During the, 60's, 70's Shorty and Ingy were the Best all around (Straight pool, Nine ball, 1 hole and 3C) players in Boston.
You also had Paul Melinchuk and Charlie DeValier, the latter not as good.
Played them All, 3C. In order, Charlie, Paul and Bob at, Olympic (The Mines) Billiards in the, 'Red Light' district. Played Shorty the first time at, McGirrs in 70. He gave me 3 on 25, we broke even.
A few years later, I went back to the, 'Boston' area, Dorchester. There was an All Night bowling/billiards room with two 3C tables. First time I ever saw, 'Candle Pin' bowling.
At McGirrs, other than Abe Rosen, the Best player was, Gene Levy. Tall thin guy in his 60's at the time, He had a guy in a wheelchair that used to stake him. First time I met, Frank (Little Frankie) Filerino. This Guy Gene beat me and Paul Jones out of about $1,800 with side bets. At first i couldn't figure how this "Old F**k" beat me. When we finished, Frankie came and asked where I was from, "I said Chicago." Frankie says, "You know my man, Freddy the Beard?" When I acknowledged, he comfited in me, "You got f**ked on that table." "Play him again tomorrow on another table." I called Freddy that night and asked about Frankie, He said, "Be careful, Frankie was schooled by Pancho and Johnny Ervolino!"
Behind Freddy's/Frankie's info, I went and played on a different table the next day. The whole joint bet on Gene! Paul and I took down about 6-7K. That's when Vinnie Spa called Shorty to come and play.