In Philly watching the Rabbit play Joe Veasey was more entertaining than seeing any comedy show on TV. Good one pocket, but gr8 entertainment.
Veasey came to California with Alibi Al and they had us convinced Al was the best player until the pool detectives got the word out.
Two of pools many characters, I can still see Veasey with a big cigar hanging out of his mouth holding court.
He was not one of my favorites after he dumped a friend of mine. I chewed him out a bit because this was a good guy who helped everyone he could. Joe said 'You get busted a few thousand miles from home and see what you would do'.
You're a warrior and a true competitor, not many left like you John. I admire you for your willingness to play and your stamina, you just keep on keeping on. It's been a pleasure knowing you and watching you as you relentlessly pursue what keeps you going..playing action pool. What a life, hope you keep it going forever.
Dr. Bill
Keone, was the Gene the Machine you're referring to a red-haired guy with a great stroke, and loved his beer? If so, I met him at Mr. Pockets on 6th St. in the late '60s. He was still working then, but soon gave it up for the life of the pool scuff. Last I saw of him, he was working at Chopsticks Billiards out on Victory in N. Hollywood, where Hollywood Jack was the de facto houseman....
It was a great time. I saw Bernie Schwartz, Richie Ambrose, Gene the Machine, Dalton Leong (road partner to Earl), Marvin Henderson, Hawaiian Brian, Hippy Jimmy and Barbara (Jack Cooneys wife), Cole Dickson, Cecil the Serpent, etc etc.
...
Yes but there was also another Gene. Gene Nagy who popped in once. The guys from the east coast jaws just dropped. I said who is that. They said thats Gene. He plays like a machine. Ran over 400 balls once. He mentored The Black Widow, who has runs in the hundreds.Keone, was the Gene the Machine you're referring to a red-haired guy with a great stroke, and loved his beer? If so, I met him at Mr. Pockets on 6th St. in the late '60s. He was still working then, but soon gave it up for the life of the pool scuff. Last I saw of him, he was working at Chopsticks Billiards out on Victory in N. Hollywood, where Hollywood Jack was the de facto houseman.
I miss those great L.A. rooms like Celebrity Billiards on Vine St., Hollywood-Western, Mr. Pockets, Ye Billiard Den, Chopsticks, N. Hyd Billiards, Romy's, etc. It was a fascinating era.
~Doc
Damon Runyanish characters abound throughout the life and times of the wonderful game of pool. Most of us have fond memories of our time spent in "The Golden Years" and for us, they truly were Golden Years. I'm fairly positive this would apply to all generations of pool players throughout the history of the game.
Like Dr. Bill, I'm very fond of the years I spent in and around pool rooms all across America. It was educational, not in the academic sense, but street wise, complete with some of the worlds most colorful and lethal characters! I've been beat and flat broke in some of the best cities in the U.S.A., and I wouldn't change a thing. One exception.... I'd have come back sooner for more!!!
Nice thread Bill,
Thanks
Its a whole sub-culture, an underworld, a world of it's own. It has it's own language and it's own rules and values. It's like taking a trip to another country and its just down the street under the billiard sign. What a life. I'm proud to have shared it with you guys.
petie;182813 It has it's own language
Keone, was the Gene the Machine you're referring to a red-haired guy with a great stroke, and loved his beer? If so, I met him at Mr. Pockets on 6th St. in the late '60s. He was still working then, but soon gave it up for the life of the pool scuff. Last I saw of him, he was working at Chopsticks Billiards out on Victory in N. Hollywood, where Hollywood Jack was the de facto houseman.
I miss those great L.A. rooms like Celebrity Billiards on Vine St., Hollywood-Western, Mr. Pockets, Ye Billiard Den, Chopsticks, N. Hyd Billiards, Romy's, etc. It was a fascinating era.
~Doc
"Dummy up, sucker."
"George."
"Tom."
jar
lemon
arm
air
horse
pony
whale
go-off
whitey
rock
boodle
flash
right mix
thru ticket
rail
rail bird
scuff
shortstop
stall
dump
dog
cshekkkk (clearing throat)
hand to the heart
weight
shrimp
=================
Gimme some more!
Yeah, that's undoubtedly a different Gene. I was only in Romy's on 4th & Main a couple of times. I was a habitue of Tiff Payne's room in N. Hyd then. I went into Romy's to investigate, and to play some friendly 3C. Hell, the guy that brushed the tables could probably run 20 points. I think Henderson spent a lot of time there. In fact he probably made their nut every week.Yes but there was also another Gene. Gene Nagy who popped in once. The guys from the east coast jaws just dropped. I said who is that. They said thats Gene. He plays like a machine. Ran over 400 balls once. He mentored The Black Widow, who has runs in the hundreds.
Romy's on Main Street was another great, great joint. All the best Mexican players played there. Young Ernesto and Rafael. You could go in and ask if anyone had a tv for sale and they would just take your order and tell you to be back tomorrow.
Hollywood Jack was a great unsung hero though. Great hustler. Kiefer Sutherland loved him so much he went out and bought Jack a car once.
Hollywood Jack - Jack Cooney?
No. Hollywood Jack ran/owned Hollywood Billiards in LA for a while. Best game was snooker on a tight 5 x 10. I first played him there in the late 50's.
A true character and pool scuff who was well liked around Los Angeles and the Valley. There is a nice article about him on this site somewhere.
No. Hollywood Jack ran/owned Hollywood Billiards in LA for a while. Best game was snooker on a tight 5 x 10. I first played him there in the late 50's.
A true character and pool scuff who was well liked around Los Angeles and the Valley. There is a nice article about him on this site somewhere.