Mary Kenniston
Verified Member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2011
- Messages
- 84
I’ve just heard the sad news that Larry Hubbart has passed away. Although Larry was known by most as the co-founder of the American Poolplayers Association (APA) with Terry Bell, many don’t know that Larry was one of the top players of his day - in an era filled with great players.
In the days when nicknames were not self-chosen but bestowed upon them by other players, he was tagged “The Ice Man” – known for his nerves of steel. Originally from the legendary Irving Crane’s hometown of Rochester, NY, Larry was both a very successful tournament player and road man. On one of his infrequent trips home, a straight-shooting kid caught his eye. He took a young Mike Sigel under his wing and, together, they tore up the country.
Larry won many tournaments including the 1975 National 9 Ball Championship, the 1976 Nine Ball Tournament of Champions, the 1977 World Open 9 Ball Championship, the 1979 US Open 8 Ball Championship, the 1980 Akron Open & his last major win, the 1983 Texas River City Open 9 Ball Championship. He had many other high finishes and continued to compete in professional events into the late ‘90s. Larry was on the Meucci Staff of Champions and was one of the first to have Bob build him his own line of cues.
In the late ‘70s, Larry brainstormed with Terry Bell and came up with the idea of a nationwide league with a handicapping system that would allow players of all skill levels, male and female, to compete on an even playing field. Through various incarnations such as the American Pool League, the Bud Light Pool League and the Camel Pool League, finally in 1981, the American Poolplayers Association (APA) was born. The APA has developed into an organization which is the governing body of amateur pool in the United States, Canada and Japan and oversees over 250,000 players and produces three annual championship events.
In 2010, Larry, along with longtime friend and business partner, Terry Bell, was inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame.
My condolences to his wife, Nancy, his family, friends and all who loved him. RIP, Larry…
In the days when nicknames were not self-chosen but bestowed upon them by other players, he was tagged “The Ice Man” – known for his nerves of steel. Originally from the legendary Irving Crane’s hometown of Rochester, NY, Larry was both a very successful tournament player and road man. On one of his infrequent trips home, a straight-shooting kid caught his eye. He took a young Mike Sigel under his wing and, together, they tore up the country.
Larry won many tournaments including the 1975 National 9 Ball Championship, the 1976 Nine Ball Tournament of Champions, the 1977 World Open 9 Ball Championship, the 1979 US Open 8 Ball Championship, the 1980 Akron Open & his last major win, the 1983 Texas River City Open 9 Ball Championship. He had many other high finishes and continued to compete in professional events into the late ‘90s. Larry was on the Meucci Staff of Champions and was one of the first to have Bob build him his own line of cues.
In the late ‘70s, Larry brainstormed with Terry Bell and came up with the idea of a nationwide league with a handicapping system that would allow players of all skill levels, male and female, to compete on an even playing field. Through various incarnations such as the American Pool League, the Bud Light Pool League and the Camel Pool League, finally in 1981, the American Poolplayers Association (APA) was born. The APA has developed into an organization which is the governing body of amateur pool in the United States, Canada and Japan and oversees over 250,000 players and produces three annual championship events.
In 2010, Larry, along with longtime friend and business partner, Terry Bell, was inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame.
My condolences to his wife, Nancy, his family, friends and all who loved him. RIP, Larry…