CaliRed
Verified Member
Please let us know more about him, for those of us that didn't know him, by telling us some stories of the man.
Please let us know more about him, for those of us that didn't know him, by telling us some stories of the man.
It saddens me to hear that one of our people has passed, especially one of our good ones. John was a Monster in stature and on the table, he was truly a gentlemen to play and his game was the opposite. He played a slow and solid game, rarely giving up a shot but knowing at all times when it was right to gamble. His style, skills, and determination and will to win made him as formidable opponent as there is. Rest In Peace JohnVery sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching him in action at Derby City -- never saw him on his home turf. I know he and Billy I played a couple times at DCC. Also saw him play Jeanette Lee. Some photos from those matches:
This one goes back to the Executive West in 2008
This was in 2009 probably one of the times he matched up with Billy I
This from two years ago
I would say that there wasn't much of a difference in the over all speed of the three players you mentioned. They were all extremely knowledgeable and very difficult to beat, they played well and very hard as was evidenced at the last DCC when an 80 year old Patcheye gave Harry Platis everything he could stand, and more.Rest in peace Monster John.
- Ghost
PS, Billy, Freddy, or any other old school guys who would know...who played the best/in what order, would you rank three of the top black southern one pocket players from back in their prime?:
Monster John, Strawberry, and Patcheye.
Rest in peace Monster John.
- Ghost
PS, Billy, Freddy, or any other old school guys who would know...who played the best/in what order, would you rank three of the top black southern one pocket players from back in their prime?:
Monster John, Strawberry, and Patcheye.
Still sick to my stomach over this...got a text @ 5:25 AM yesterday right after it happened. MJ was much more than a backroom legend to me, he was and will always be a true friend. Nothing he did suprised me on the table, I guess because I had seen him do so much and consistantly time and time again. His drive was incredible and to coin Freddie The Beard "He tries so hard he puts fingerprints in the slate". I know his funeral is Saturday in Jacksonville...when I know more Ill share.
RIP my brother, Im sure gonna miss hearing yell out to the rail;
"OK, BIG STEVE...NOW IM GONNA SQUEEEEZE HIM"
Rest in peace Monster John.
- Ghost
PS, Billy, Freddy, or any other old school guys who would know...who played the best/in what order, would you rank three of the top black southern one pocket players from back in their prime?:
Monster John, Strawberry, and Patcheye.
I know u asked this of Freddy and Billy ... but im gonna chime in only because I was an eye witness. Strawberry would only give Monster 8 to 7.
MonsterJohn asked for two balls but Straw did not feel especially charitable for a situation such as that(this is circa 1994).
No Tony, it's all good - I said for anybody to reply, who had input re. what I was asking.
- Ghost
I contacted the guy coordinating this to see if he wanted us to get involved also. Thanks.hoping this is not against forum rules but someone over on az billiards is working to get a headstone for John. anyone interested can check in that thread
http://forums.azbilliards.com//showthread.php?t=282168
I would say that there wasn't much of a difference in the over all speed of the three players you mentioned. They were all extremely knowledgeable and very difficult to beat, they played well and very hard as was evidenced at the last DCC when an 80 year old Patcheye gave Harry Platis everything he could stand, and more.
Dr. Bill
Funeral service for Mr. John 'Monster John' Rouse, Sr. will be held Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 1:00PM in the King Solomon United Baptist Church. He is survived by his children, Ericka Rouse and John Rouse, Jr.; 6 grandchildren; 1 brother, Clarence Rouse; and a host of other relatives and many friends. Mr. Rouse will rest in the mortuary for the visitation of friends on Friday, July 20, from 5-8PM. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Professional services provided by HOLMES-GLOVER-SOLOMON FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC., 4334 Brentwood Avenue.