tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10665163743872886452024-03-04T20:41:40.211-08:00Untold Stories: Wimpy LassiterThis is one of a series of pool history blogs hosted by author R.A. Dyer. Check back regularly for the newest interview excerpts, documents and other archival material related to pocket billiards history. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.poolhistory.com">www.poolhistory.com</a> or the main <a href="http://untoldstoriesbilliardshistory.blogspot.com/">Untold Stories</a> pool history blog.R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-77421230022755360212017-04-02T09:37:00.000-07:002017-04-02T09:37:13.544-07:00St. Elmo: Favorite Haunt of Wimpy Lassiter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XCk2-BX8lM7be4tTSkVtOXsqErjOghi4bofTmAsFsPLc0slO868x5doAPyyPJL4cX4FzhWagTCF-vpgYpyUaI4WqEnAEbaksMua_RVzN3zO9jCLohkxBH4Bx9C8kL7955ytHojf2Gfcd/s1600/St.+Elmos+Billiards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XCk2-BX8lM7be4tTSkVtOXsqErjOghi4bofTmAsFsPLc0slO868x5doAPyyPJL4cX4FzhWagTCF-vpgYpyUaI4WqEnAEbaksMua_RVzN3zO9jCLohkxBH4Bx9C8kL7955ytHojf2Gfcd/s400/St.+Elmos+Billiards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.virginiamemory.com/blogs/dark-side/2013/05/31/st-elmo-billiards-norfolk-virginia-ca-1914/">photo of the St. Elmo</a> pool hall in Norfolk, Virginia. It was the favorite haunt of the world famous Wimpy Lassiter and also was featured in the book, Hustler Days, which is available from online retailers. It was taken by photographer Harry C. Mann and is available under common licensing from the Library of Virginia.<br />
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You also can learn more about the pool hall and Lassiter in the book, <a href="http://poolhistory.com/books/hustler_days.html">Hustler Days</a>, which is available online.<br />
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Former sailor John Pizzuto was a St. Elmo's regular during the late 1960s. He sends us this brief recollection of his time there.<br />
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<i>"Most of the players had a nickname, mine was Sailorboy. I kept Sam Bass in beer money Saturday afternoons, getting straight pool "lessons" from him. Carolina kept my cue behind the bar when we were out to sea. I played golf and straight pool with Old Red. He was pretty old and towards the end of my time there, he didn't come in very often. At the time he seemed like he was in his 70s. Some of the other regulars were Cab Driver, Onion Head Red and a pretty good player named Cash McCall. He ran a bartending school. </i><br />
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<i>One Saturday afternoon, I was practicing alone. One of the regulars egged me into asking "that old man in the chair" to play some nine ball. I walked over and asked, but he politely declined. I awkwardly offered him a spot. He shook his head. As I walked back to my table, the regulars all started laughing, asking me if I knew who that was. By then, I figured it must be Wimpy. I had heard he came in from time to time, but I had never seen him. I walked back over to where he was sitting and offered my hand in apology. He shook it with his left."</i>R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-2902172848867080882011-05-15T08:06:00.000-07:002011-05-15T09:33:51.381-07:00PoolSynergy 19: The Norfolk Glory Years<div style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Greatest Pool Town In American History</b>?</span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wimpy Lassiter</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>T</b></span>here are pool meccas and then there are <i>pool meccas.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Our <a href="http://www.poolstudent.com/poolsynergy_schedule/">PoolSynergy</a> task this month is to pick one and write about it. But as I deal with history here, for my essay I’ll reach back into time to describe what has been described as one of the greatest pool towns ever.</span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I’m not talking <a href="http://untoldstoriesgeorgejansco.blogspot.com/">Johnston City</a>. I’m not talking Los Angeles or Chicago. I’m talking about Norfolk, Virginia, during World War II: the town where <a href="http://untoldstorieswimpylassiter.blogspot.com/">Wimpy Lassiter </a>was king. Norfolk was the home of the the famous Tuxedo, the town’s main action room. The Tuxedo was located downtown, on City Hall avenue. But there was also St. Elmo, with the flashing ball and stick above the door, and the Monroe and the Eureka. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCXOEqRuIfY5sd03nKzf5wZ52krvWie7-YSinrwGWkRr0AXhsox-UyfD2D5VYecII1du0F53M-RcGskRj71sHs9fjMnR3P8xiSg_9KNBxifNuwLlpin13MoRfXDXRSl8oh0Lt5GV5g13c/s320/poolsynergy6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCXOEqRuIfY5sd03nKzf5wZ52krvWie7-YSinrwGWkRr0AXhsox-UyfD2D5VYecII1du0F53M-RcGskRj71sHs9fjMnR3P8xiSg_9KNBxifNuwLlpin13MoRfXDXRSl8oh0Lt5GV5g13c/s200/poolsynergy6.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">I describe Norfolk at great length in my book <a href="http://www.poolhistory.com/books/hustler_days.html">Hustler Days</a>, which chronicles <a href="http://untoldstorieswimpylassiter.blogspot.com/2010/03/memories-of-norfolk-and-wimpy-lassiter.html">Wimpy Lassiter's rise to greatness</a> there. Norfolk was a navy city, and the sailors and shipbuilders flooded in during World War II, tripling the city's population. This meant: <i>suckers</i>.<span style="font-style: normal;"> And so the sharks came too, men like Andrew Ponzi, Johnny Irish, <a href="http://untoldstoriesragsfitzpatrick.blogspot.com/">Rags Fitzpatrick</a>, Earl Shriver, <a href="http://untoldstoriesminnesotafats.blogspot.com/">New York Fats</a>, Joe Canton. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And of course there was Lassiter, remembered today as one of the greatest nine-ball players in American history. He won and lost several small fortunes in Norfolk. An old friend of Lassiter’s, Rusty Miller, explained to me how <a href="http://untoldstorieswimpylassiter.blogspot.com/2010/09/wimpy-lassiters-world-war-ii-records.html">the former Coast Guard man</a> would skip off the boat at night, looking for action. “All these people were making bucketsful and bucketsful of money,” said Miller, who was in his teens during the war years. “They had so, so much money. I was used to playing for 50 cents or $1 nine-ball. I remember walking into a poolroom and I saw Wimpy playing $250 a game – and this was 1944! I was totally flabbergasted.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassiter was stationed on a Coast Guard vessel in Norfolk.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Miller remembered as many as six poolrooms in Norfolk, all within walking distance of each other. There were payoffs to the cops and wide-open bookmaking, he said.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> "The Coast Guard pay started at $21 a month, but Wimpy would pay $50 a night (for a shipmate to take his duties). The kids on the ship would line up to stand in for Wimpy (so he could leave the ship and gamble). At a salary of $21 a month, that $50 per night looked pretty good."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Norfolk was also the home of the Commando Club, an illegal nightspot owned by a well-to-do gambler named Whitey. Whitey would boast that he easily cleared $10,000 weekly off his entertainment ventures. And it was money Whitey was willing to gamble. “All the pool players migrated to Norfolk to play Whitey pool,” said Miller. “I remember seeing him lose $22,000 in a single day. And the next day, the same guy (who beat Whitey) lost most of that money. I saw every famous pool player known to man come to Norfolk to play Whitey.” </span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubIqX5CK0Z6oA4EACfoDQm2Hp4KzEkZTJwjibaq0KiS2ofN3i0pRQ8jc7oH4_lWzYmVqLT1wqZmmy5gP14BHV6k_ewmRPD6XomFxDzcc0BMOJKhMl-NwVKfaV-C26gGJ05JJZtYRiH7-h/s220/hustler_days_book_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubIqX5CK0Z6oA4EACfoDQm2Hp4KzEkZTJwjibaq0KiS2ofN3i0pRQ8jc7oH4_lWzYmVqLT1wqZmmy5gP14BHV6k_ewmRPD6XomFxDzcc0BMOJKhMl-NwVKfaV-C26gGJ05JJZtYRiH7-h/s220/hustler_days_book_cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More about Norfolk in Hustler Days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was also against Whitey, in Norfolk, that Lassiter played what has been described as one of the greatest money matches of all time. As Miller remembered it, Lassiter had just beat Whitey of $5,000 playing nine-ball. “Whitey quit him, and then when he quit, Whitey’s throw-away line was: ‘How would you like to play one game of straight pool for $5,000? Just one?’</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> “Wimpy looked at him and said, ‘Well, yeah’ – and they played one game of straight pool for $5,000.” The game was set, Wimpy gave Whitey a giant spot ... and then Wimpy managed to sink just<i> eight </i>balls. Whitey, meanwhile, got to 98. That is, the club owner was just two points from victory. And that's when Wimpy got back to the table. “And then Wimpy ran 82 and out,” said Miller. “I watched it with my own two eyes.”</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">About PoolSynergy</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PoolSynergy is an online collaborative effort by pool and billiard bloggers, in which each agrees to write about a single theme. PoolSynergy submissions are published simultaneously by each of the participating blogs on the 15th of every month. To read a list of the other fine contributions this month, check out the JB Cases blog, which you can find </span></i><a href="http://www.johnny101.com/post/2011/04/15/Pool-Synergy-Your-Favorite-Game.aspx"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://jbcases.com/caseblog/2011/05/14/pool-synergy-volume-19-pool-meccas/">here</a>.</span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="mailto:hustlerdays@yahoo.com"><b>-- R.A. Dyer</b></a></span></div>R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-53250288913332980542010-11-07T09:27:00.001-08:002014-07-06T11:59:02.818-07:00The History of High Rolling<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lassiter & Fats</i></span>:<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Big Bets in Today's Dollars</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>9-ball genius Luther Lassiter</i></b></span></td></tr>
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This is what <a href="http://untoldstorieswimpylassiter.blogspot.com/">Luther Lassiter </a>said about Norfolk, Virginia, back in the 1940s: "Greatest pool town that's ever been. You had five or six people there who were really gambling. People had lots of cash, and players from all over the country -- anybody that played for money at all -- came to Norfolk."</div>
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Lassiter was a prince among the Norfolk hustlers during his World War II Coast Guard years. During one particularly memorable straight pool match-up Wimpy took $5,000 from a club owner. You can read all about it in <a href="http://www.poolhistory.com/books/hustler_days.html">Hustler Days</a>.</div>
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The size of that $5,000 wager -- and the heart Lassiter needed to win it -- got me to thinking. That amount of money is a lot, even today. After all, many of the regional tournaments even now pay less for first place. Shane Van Boening also <a href="http://untoldstoriesbilliardshistory.blogspot.com/2010/10/van-boening-beats-immonen-in-shoot-out.html">recently won $10,000</a> from Mika Immonen, but it took him three days to do it. But Lassiter won his money during a single game in the 1940s. During those years $5,000 was a king's ransom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH56glEZ89nfgPFLDsIQOm-cA05YkmrEvN1r_YxbwuhEIcJzQlaRMni5KVuZmRs0vAZzUcv5TCh9Y612WkhQLyPkOdpeGaIrvnruwfGkO_UwyKiwDlRLwtE9drAAT8ZilNWAMPtRnlxdOZ/s320/huster_champ_bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH56glEZ89nfgPFLDsIQOm-cA05YkmrEvN1r_YxbwuhEIcJzQlaRMni5KVuZmRs0vAZzUcv5TCh9Y612WkhQLyPkOdpeGaIrvnruwfGkO_UwyKiwDlRLwtE9drAAT8ZilNWAMPtRnlxdOZ/s200/huster_champ_bookcover.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></div>
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You can find various inflation calculators on the Internet. Here's a<a href="http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl"> link</a> to one. It's from the government's Bureau of Labor Statistics. So how much is $5,000, wagered in 1946, valued in today's dollars? According to the inflation calculator: <i>$61,000! </i>During a 100-point game of straight pool Lassiter's opponent was within just two balls of taking the cash. That's when Lassiter ran 92 and out. Talk about heart.</div>
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There are other references to historic wagers. For instance, <a href="http://untoldstoriesminnesotafats.blogspot.com/">Minnesota Fats </a>won about $20,000 from Richie Florence and two others in <a href="http://untoldstoriesgeorgejansco.blogspot.com/">Johnston City,</a> back in 1971. You can read about that encounter in <a href="http://www.poolhistory.com/books/hustler_champ.html">The Hustler & the Champ</a>. How much would $20,000 be valued today? More than $117,000, according to the inflation calculator. However, unlike Lassiter's score, it took Fats a couple of weeks to win all that money.</div>
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I've also came across a reference to a $250 wager between Alfredo De Oro and Charles Otis back in 1916. It was a private bet between the two players before their championship billiards match held in Havana, Cuba. In today's dollars, the wager would have amounted to more than $5,000. De Oro, then considered the greatest player ever, was said to have put up his own money. Otis was staked.</div>
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Have a story about a particularly memorable wager from yesteryear? Send me the details, and we'll plug it into the inflation calculator.</div>
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<a href="mailto:hustlerdays@yahoo.com"><b>-- R.A. Dyer</b></a></div>
R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-52815028137060433252010-09-30T07:12:00.001-07:002010-09-30T07:12:32.663-07:00Wimpy Lassiter's World War II records<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/Escape6_Color_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/Escape6_Color_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Wimpy Lassiter spent most of World War II on one of three Coast Guard cutters, all of which operated just off Norfolk. The Navy subsumed the Coast Guard during the war, and the cutters were tasked with picking men from the burning wreckage of German u-boat attacks. But by all accounts, Lassiter made for a terrible sailor. Eyewitnesses tell us that he was sick most of the time. Lassiter himself told a friend that he he wanted to crawl off and die because of the motion sickness.<br />
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While researching <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hustler-Days-Minnesota-Lassiter-Americas/dp/1592281044/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2">Hustler Days</a> I reviewed Lassiter's military records and put together a time line. I've reproduced it below. You might come across a few of my typos here and there because this is pretty much how the time line appeared in my raw, unedited notes. I find the entry for May 8, 1943 particularly instructive. The military records for that day indicate that Wimpy neither desired a job, nor had requested to attend a service school. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as Wimpy already was making himself rich in <a href="http://untoldstorieswimpylassiter.blogspot.com/2010/03/memories-of-norfolk-and-wimpy-lassiter.html">Norfolk</a>. He was said to have amassed several hundred thousand dollars in pool winnings in the pool halls during these years -- and remember, this was the 1940s. Under such circumstances, why would he want to attend a service school?<br />
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Lassiter would go on to win eight major 14.1 titles during the 1960s -- and that's not counting his four straight pool victories <span class="text_exposed_show">at <a href="http://untoldstoriesgeorgejansco.blogspot.com/">Johnston City</a>. He also picked up five nine ball championships in Johnston City, a Johnston City one-pocket victory, and he won the Johnston City all-around championship five times.</span> <br />
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I've also posted this time line of his early years in my separate Wimpy Lassiter blog. You can find it<a href="http://untoldstorieswimpylassiter.blogspot.com/"> here</a>.<br />
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<b>Total time in Service: Three years, 10 months, and 7 days.</b><br />
<b>Spent time aboard vessels: CG 83511, CG 74307, CG 74306</b><br />
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<b>September 1934 - Dec. 14, 1937</b><br />
Attended high school. In letter by Edgar E. Bundy, Superintendent of Schools to recruiting board, Wimpy was said to have left school for work. <br />
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<b>1938-1940</b><br />
Employed by J.C. Connery, Burgess Street, Grocer man (according to Coast Guard application), drinks intoxicating liquors on ``rare occasion,’’ never convicted of crime.<br />
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<b>April 2, 1941</b><br />
Walks into recruiting station, Norfolk, to sign up. Signs special temporary enlistment contract.<br />
Employment was shown as clerk; enlisted or three years; described as 22 years old, 5’10’’, weighing 136.5, with blue eyes, black hair, fair complexion,<br />
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<b>April 22, 1941</b><br />
Receives physical examination that reports:<br />
20-20 vision, not color blind, hearing normal, height 70 inches, weight 136.5 pounds, chest (exhale) 34; (inhale) 31<br />
pulse before exercise 84, after exercise 100, after three minutes 84.<br />
Tonsillectomy, 1931. <br />
Age 22 years, 6 months. <br />
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<b>April 25, 1941</b><br />
A form he fills out shows no experience in any trade.<br />
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<b>May 1, 1941</b><br />
Accepted for service in Norfolk, VA<br />
Receives clothing bounty pay of $112.75<br />
Immediately transferred (at 2:30 p.m. that day) to Curtis Bay, Maryland for training.<br />
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<b>May 1, 1941</b><br />
In designation of Beneficiaries for Death Gratuity, names mom, Florence L. Lassiter as beneficiary. No mention of dad. Signed by recruiting officer.<br />
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<b>Aug. 12, 1941</b><br />
Requests transfer to Elizabeth City, where Wimpy understands vacancies exist in Seaman branch.<br />
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<b>Aug. 27, 1941</b><br />
Transfer denied.<br />
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<b>Sept. 1, 1941</b><br />
Advance from rating from Seaman to Seaman second class.<br />
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<b>Dec. 2, 1941 (1730)</b> <br />
Depart for temporary duty, course of instruction at the Internal Combustion Engine School, Norfolk, upon completion report to the senior Coast Guard officer, Fifth Naval District, for assignment.<br />
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<b>Dec. 3, 1941-Feb. 14, 1942</b><br />
Class assembles. Names of classmates listed in records.<br />
special qualifications record shows:<br />
``Norfolk training station, 2-14-42, completed operators’ course in Internal Combustion Engines, with a final mark of 76.3 or 3.1, 43rd in a class of 45 men.’’<br />
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<b>Dec. 6, 1941</b><br />
World War II begins.<br />
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<b>Feb. 21, 1942</b><br />
Transfer to CG-140 (There is some uncertainty on this entry)<br />
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<b>Nov. 17, 1942</b><br />
Also shows him aboard CG 73406<br />
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<b>March 21, 1942-Nov. 20, 1944</b><br />
transfer to CG 74306<br />
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<b>June 8, 1942</b><br />
Raises in rank to Ffc (something first class -- uncertainty on this entry)<br />
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<b>March 15, 1942</b><br />
landing party boat training, New River, N.C..<br />
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<b>Nov. 17, 1942</b><br />
promoted to machinist mate second class<br />
<br />
<b>May 31, 43</b><br />
Becomes machinist mate first class<br />
<br />
<b>July 31 1943</b><br />
Trains on Camp Glen Rifle Range, receives expert rifleman’s medal on 14 Aug. 1943.<br />
<br />
<b>April 30, 1944</b><br />
Enlistment involuntarily extended for the duration of war, plus six months.<br />
Vessel Designation: CG 74307, at CG base: 05-013<br />
<br />
<b>May 1, 1944</b><br />
Enlistment involuntarily extended for duration of war, plus six months.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>May 8, 1943 </b><br />
Coast Guard Enlisted Qualification Card Shows:<br />
7 years grammar school, ending in 1931; three years High School, ending in 1934 (which means six years of playing pool before the service)<br />
And Grades of 80 in social studies, 66 in Arithmetic, and 79 in Mechanical aptitude. Shows no service schools qualified for, and no service schools desired. Weight then: 158 pounds. Main occupation: no jobs.<br />
Says:``No jobs, no service schools desired.’’<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Nov. 7, 1944 (1145) -Nov. 24, 1944</b><br />
Received inpatient treatment for Pyelonephritis<br />
Vessel designation CG-74306<br />
<br />
<b>Nov. 20, 1944-Nov. 29, 44</b><br />
Aboard CG 74306<br />
<br />
<b>Nov. 29, 1944 through Sept. 12, 1945</b><br />
stationed aboard CG 74307<br />
<br />
<b>Sept. 12, 1945</b><br />
On leave, from vessel CG 74307<br />
<br />
<b>Sept 16, 1945 </b><br />
Transferred to CG 83511 for duty, CG Patrol Base, Municipal Pier, Norfolk, VA; apparently from CG 74307<br />
<br />
<b>Oct. 1, 1945</b><br />
Letter from J.I. Crews states:<br />
``Lassiter ... has completed a continuous period of three years’ active service on 4 April, 1944, with no mark in conduct of less than 4.0. Accordingly, appropriate entry has been made of the service record and above named man has been authorized to wear appropriate (ribbon) in lieu of issue of actual award at this time.’’<br />
<br />
<b>Oct. 10, 1945</b><br />
1300 hours<br />
Letter addressed to Wimpy in Norfolk, Virginia says,<br />
``Proceed to: Portsmouth, Virginia,<br />
CO.CG Personnel Separation Center, No. 5, Crawford Street<br />
Discharge from the Coast Guard on Draft No. Nornor-56.’’<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>October 11, 1945</b><br />
Discharge papers show that he weighs 161 pounds. Apparently gained 25 pounds in the service (up from 136.5 pounds)<br />
<br />
<b>October 12, 1945</b><br />
Discharged in service<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:hustlerdays@yahoo.com"><b>-- R.A. Dyer</b></a>R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-70118864482908196082010-08-15T10:17:00.001-07:002010-08-15T10:21:19.609-07:00Pool Synergy 10: Don "Cincinnati Kid" Willis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.gcaba.com/willis/willis26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.gcaba.com/willis/willis26.jpg" width="145" /></a>The two out-of-towners are relatively short men, in their thirties, the unfortunate age when the paunch begins to show. Neither carries a pool cue. They've appeared unannounced and unexpected in a back-water pool room, which they immediately size up. <i>Who in here has some gamble to them? </i> They get a table. They rack for nine-ball. They start shooting.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/32/55755102_562070e5e8_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/32/55755102_562070e5e8_m.jpg" width="121" /></a>"Remember how I beat that boy down in Nixonton," says one, a bit over loudly. He makes his shot, but it wobbles in. "Kid never had a chance." He blasts in another ball, but the shape is awful. "Look at that," he says, admiring his own game. "Ever seen anything like it?" He keeps shooting, keeps boasting. He makes some balls and he misses some. He plays passable pool. Not great pool, but passable pool. And yet he keeps on. The boasts keep getting bigger. Louder. <i>Remember this? Remember that?</i><br />
<br />
And then here it comes. Here it comes. He looks over to the local boy at the next table.<i> Hell, I bet I can even beat this guy right here, </i>he says.<i> Hey buddy you wanna play?</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTxZDvQcselauYfYCnN9JigUVAYjgaHMQz4hcH53qrr_dSXQhICh3fm-fJiotEwkTU3Fa5mL5bFwhiBTafJBpM7vMlFRy5atYpUihs-7IDEIRFJaA7wFK38VOd7FYgxbQiF0jgeiTpP9k/s1600/poolsynergy6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTxZDvQcselauYfYCnN9JigUVAYjgaHMQz4hcH53qrr_dSXQhICh3fm-fJiotEwkTU3Fa5mL5bFwhiBTafJBpM7vMlFRy5atYpUihs-7IDEIRFJaA7wFK38VOd7FYgxbQiF0jgeiTpP9k/s320/poolsynergy6.png" width="320" /></a>Maybe the local says yes and maybe he says no. Maybe he has these strangers pegged as hustlers, or maybe he has them pegged as hapless and helpless braggarts. It doesn't really matter. This is how it starts: A few games a passable pool, a few boasts, some loud taunts. And then the trap is sprung. In less time than one might expect the challenge is met. Some hot shot local will approach the strangers or someone will call in a ringer from the pay phone.<i> Hurry down. Bring your stick. </i>When the hustle works just right, when the know-nothings are loud enough and the locals are sufficiently irritated, whoever steps up will have some gamble to him.<br />
<br />
And then it's all over.<br />
<br />
This is the Big Hurrah hustle, performed regularly over several years by Wimpy Lassiter and his road partner <a href="http://www.gcaba.com/willis.htm">Don Willis.</a> That's a picture of Willis at the upper left and Lassiter at the right. The task we've been assigned for this month's <a href="http://forumghost516.wordpress.com/2010/08/15/pool-synergy-volume-10-support/">Pool Synergy</a> edition is to write about a pool player's support network. As this blog is devoted to pool history I've decided to devote my essay to Don Willis, Lassiter's long-time wing man.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://untoldstorieswimpylassiter.blogspot.com/">Lassiter</a>, of course, is a man that all serious pool players should already have heard of. He dominated the <a href="http://untoldstoriesgeorgejansco.blogspot.com/">Johnston City tournaments</a> during the 1960s and is still considered by many as the greatest nine-ball player of all time. Lassiter also won and lost a fortune in Norfolk during his World War II Coast Guard days.<br />
<br />
Willis, however, is much less known. He eschewed tournaments, and not until his later years would he even consent to be photographed for publication. I describe him here for the sake of thematic convenience as Lassiter's wing man, but that really is to sell Willis very much short. He regular beat the great nine-ball player and took occasional scalps from other giants, including, supposedly, both Ralph Greenleaf and Willie Mosconi. Willis was an intimidating player. As Lassiter once said: "If I ever had to have someone else shoot pool for my life, win or lose, live or die ... the man that I’d have shooting for me is Don Willis." Now that's a support network.<br />
<br />
The so-called Cincinatti Kid was born on May 1, 1909. Like Lassiter, he began playing seriously during the Great Depression, as a teenager. His long partnership with Lassiter began shortly after venturing into Lassiter's hometown of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, during a road trip. Willis challenged Lassiter to a game of nine ball, on Lassiter's home turf, and then had the temerity to beat him<i>. </i>Lassiter was so startled by this outcome that he immediately befriended the Ohio-native. They then spent the next decade and a half together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gcaba.com/willis/willis2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.gcaba.com/willis/willis2.jpg" width="133" /></a>"I think my best friend is Wimpy Lassiter," Willis told author Thomas Fensch, for his 1970 book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lions-Lambs-Pool-players-today/dp/0498073882/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281707349&sr=8-3">The Lions and the Lambs</a>.</i> "What a team we were. We were together for 15 years. In 1959, he came to Canton and stayed a year. We practiced together and played together. We never had our own cues when we were out on the road. It used to be when you came into a new house with a cue under your arm, everyone’d say, ‘who’s this guy with the cue?’ <br />
<br />
"We just out-shot everyone. We never lost either -- never left town broke. Sure we were down low at times, but there was always someone else to play."<br />
<br />
Willis was a master of all sorts of proposition bets, such as running backwards, making basketball free throws, and making wing shots. Twice during his life he made 42 in a row. "They called me Wing-Shot Willie," he once said. He was also a card player (which came in handy plenty on the road), could juggle three pool balls and the chalk, and play an excellent game of ping-pong and horseshoes. "I’ve even also won bets on the proposition that I can't name in order the 130 largest cities of the U.S. There are 130 cities over 100,000 population. It’s easy."<br />
<br />
But Willis never was a tournament player. He said he'd rather play a nobody for $7 than a world champion for nothing. That's where Willis found the fun of pool -- in the gambling. "I never practiced just for the sake of practicing. I always wanted to play -- to play someone," he said. In the pantheon of pure action players, few were better. Playing the Big Hoorah hustle, he could beat anybody. Anybody who stepped up. And then after he had wrung the last dime from one sucker, Lassiter would step up and beat another. The pigeons didn't stand a chance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.poolhistory.com/graphics/hustler_days_book_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.poolhistory.com/graphics/hustler_days_book_cover.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
"Lassiter was the one who said I had the heart of a lion and I think that’s the best thing anyone has said about me," Willis told auther Fensch. <br />
<br />
Willis died on March 2, 1984, at the age of 74. He and his wife Mary were parents to six children and had 13 grandchildren.<br />
<br />
You can read more about Don Willis in the excellent retrospective at the Greater Canton Amateur Billiard Association website, which you can find <a href="http://www.gcaba.com/home.htm">here.</a> (The picture of Don Willis at the top left was retrieved from that website, although it was originally published in the Army Weekly, on Oct. 27, 1944.) Author John Grissom also penned a fine essay about Don Willis in his book <i>Billiards</i>. I found that essay reprinted <a href="http://www.gcaba.com/willis/pooldoms.htm">here</a>. I also have a section about Don Willis in <a href="http://www.poolhistory.com/books/hustler_days.html">Hustler Days</a>, and Robert Byrne describes Willis in his 1996 book, <a href="http://www.byrne.org/pool/books.html">The Wonderful World of Pool & Billiards.</a><br />
<br />
As for Lassiter, he's also referenced extensively in <a href="http://www.poolhistory.com/books/hustler_days.html">Hustler Days</a>. The picture of Lassiter, at the upper right, is from that book but was originally published in <a href="http://www.billiardsdigest.com/">Billiards Digest</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="mailto:hustlerdays@yahoo.com"><b>-- R.A. Dyer</b></a></b>R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-21069241072907320072010-03-22T06:21:00.001-07:002010-08-15T10:22:02.119-07:00Memories of Norfolk and WImpy Lassiter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEsfs9f27ef5axRckutCNW-ulJu-fCbYPRFSYadkqK_5-b35hIbnAsk3BmR8DD9efVEvkz-zEkCnPt1LCU3Bu9QHLuDv7PhyL2Zt6OYtab8AwxAssc_kLwaa_iwWIErBDyDQWarV3cD6B/s1600-h/UntoldStoriesWimpy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: black;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451439527279316242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEsfs9f27ef5axRckutCNW-ulJu-fCbYPRFSYadkqK_5-b35hIbnAsk3BmR8DD9efVEvkz-zEkCnPt1LCU3Bu9QHLuDv7PhyL2Zt6OYtab8AwxAssc_kLwaa_iwWIErBDyDQWarV3cD6B/s320/UntoldStoriesWimpy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 295px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">In my continuing spring cleaning efforts, I'm transferring some posts from an old blog that I'm about to discontinue. Here's one from a few years back featuring a letter from Ken McCarthy, who recalls fondly his years in Norfolk, Virginia, a favored haunt of Wimpy Lassiter. Lassiter was a giant there in the 1940s, during and right after World War II. I've got a fair amount written about Wimpy's exploits in Norfolk in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hustler-Days-Minnesota-Lassiter-Americas/dp/1592281044/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2">Hustler Days.</a> I also wrote an article about Norfolk a few years back in <a href="http://www.billiardsdigest.com/new_untold_stories/">Billiards Digest</a>. Although the formatting is screwed up, an online copy of that article can be found <a href="http://www.billiardsdigest.com/untold_stories/rainmaker.php">here</a>.</span> <span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"><br />
<br />
Just below are two notes from Ken McCarthy. According to my records, he sent them to me sometime </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">before 2006.</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> And just below these notes from Mr. McCarthy I've reproduced some other online memories of Norfolk....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Read on... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">"When I was in the navy (1961-1965) I was stationed in Norfolk ,VA and played pool every minute I had at St. Elmos pool hall (2nd floor, a few buildings up from the YMCA). As you know this is where Wimpy played when in town, and it is where I saw him ( I still have a perfect vision of that white head standing out in the dimness along the left wall watching the goings-on). I was just starting to play pool and my friend pointed him out to me as a great player, although at the time I really didn't realize HOW great a player.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">"In 1963 or 64 I bought a Willie Hoppe special (Brunswick) cue through the owner (a kindly, short, bald-headed man). I then sanded off a section on the top of the butt, bought a Parker ink pen and asked Mr. Lassiter to sign it. He did, and I still have the cue and the pen. I have recently picked up the game again and I now know that he was actually at the top of his game when he signed my cue!"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">I wrote Ken back later, asking him if he had any photos of the St. Elmos to post up here on the Untold Stories website. I also asked if he had ran into other players like Fats at the pool hall. This is his response:</span><br />
<br />
"I do not have any pictures of St. Elmo's even though at the time I was an amateur photographer and my ships official photographer. In 1963 there was no such thing as a family billiard parlor. This was an old time pool hall where you keep your mouth shut and pay up when you lose. I think you can imagine that taking pictures in an establishment like that may have made one "un-popular" with some of the notoriety. But now I sure wished I had.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">No, I never run into Fats or Willie. I did meet Art Cranfield once simply because he was from Syracuse, my home town.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">So I'm sorry to say that the only thing I can give you are my memories of St. Elmo's and a vivid picture of that white mane sitting along the side wall watching the players.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">My good friend at the time, and the guy who started me in pool, played Luther once for five bucks -- a lot of money for a sailor in 1963. Fred broke and nothing went. The one ball lay down by the corner pocket and the nine up by the side. Luther stepped up, pocketed the one, came back up the table with the cue ball and knocked the nine in the side pocket. He turns to Fred and says 'My gosh, what luck. Let's play another.' Fred declined.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">If there is anything else please let me know. I would be delighted to see any pictures of that venerable palace of pool if you run across any in your research.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Thanks.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Ken."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">And now, here are a few notes I received on the same topic:</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Brian the Bricklayer said...</span><br />
<div style="color: black;">"I have lived in Virginia Beach my entire life and you have brought back some fond memories for me about St. Elmo's. I was fortunate enough to have gotten one of those cherry wood grained tables when SE closed and I went to the auction. Unfortunately that table went up in a fire a couple years ago. In Lassiters last few years I was lucky enough to have met and talked to him quite a bit. He was full of stories very colorful stories of his life. He told me about when he won the US Open in 64 and going AWOL from Navy by jumping off the ship he was assigned to.<br />
He died like he lived. Playing pool in Elizebeth City practicing the game he loved. What a character"</div><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Anonymous said...</span><br />
<div style="color: black;">"I grew up in Ocean View and remember St.Elmo's as the old time pool hall it was. Like Brian I was also fortunate enough to aquire a table at the auction. Sorry to hear Brians pice of history went up in smoke."<br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-style: italic;"><span dir="ltr">And Foodbill</span> said...</div><div style="color: black;">"I played there from august 66 to August 68. I was a Dental Tech at N.O.B and spent a lot of time at St Elmo's. I went there on the last night of my tour of duty at Norfolk and ran 49 balls in a straight pool match. I too wished l took some pictures. Last year l was looking through Ebay and won a bid on an old cue ball that was used at the pool hall before it was sold in 1970. I was telling a young pro in Conn. about that place all the money you could win or lose in those days. The owner back then was Carolina Witfield,his son worked there too. Does anyone remember Big Red? He love to play golf pool."</div><br />
<a href="mailto:hustlerdays@yahoo.com" style="color: black;"><b>-- R.A. Dyer</b></a>R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-22900300069199259202009-09-12T15:43:00.000-07:002009-09-12T15:44:12.259-07:00Wimpy Lassiter & Boston Shorty in Johnston City<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8UqrKFC6AD7r6it15N9kc40SFmG1GC216ffNIa_WOiBSItInjMexz1OXrljSvcXT60yazeQ6vp8HTXfUfDQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/15/19597480_c5c421db50_m.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 186px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/15/19597480_c5c421db50_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Here's another great video of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hustler-Days-Minnesota-Lassiter-Americas/dp/1592286461/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0525202-3198352?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186851986&sr=1-1">Wimpy Lassiter</a> and <a href="http://www.onepocket.org/ShortyHOFpage.htm">Boston Shorty</a> playing one-pocket in Johnston City, Illinois. It's from ABC's Wide World of Sports. <a href="http://untoldstorieswimpylassiter.blogspot.com/">Lassiter</a> won everything there was to win at Johnston City. You can read more about the famous tournaments an the newly renamed <a href="http://untoldstoriesgeorgejansco.blogspot.com/">Johnston City Hustler Tournament</a> blog. (It was formerly the George Jansco blog. Same content. Just more stuff.) That's a picture of Shorty, on the left, with fan <a href="http://untoldstoriespoolplayers.blogspot.com/2007/08/larry-boston-shorty-johnson-and-friend.html">Ross Parker Simons </a>in 1965. You can read more about Shorty at <a href="http://www.onepocket.org/ShortyHOFpage.htm">Onepocket.org</a>, which has inducted him into its Hall of Fame. Shorty also won big in Johnston City.R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-22015039934969580212009-08-07T06:39:00.001-07:002009-08-07T06:39:54.197-07:00America's Best Ever Pool Player? You Decide<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS_86Qyns6VVPh4f37AzicK7RAhE2VAhv5t9vpVOJIQ1DnV8TDp5J3jNc8SkYaxpT6dV4nLHGPdKQtnmkoso1jSYVCShG_znx0LSrQfDkJCj5n5rtEXBCWv6tIB8HioPW-KYRkg0kfDLv/s1600-h/Johnny+Archer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS_86Qyns6VVPh4f37AzicK7RAhE2VAhv5t9vpVOJIQ1DnV8TDp5J3jNc8SkYaxpT6dV4nLHGPdKQtnmkoso1jSYVCShG_znx0LSrQfDkJCj5n5rtEXBCWv6tIB8HioPW-KYRkg0kfDLv/s400/Johnny+Archer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366846337021607074" /></a>Who is America's best ever pool player? The poll on the top right of the <a href="http://untoldstoriesbilliardshistory.blogspot.com/">pool history blog</a> lists some all-time favorites, including recent <a href="http://untoldstoriesbilliardshistory.blogspot.com/2009/06/archer-and-fisher-go-to-hall-of-fame.html">Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Archer</a>. I've left Willie Hoppe off the list because he was known as one of the best-ever billiards players, as opposed to one of the best-ever pool players. Neither have I included one of my personal favorites, <a href="http://untoldstoriesbilliardshistory.blogspot.com/2009/07/very-early-efren-reyes.html">Efren "Bata" Reyes</a>. As he's from the Philippines, I figured I'd save him for a future poll of the greatest international players. I've also tried to get a good mix of players from different eras. (Van Boening vs. Greenleaf?!) Vote early. Vote often. I'll leave the poll up for awhile. Also, if you have a write-in candidate, feel free to comment at the bottom of this post. I'll tally up the write-ins later, along with those listed on the ballot.R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-80105865436317489772009-05-13T06:00:00.001-07:002009-05-13T06:00:56.820-07:00Wimpy Lassiter in Billiards Digest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QIb-6xT_wO7hA7zz_nIwk0Ez44E9kMz_UzjfZZAMAVsAIVbyH_dbC1pqigUywdYchszQsR2HqcLD0vOWPsuEPehm8Pg-VZYMeeGRKQ-8EFTdPu9h_Des5AqMvX8WZVNXOjJDYNU_sgVH/s1600-h/Hustler+Days.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 109px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QIb-6xT_wO7hA7zz_nIwk0Ez44E9kMz_UzjfZZAMAVsAIVbyH_dbC1pqigUywdYchszQsR2HqcLD0vOWPsuEPehm8Pg-VZYMeeGRKQ-8EFTdPu9h_Des5AqMvX8WZVNXOjJDYNU_sgVH/s320/Hustler+Days.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335292372680640434" /></a>Marking the 5th Anniversary of the release of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hustler-Days-Minnesota-Lassiter-Americas/dp/1592286461/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0525202-3198352?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186851305&sr=8-1">Hustler Days</a>, Billiards Digest this month has reprinted an excerpt describing some of the childhood of Wimpy Lassiter. The excerpt isn't online, but you can can always <a href="http://www.billiardsdigest.com/new_subscribe/">subscribe</a> to BD or ask for it at your favorite billiard retailer.R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-38793339417297852762008-05-05T16:23:00.001-07:002008-05-05T16:23:51.838-07:00Wimpy Lassiter's Stroke<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3qbLrZGZ-vk&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3qbLrZGZ-vk&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-30910773974374485102008-02-24T16:23:00.000-08:002008-02-24T16:43:13.517-08:00Wimpy Lassiter in Johnston City<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwcgyxel2tHMGJ7PW9v4spmMRH0O0Gcm8s6bR3wMN51Yf8NafmeplcCwW_66WzBubjtEqEX-nZtbxTQF8sXVQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Here's a video I found of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hustler-Days-Minnesota-Lassiter-Americas/dp/1592286461/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0525202-3198352?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186851986&sr=1-1">Wimpy Lassite</a>r and Boston Shorty playing one-pocket in Johnston City. It's from ABC's Wide World of Sports. Lassiter won everything there was to win at Johnston City.R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-21074763069581280632007-08-29T06:02:00.000-07:002007-08-29T06:06:19.898-07:00Wimpy Lassiter's U.S. Coast Guard serviceHere's a timeline of Luther "Wimpy" Lassiter's service in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. I put this together during my research for Hustler Days. This is gathered through a review of Wimpy's military records.<br /><br /><br />Total time: Three years, 10 months, and 7 days.<br />Spent time aboard vessels: CG 83511, CG 74307, CG 74306<br /><br />September 1934 - Dec. 14, 1937<br />Attended high school. In letter by Edgar E. Bundy, Superintendent of Schools to recuiting board, Wimpy was said to have left school for work. <br /><br />1938-1940<br />Employed by J.C. Connery, Burgess Street, Grocer man (according to Coast Guard application), drinks intoxicating liquors on ``rare occasion,’’ never convicted of crime.<br /><br />April 2, 1941<br />Walks into recruiting station, Norfolk, to sign up. Signs special temporary enlistment contract.<br />Employment was shown as clerk; enlisted or three years; described as 22 years old, 5’10’’, weighing 136.5, with blue eyes, black hair, fair complexion,<br /><br />April 22, 1941<br />Receives physical examination that reports:<br />20-20 vision, not color blind, hearing normal, height 70 inches, weight 136.5 pounds, chest (exhale) 34; (inhale) 31<br />pulse before exercise 84, after exercise 100, after three minutes 84.<br />Tonsillectomy, 1931. <br />Age 22 years, 6 months. <br /><br />April 25, 1941<br />A form he fills out shows no experience in any trade.<br /><br />May 1, 1941<br />Accepted for service in Norfolk, VA<br />Receives clothing bounty pay of $112.75<br />Immediately transferred (at 2:30 p.m. that day) to Curtis Bay, Maryland for training.<br /><br />May 1, 1941<br />In designation of Beneficiaries for Death Gratuity, names mom, Florence L. Lassiter as beneficiary. No mention of dad. Signed by recruiting officer.<br /><br />Aug. 12, 1941<br />Requests transfer to Elizabeth City, where Wimpy understands vacancies exist in Seaman branch.<br /><br />Aug. 27, 1941<br />Transfer denied.<br /><br />Sept. 1, 1941<br />Advance from rating from Seaman to Seaman second class.<br /><br />Dec. 2, 1941 (1730) <br />Depart for temporary duty, course of instruction at the Internal Combustion Engine School, Norfolk, upon completion report to the senior Coast Guard officer, Fifth Naval District, for assignment.<br /><br /><br />Dec. 3, 1941-Feb. 14, 1942<br />Class assembles. Names of classmates listed in records.<br />special qualifications record shows:<br />``Norfolk training station, 2-14-42, completed operators’ course in Internal Combustion Engines, with a final mark of 76.3 or 3.1, 43rd in a class of 45 men.’’<br /><br />Dec. 6, 1941<br />World War II begins.<br /><br />Feb. 21, 1942<br />Transfer to CG-140 (There is some uncertainty on this entry)<br /><br />Nov. 17, 1942<br />Also shows him aboard CG 73406<br /><br />March 21, 1942-Nov. 20, 1944<br />transfer to CG 74306<br /><br />June 8, 1942<br />Raises in rank to Ffc (something first class -- uncertainty on this entry)<br /><br />March 15, 1942<br />landing party boat training, New River, N.C..<br /><br />Nov. 17, 1942<br />promoted to machinest mate second class<br /> <br /><br />May 31, 43<br />Becomes machinest mate first class<br /><br />July 31 1943<br />Trains on Camp Glen Rifle Range, receives expert rifleman’s medal on 14 Aug. 1943.<br /><br />April 30, 1944<br />Enlistment involuntarily extended for the duration of war, plus six months.<br />Vessel Designation: CG 74307, at CG base: 05-013<br /><br />May 1, 1944<br />Enlistment involuntarily extended for duration of war, plus six months.<br /><br />May 8, 1943 <br />Coast Guard Enlisted Qualification Card Shows:<br /> 7 years grammar school, ending in 1931; three years High School, ending in 1934 (which means six years of playing pool before the service)<br />And Grades of 80 in social studies, 66 in Arithmetic, and 79 in Mechanical aptitute. Shows no service schools qualified for, and no service schools desired. Weight then: 158 pounds. Main occupation: no jobs.<br />Must have known then that he didn’t want to work, says ``No jobs, no service schools desired.’’<br /><br />Nov. 7, 1944 (1145) -Nov. 24, 1944<br />Received inpatient treatment for Pyelonephritis<br />Vessel designation CG-74306<br /><br />Nov. 20, 1944-Nov. 29, 44<br />Aboard CG 74306<br /><br />Nov. 29, 1944 through Sept. 12, 1945<br />stationed aboard CG 74307<br /><br />Sept. 12, 1945<br />On leave, from vessel CG 74307<br /><br />Sept 16, 1945 <br />Transferred to CG 83511 for duty, CG Patrol Base, Municipal Pier, Norfolk, VA; apparently from CG 74307<br /><br />Oct. 1, 1945<br />Letter from J.I. Crews states:<br />``Lassiter ... has completed a continuous period of three years’ active service on 4 April, 1944, with no mark in conduct of less than 4.0. Accordingly, appropriate entry has been made of the service record and above named man has been authorized to wear appropriate (ribbon) in lieu of issue of actual award at this time.’’<br /><br />Oct. 10, 1945<br />1300 hours<br />Letter addressed to Wimpy in Norfolk, Virginia says,<br />``Proceed to: Portsmouth, Virginia,<br />CO.CG Personnel Separation Center, No. 5, Crawford Street<br />Discharge from the Coast Guard on Draft No. Nornor-56.’’<br /><br />October 11, 1945<br />Discharge papers show that he weighs 161 pounds. Apparently gained 25 pounds in the service (up from 136.5 pounds)<br /><br />October 12, 1945<br />Discharged in serviceR.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-5505953007953676382007-08-18T22:40:00.000-07:002007-08-18T22:41:03.703-07:00Wimpy Lassiter Photo<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48600084074@N01/55755102/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/32/55755102_562070e5e8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48600084074@N01/55755102/">Wimpy Lassiter</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/48600084074@N01/">jakedyer</a>. <br>Here's a great vintage photo of Wimpy.R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-84655677145533354722007-08-18T21:28:00.000-07:002007-08-18T21:30:11.576-07:00Wimpy Lassiter's headstone<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photo.gne?id=354725" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/354725_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photo.gne?id=354725">Wimpy's headstone</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/48600084074@N01/">jakedyer</a>.<br /><br>This marks the grave of Luther Clement Lassiter, Jr.. The gravesite is in his hometown, Elizabeth City, North Carolina.R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066516374387288645.post-59450160399456604172007-08-18T21:26:00.000-07:002007-08-18T21:28:21.349-07:00Wimpy's tree<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photo.gne?id=354617" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/354617_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photo.gne?id=354617">Wimpy's tree</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/48600084074@N01/">jakedyer</a>. <br /><br>This is a tree that Wimpy and his friends used to play on as children. A friend of his fell from it and broke both his arms. It stands behind his old home in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.R.A. Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203284748098418423noreply@blogger.com0