Nicknames have been a time-honored tradition at every level of pool, from local poolroom chumps all the way to world champions. But in the world of the road players -- the  pool hustlers -- nicknames actually serve a genuine purpose: since they are often descriptive, or at least ‘catchy’, they are a big help in remembering and identifying competitors! And knowing the competition has always been a huge part of surviving on the road.

Traditionally, nicknames were earned in the trenches – and perhaps the most notorious for coming up with nicknames that stuck was none other than Minnesota Fats. The story is told that in the early 60’s, Danny Jones was so afraid of what Fats might come up with for a nickname for him, that he named himself before Fats could, Handsome Danny! Danny knew that the traditional combat-earned nicknames where not always flattering, by any means.

“Perhaps the most striking aspect of the pool and billiard hustler’s argot is its development and use of nicknames. Well over half of all full-time hustlers have nicknames which they use regularly. My impression is that the percentage of them who have nicknames is not only higher than among either professionals or hustlers in other sports, but is higher than in any other adult group in America…”

Hustlers, Beats and Others, by Ned Polsky

Published in 1967

Fats’ name is an interesting story in its own right. He was born Rudolf Wanderone, but as a talented and well-traveled hustler during the 30’s and 40’s he became Fats, or New York Fats, or Double Smart Fats, or even Triple Smart Fats. However, once Walter Tevis’s book and movie The Hustler came out, Fatty recognized a bit of himself in Tevis’s character, Minnesota Fats, and he recognized a golden opportunity. He actually sued -- and may even have won a small settlement – but in any case he adopted the name Minnesota Fats, and the rest, as they say, is history.

If you think pool nicknames are a thing of the past, just listen to the introductions at today’s tournaments! Of course some of the recent efforts seem just a little contrived, like maybe a PR professional dreamt them up instead of a fellow poolroom denizen. The best nicknames have always been catchy enough to stick, and it will be interesting to see if some of these new names have what it takes to last.

However, there is one excellent new medium for spreading the word that old-time road players never dreamed of, and that is the World Wide Web. In fact, pool and billiard message boards on the internet offer an interesting modern opportunity to give yourself a nickname, and as these forums gain members, you’re going to see lots more of this new generation of nicknames.  And why not, it’s a fun throwback to a great tradition.

The following index includes mostly players mentioned in books and articles that mention One Pocket players, including players mentioned in OnePocket.org interviews. Many are from the 60's, 70's and 80's. If you would like to make a correction, add some information about a player, or submit more names, please Contact Us or visit the Message Board here on OnePocket.org.

Want to establish your own nickname, the modern way? When you register for an internet forum, you do not need to use your ‘real name’, you have the opportunity to create your own on-line moniker. Well, choose it wisely, and if the forum offers to host a small photo of you – an avatar, as they are called – the association of your image with your screen name will beam out to millions of pool fans around the globe 24/7! Then, as you get out and travel to tournaments and other poolrooms, before you know it someone is going to identify you by your on-line moniker, and there you have it, a nickname is born, 21st Century style.

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