Willie Mosconi is considered one of the greatest pocket pool players of all time. His trick shots and world records were set by him. His talent and his great looks made him an iconic figure in the sport.
Willie Mosconi was born in Philadelphia on June 27, 1913. His father, Joseph, was a boxer and his mother, Helen O'Reilly, was a homemaker. When Willie was young, he was introduced to the game of pool. At the age of six, he began participating in tournaments. This experience led him to become a professional billiards player.
Willie began playing for money in the 1930s. He earned between $10,000 and $15,000 a year. His earnings rose significantly after the Great Depression. Because of his success, his family was able help him through tough times. Gloria, his daughter was born in 1952. 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. During the tour, he met up with a friend named Ralph Greenleaf. Although Greenleaf didn't want to play against Mosconi but he accepted. Mosconi enjoyed a tremendous run on the tour. During the tour, he sunk 526 consecutive balls. Later, the record was officially certified.
Willie Mosconi wrote instructional books on the game eventually. 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 was also a consultant for Brunswick Corporation. He also appeared in a variety of television games.
Mosconi continued to promote the sport even after his death in 1984 from a heart attack. Apart from his work for the Brunswick Corporation, Mosconi also played the role of a stakes holder on the 1961 film "The Hustler", in which he played Minnesota Fats. He was also the technical consultant 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 into the Straight Pool Hall of Fame.
Despite his fame, Willie Mosconi hated the life of a pool hall. He would travel all over the country to compete at tournaments. Some of his opponents were Minnesota Fats and Fast Eddie Felson.
He was an avid fan. He wrote articles on 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 contributed significantly to the growth and development of the sport.
As an adult, Willie Mosconi coached Paul Newman in the art of the billiards game. He was a recognizable figure on TV and in the movies. His memorable performance in the George Thorogood video to the song "Bad to the Bone" was one of his best.
Mosconi, who was 64 years old, suffered a fatal heart attack. Ann, his wife, was remarried.