I remember when i first started playing pool in Stockton Ca the guys on the rail always talked about Cole, this was in 85. lots of rail birds and rail bets, chatter etc. I wanted to know everything and everyone in pool good, bad or otherwise.
Cole's name always popped up, and Kim/Keith the 2nd most. So naturally I had to see this "Cole" guy play, I was told lots about him and overheard more. I was in the pool rooms from 85-89 in NorCal constantly. The damnedest thing is I never once saw him, I either just missed him, I was in Sacramento he was in the Bay Area, it was always something-it defied all probabilities. I been in the pool room 100 nights when Keith was around, more with Kim, Ron Rosas, Chris MacDonald, the Mexican champions. Every one but Cole, how that happened i'll never know. Maybe he was scared of me
Just kidding, in all seriousness we never crossed paths. Never heard anything but good things about him and how strong he played, took the heat etc. Its rare to not hear negative things about people in pool, there are a few others in that category but its rare, and I can say with 100% certainty people only talked good about Cole, I have no reason to say otherwise. Mostly talked about how good he played, I remember this like it was yesterday. I'd hear he would be somewhere next week, i'd be there and he wasn't . This is the Gods honest truth.
I finally did see him years later at the Derby or somewhere, and on Youtube, pretty lame.
Then when I saw he was sick on AZB a while back I thought of this, kept my trap shut. it really bothered me, I have heard so much about him, from so many players, rail birds, guys that would be 100+ years old now, my friends my age and damn it if I never had the pleasure to see him play or make a bet.
I was reluctant to say anything as its a pretty lame story "We never met" story isnt the best, I know I missed out on lots not ever meeting Cole, It sure wasnt for lack of trying or being there. I'm not sure we ever will meet, i hope he gets better and we do someday.
Thanks for the update Billy/Mr.Beard
best
Eric
The lesson here for me is do what you have to do to meet the people you want to meet. I did that with Freddy, Billy when I got older, when I was young I was shy, missed out on lots.