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.
Jerome Keogh, the man generally credited with inventing 14.1 Continuous, also known as straight pool, was born to Irish immigrants in Friendsville, Pa., on May 26,1872. Mr. Keogh eventually moved to Scranton where he established a billiard academy. He not only won five world titles during his lifetime, but also saw two of his pupils, Thomas Hueston and Irving Crane of Livonia, become world champions. He died on Jan. 12, 1953. #POOLhistory #straightpool #jeromekeogh
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.
Given his pedigree, it seemed inevitable that Walter Albert Lindrum one day would make his mark on the world of English billiards. His grandfather, father and brother were champions. But distinguished as these other Lindrums were, none could match the prowess of Walter Albert, who was born on August 29, 1898 and who died on July 30, 1960.
Given his pedigree, it seemed inevitable that Walter Albert Lindrum one day would make his mark on the world of English billiards. His grandfather, father and brother were champions. But distinguished as these other Lindrums were, none could match the prowess of Walter Albert, who was born on August 29, 1898.
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.
Jerome Keogh, the man generally credited with inventing 14.1 Continuous, also known as straight pool, was born to Irish immigrants in Friendsville, Pa., on May 26,1872. Mr. Keogh eventually moved to Scranton where he established a billiard academy. He not only won five world titles during his lifetime, but also saw two of his pupils, Thomas Hueston and Irving Crane of Livonia, become world champions. He died on Jan. 12, 1953. #POOLhistory #straightpool #jeromekeogh
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.”
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 an died on December 21, 1982.
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.
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