Willie Mosconi was a great pocket pool player. His trick shots and world records were set by him. His talents and great looks combined made him an icon in the sport.
Willie Mosconi, a Philadelphian, was born June 27, 1913. Joseph, his father was a boxer while Helen O'Reilly was a homemaker. Willie was first introduced to pool when he was young. At age six, he started competing in tournaments. He became a professional player of billiards thanks to this experience.
Willie started gambling for cash in 1930s. He made between $10,000 and $15,000 per year. His earnings rose dramatically after the Great Depression. Because of his success, his family was able help him through tough times. Gloria, his only child, was conceived in 1953. She went on to become an accounting professional. Her son, Paul, also became an accountant.
Mosconi embarked on a cross-country tour of exhibitions in the middle 1950s. On the tour, he made contact with Ralph Greenleaf. Greenleaf declined to play against Mosconi. However, he accepted. While on the tour, Mosconi had a great run. During the tour, he sunk 526 consecutive balls. The record was later confirmed.
Willie Mosconi eventually began writing instructional books about the game. These books included Willie Mosconi On Pocket Billiards (Ziff-Davis Publishing Company), 1948 and Winning Pocket Billiards (2005).
He published many articles on billiards. He was also a consultant for Brunswick Corporation. He appeared on numerous 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 had a significant role in bringing billiards back to the forefront of society. By the end of his life, he had won thirteen World Championships. He was inducted in the Straight Pool Hall of Fame.
Despite his fame Willie Mosconi didn't like the life of a poolhall. He traveled the country to play in tournaments. He was also a rival to Fast Eddie Felson of Minnesota Fats.
He was a true pool fan. He wrote articles on pool. He tried to remove it from its association with drunks. He was a member of American Billiard Congress. He was ultimately instrumental in the development of the game worldwide.
Willie Mosconi, an adult, coached Paul Newman on the art of the billiards. He was instantly recognisable on TV and in films. One of his most memorable performances came in the George Thorogood music video for "Bad to the Bone".
At 64, Mosconi suffered a heart attack and died. His wife, Ann, remarried.