Willie Mosconi was a great pocket pool player. His many trick shots are what make him a legend in pocket pool. He holds several world records. He is an icon of the sport because of his skills and good looks.
Willie Mosconi, a Philadelphian, was born June 27, 1913. Joseph Mosconi, his father, was a boxer, and Helen O'Reilly was his mother. Willie was a child when pool was introduced to him. At age six, he started competing in tournaments. His experience in tournaments led him to becoming a professional billiards player.
Willie began to play for cash in the 1930s. He earned $10,000 to $15,000 per annum. His earnings increased dramatically after the Great Depression. Because of his success, he was capable of helping his family through difficult times. Gloria, his child, was born to him in 1953. She went on to become an accounting professional. Paul, her younger son, became an accountant.
In the mid-1950s, Mosconi took a cross-country exhibition tour. During this tour, he met Ralph Greenleaf. Although Greenleaf didn't want to play against Mosconi but he accepted. Mosconi had a great time on the tour. He sunk 526 consecutive ball during the tour. The record was later confirmed.
Willie Mosconi wrote instructional books on the game eventually. These books include Willie Mosconi, Pocket Billiards (Ziff-Davis Publishing Company), 1948, and Winning Pocket Billiards [Crown Publishers], 1959].
He published many articles on billiards. He was a consultant to the Brunswick Corporation. He also appeared on a number of television games shows.
Before his death from a heart attack in 1984, Mosconi was still active in promoting the sport. Neben his work at the Brunswick Corporation was he also an active stakes holder in "The Hustler", the 1961 movie that featured Minnesota Fats. He was also the technical adviser for the 1961 movie.
Willie Mosconi played an important role in introducing billiards into the lives of new generations. He won thirteen World Championships by his final day. He was inducted in the Straight Pool Hall of Fame.
Despite his fame Willie Mosconi disliked the life at a pool table. He traveled across the country to participate in tournaments. He was also a rival to Fast Eddie Felson of Minnesota Fats.
He was a true pool fan. He also wrote articles regarding pool. He attempted to separate it from the image of drunks it is associated with. He was a member of the Billiard Congress of America. He ultimately contributed to the global growth of the sport.
Willie Mosconi was a mentor to Paul Newman as an adult in the art and technique of billiards. He was instantly recognisable on TV and in films. One of his most memorable performances was the George Thorogood George Thorogood video for the song Bad to the Bone.
Mosconi, 64, died of a heart attack. His wife, Ann, remarried.