Freddy ‘The Beard’ Bentivegna’s Parting Gift for Pool Fans

Freddy ‘The Beard’ Bentivegna’s Parting Gift for Pool Fans

by | Feb 12, 2020 | Historic Players, Historic Rooms, Hustler Stories

Freddy “The Beard” Bentivegna “The ‘Encyclopedia’ of Pool Hustlers was the final hilarious work by pool writer Freddy ‘The Beard’ Bentivegna. He published the 325-page tome in 2013 and then passed away too soon in June of the following year. He sent me a signed copy, which I still cherish. The book (apparently out of print but you can still find it...
Guest Post: Fast-Shooting Lou Butera Gunned ’em Down

Guest Post: Fast-Shooting Lou Butera Gunned ’em Down

by | Nov 27, 2019 | Historic Players, Lou Butera

Lou Butera got his “Machine Gun” nickname for his quick shooting style. By Jack Smiles/Guest Contributor Lou Butera photo courtesy of the Greater Pittston Historical Society Sam Butera opened a billiard parlor on South Main Street in Pittston, Pennsylvania, in 1937 the same year his son Lou Butera, later to be known as Machine Gun, was born. At 10 Lou was famous around the...
BCA Makes It Official: Schmidt Breaks Record

BCA Makes It Official: Schmidt Breaks Record

by | Aug 25, 2019 | Historic Players, Historical Notes, Willie Mosconi

The Billiard Congress of America has recognized John Schmidt’s new straight pool record of 626. Just below is the sanctioning body’s Aug. 15, 2019 press release that makes the record official. The previous record of 526 was set by Willie Mosconi in 1954. Willie Mosconi’s record of 526 stood for 65 years. SUPERIOR, COLO., August, 15, 2019 – The Billiard Congress of America would...
Memories of the Johnston City Hustler Jamborees

Memories of the Johnston City Hustler Jamborees

by | Aug 2, 2019 | Billiards Video, Historic Players, Historic Rooms, Hustler Stories, Jansco Brothers, Minnesota Fats

Pool history includes plenty of examples of grander tournaments but few were as colorful as those in Johnston City. I have been thinking a lot lately about the famous 1960s Johnston City tournaments, especially given the recent selection of tournament founders George and Paulie Jansco for posthumous induction into the Billiard Congress Hall of Fame.  The colorful tournaments in Southern...
Write for us! Guest Post Guidelines for PoolHistory.Com

Write for us! Guest Post Guidelines for PoolHistory.Com

by | Jul 15, 2019 | Historic Players, Historic Rooms, Historical Notes, Hustler Stories, Industry History

The Pool History Website accepts guest posts. W e accept guest posts. Interested in a historical pool match? A famous player from yesteryear? We pay a standard fee of $50 for accepted submissions upon publication. From left, Georgie Jansco, Eddie Taylor and Paulie Jansco We consider completed posts, as well as original pitches. Send queries to R.A. Dyer at poolhistory@gmail.com. Writers should...