Willie Mosconi has been called one of the best pocket pool players. He is known for his many trick shots and has set numerous world records in his field. He is an icon of the sport because of his skills and good looks.
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 a child when pool was introduced to him. He started playing in tournaments when he was six years old. His experience in tournaments led him to becoming a professional billiards player.
In the 1930s, Willie started playing for cash. He earned between $10,000-$15,000 per year. His earnings rose dramatically after the Great Depression. He was able to support his family during difficult times because of his success. Gloria, his daughter, was born in 1953. Later she went on to become a certified public accountant. Paul, her son, was also an accountant.
Mosconi went on a cross country exhibition tour in the 1950s. On the tour, he made contact with Ralph Greenleaf. Greenleaf declined to play against Mosconi. However, he accepted. Mosconi was on a fantastic run during the tour. He sank 526 consecutive baseballs during the tour. The record was later confirmed.
Willie Mosconi was eventually able to create instructional books for the game. These books included Willie Mosconi's Pocket Billiards (Ziff-Davis Publishing Company 1948) and Winning Pocket Billiards (1959, Crown Publishers).
He wrote many articles on the game of billiards. He was also a consultant for Brunswick Corporation. He appeared on numerous television games shows.
Mosconi was active in promoting the sport, even before he died from a heart attack 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 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 into The Straight Pool Hall of Fame.
Despite his fame, Willie Mosconi hated the life of a pool hall. To compete in tournaments, he would travel across the country. He was also a rival to Fast Eddie Felson of Minnesota Fats.
He was a true fan. He also wrote articles regarding pool. He tried to disassociate it from the image of drunks that it is associated with. He was a member of American Billiard Congress. He was ultimately instrumental in the development of the game worldwide.
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 was 64 when he died of a heartattack. Ann, Mosconi's wife, remarried.