Where Have All the Pool Players Gone?

Where Have All the Pool Players Gone?

By Jim Barber III, Winsted

Are all the pool players dead and go … Stop! I hope this is not true. This is why I am writing this story, with the hopes of rekindling the flame, the fire which used to burn inside of us pool players.

Times have changed and so have we. We have children and responsibilities, we have grown—but so has pool. It has gotten bigger and better than ever! Just check it out on television. There is greater coverage of tournaments, a women’s professional league, billiards at the Olympics, a pool tournament at the Mohegan Sun Casino on August 15, and more leagues and tournaments than ever to enter. There are billiards expos, national amateur eight ball and nine ball tournaments, tours and exhibitions—but where are the local pool players?

Can I mention some names? No? Okay: Mush, Townie, Skilty, John Boy, M. Twitchie, Stroke, Ing, Jimpson Old Chicken, Kid Shaleen, Bonehead, Don Don, Tweedie. Oh, there's more: Jim Bob, Steely Dan, Daktari, Cousin T, Dootles, Beaver, Billy G., Push Shot, and on and on. Are you too old to play? You never were too young!

There is a New England Billiard League (NEBL-BCA) on Monday nights at Connecticut Billiards in Torrington, an APA league locally as well as all over the state on Wednesday nights (or any night you'd like), the Camel Pool Players Association, a Pot of Gold league, NPA league, weekly tournaments, and New England tours. What are you looking for?

There are many places to play locally, including bars and clubs such as the Elks, Redmen, Knights of Columbus, and Eagles.

Connecticut Billiards on Winsted Road in Torrington has 16 Brunswicks, a bar table, two big-screen TVs in the pool area, food, video games, free pool for ages 21 and over on Monday through Friday from 6-8 p.m., and free pool for women from 8 p.m.-midnight on Mondays and Thursdays. Lessons are available.

There is a nice room on Main Street in Torrington called "On the Level Billiards." It has four Brunswicks, no smoking, no alcohol, is very clean and has great lighting and tables. There’s a nice atmosphere, extra-deep pockets, and lessons are available.

How about Valley Billiards in Unionville in back of Friendly's? This nice room offers 10 tables, no smoking, no alcohol, and lessons.

The Victorian Room in the Thomaston Bowling Alleys is a beautiful room with all refurbished tables; food and drink is available.

Now what else do you need? Do you need information on how to get into a league, how to start a team, how to get on a team? More league info? Directions? Lessons? Equipment? Do you want to participate in a national tournament? Nine ball? Eight ball? Las Vegas? Minnesota? Pennsylvania?

Do you want to enter a tournament? Start a women's league? Start a business vs. business league? Organization vs. organization league?

You name it and we can help you get started! Okay? Stop by Connecticut Billiards on Mondays from 7-10 p.m. with your questions (or cue). You can contact me at <cuemann@webtv.net>.

Fall leagues are starting soon. We can use players.