on April 15, 1918.

Jun
8
Sun
1961: Birthdate of Earl Strickland
Jun 8 all-day
1961: Birthdate of Earl Strickland

June 8, 1961 is the birthdate of five-time U.S. Open 9-Ball champion Earl Strickland.  Born in Roseboro, North Carolina, Strickland is considered one of the finest nine-ball players of all time. He has won over 100 championships, three world titles, and in 1996 the largest single cash price to date. In 2006 he was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America‘s Hall of Fame

Jun
22
Sun
1992: The Death of UJ Puckett
Jun 22 all-day
1992: The Death of UJ Puckett

Utley Puckett, better known to the pool world as hustler U.J. Puckett, was born in 1911 and died 81 years later, on June 22, 1992. In life he knew fame and fortune as a professional nine-ball and one-pocket champion alongside fellow sharks Jersey Red and Ronnie Allen. He was famous for his large brimmed white Stetson and his larger-than-life persona. In death U.J. Puckett is known to some as the ghost who haunts a Texas poolroom.

Sep
29
Mon
1950: Birth of “St. Louie” Louis Roberts
Sep 29 all-day

“St. Louie” Louie Roberts born on Sept. 29, 1950.