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. His skill and his beautiful looks make him an icon for the sport.
Willie Mosconi is a Philadelphia native who was born on June 27, 1913. Joseph, his father was a boxer while Helen O'Reilly was a homemaker. Willie was introduced early to pool. He began playing in tournaments at the age of six. This experience helped him become a professional billiards players.
Willie began playing for money in the 1930s. He earned between $10,000 to $15,000 annually. His earnings increased dramatically after the Great Depression. As a result of his success, he was able to help out his family during tough times. Gloria, his daughter, was born in 1953. Later, she became an accountant. Her son, Paul, also became an accountant.
In the mid-1950s, Mosconi took a cross-country exhibition tour. His friend Ralph Greenleaf was with him on the tour. Greenleaf declined to play against Mosconi. However, he accepted. Mosconi had an amazing run while on the tour. He sunk 526 consecutive ball during the tour. Later, the record became official.
Willie Mosconi was eventually able to create instructional books for the game. These books included Willie Mosconi On Pocket Billiards (Ziff-Davis Publishing Company), 1948 and Winning Pocket Billiards (2005).
He wrote many articles on the game of billiards. He became a consultant for the Brunswick Corporation. He also appeared on a number of television games shows.
Mosconi had been active in the promotion of the sport before his death from heart disease in 1984. Aside from his work with the Brunswick Corporation, he also acted as a stakes holder in the 1961 film "The Hustler," playing Minnesota Fats. He also served as the technical advisor on the 1961 film.
Willie Mosconi is credited with bringing billiards alive for new generations. He had won 13 World Championships by the end of his career. He was inducted into Straight Pool Hall of Fame.
Despite his fame, Willie Mosconi hated the life of a pool hall. He traveled across the country to participate in tournaments. His opponents included Fast Eddie Felson and Minnesota Fats.
He was an avid fan. He wrote articles about pool. He tried to remove it from its association with drunks. He was a member of American Billiard Congress. Ultimately, he contributed to the growth of the sport worldwide.
Willie Mosconi trained Paul Newman in the art 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 died from a heart attack at the age of 64. His wife, Ann, remarried.