Mosconi Cup Fever - Remembering Billiards Legend Willie Mosconi

With all the Buzz with surrounding the Mosconi Cup, which just wrapped in Vegas… NYCgrind.com decided to spotlight the man that inspired the name.

Also read the story to check out a rare Trick Shot exhibition performed by Willie Mosconi in 1987

WILLIAM JOSEPH MOSCONI: JUNE 27, 1913 - SEPTEMBER 12, 1993

As you may or not know, Willie Mosconi, who is known as probably the greatest billiards player of all time, will also be remembered through The Mosconi Cup, which was been named in his honor.  As the greatest players in U.S. and Europe converge annually, they remind the sports world of the legacy of an unparalleled  competitor.

In 1918 at the age of five, young Willie, whose father did not want his son to have anything to do with billiards, used to sneak into his father’s billiard parlor at night, and practice with a broom stick and potatoes.  Well, I guess the rest is history.

Willie entered his first major pool tournament in 1937, at the age of 24, and won his first World Championships in 1941 and 1942. Losing to Andrew Ponzi in 1943, he regained the title in 1944, and held it until 1946 when Irving Crane won the title. Mosconi retained the title again by beating Crane again in 1947.

In 1954, Willie Mosconi ran 526 balls in Springfield, Ohio, a feat that has never been beaten, and probaly never will.

From 1950 to 1953 and 1956 and 1957, Mosconi won annual tournaments to become World Champion. Sadly, he retired in 1957 after suffering a stroke. After his retirement, Willie promoted Brunswick Billiards by giving exibitions and appearing in televised matches.

Mosconi was also known as being the technical advisor for the 1961movie The Hustler, starring Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason. Mosconi can also be seen in the movie, in a bit part as the stake money holder.

Willie Mosconi was certainly a legend in his own lifetime, and his legacy will never be forgotten. His name will always live on as long as the Mosconi Cup is played.

- Geoff Conway - Pool Junkie

Check out this rare Trick Shot exhibition performed by Willie Mosconi in 1987.

Many people say that pool and golf have many simalarities… Willie helps a professional golfer

You can read more about the legend of Willie Mosconi on R.A. Dyer’s blog: www.untoldstorieswilliemosconi.blogspot.com.