This Day in Pool History

Jun
4
Sun
1969: Death of George Jansco
Jun 4 all-day

Johnston City tournament promoters George Jansco dies on June 4, 1969 of a massive cerebral hemorrhage.

Jun
27
Tue
1913: Birth of Willie Mosconi
Jun 27 all-day

Willie Mosconi born in Philadelphia in June 27, 1913.

Jul
29
Sat
1934: Birth of Jack “Jersey Red” Breit
Jul 29 all-day

Jacob Jerome Breitkopf Jr. was born on this day at 4:39 a.m.  He later shortened his name to Jack Breit, but everyone knew him as Jersey Red. He is remembered as one of the nation’s finest and most colorful one-pocket players.

Jul
30
Sun
1960: Death of Walter Lindrum
Jul 30 all-day
1960: Death of Walter Lindrum

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.

Aug
26
Sat
1954: Birth of Efren Reyes
Aug 26 all-day

Pool legend Efren Reyes was born on Aug. 26, 1954.

2001: Jeanette Lee wins Gold in World Games
Aug 26 all-day
2001: Jeanette Lee wins Gold in World Games

Hall of fame player Jeanette Lee — better known to fans as The Black Widow — claimed multiple titles during the 1990s, eventually rose to the top of the rankings that decade and in ‘98 was declared the Women’s Professional Billiards Association Sportsperson of the Year. But one of her most noteworthy accomplishments occurred overseas, in Japan, during the World Games of 2001.

It was in that year, for the first time ever, that the World Games included cue sports — pool, snooker and three-cushion billiards — and Lee was among only five players selected to represent the United States in it. Many also considered her the most likely among them to take home gold.

The tournament ran Aug. 25-26, 2001. Read more here.

Aug
29
Tue
1898: Birth of Walter Lindrum
Aug 29 – Aug 28 all-day
1898: Birth of Walter Lindrum

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.

Sep
7
Thu
1865: Champion Louis Fox Dies after World Title Event
Sep 7 all-day

On Sept. 7, Louis Fox and John Deery, joint holders of the world billiards championship of 1864, meet in Washington Hall, Rochester, New York, to decide the 1865 title. According to an account of sports historian Menke: “Fox, far in the lead and on his way to winning, found himself bothered by a fly, which, despite ‘shooing,’ continued to light on the cue ball. Fox, excitingly trying to chase the fly, miscued, and it was Deery’s shot. Deery ran out the string to win the championship. The heart broken Fox rushed out of the hall to a river, leaped in, and was drowned.” [Source: Encyclopedia of Sports, by Frank G. Menke, 1939.]

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

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

1929: Birth of Harold Worst
Sep 29 all-day

Harold Worst, future three-cushion and pool champion, is born on Sept. 29, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

News and More

Hustler & the Champ on Kindle

R.A. Dyer's critically acclaimed biography of Willie Mosconi and Minnesota Fats available in hardback or Kindle.

Expanded edition of Hustler Days

Biography of Lassiter, Fats and Jersey Red, released originally in 2003, now updated with expanded content.

Pool History in Billiards Digest

R.A. Dyer writes about a startling new Minnesota Fats discovery in the November edition of Billiards Digest.

Dyer featured in documentary

R.A. Dyer appears in Swimming with Sharks documentary, included in the 50th anniversary edition of The Hustler.

Janscos Inducted into Hall of Fame

Pool promoters George and Paulie Jansco receive posthumous induction. Read R.A. Dyer's story.