This Day in Pool History

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

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

Mar
2
Sat
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. 

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

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

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. 

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

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

Mar
2
Mon
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. 

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

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

Mar
2
Tue
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. 

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

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

Mar
2
Thu
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. 

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.