Willie Mosconi is considered one of the greatest pocket pool players of all time. He set many world records in his area and is well-known for his trick shots. 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 first introduced to pool when he was young. He started playing in tournaments when he was six years old. He became a professional player of billiards thanks to this experience.
Willie began to play for cash in the 1930s. He earned between $10,000 and $15,000 a year. His earnings rose significantly after the Great Depression. His success enabled him to provide for his family in times of need. Gloria, his only child, was conceived in 1953. She later went on to become an accountant. Paul, her younger son, became an accountant.
Mosconi traveled across the country on an exhibition tour during the mid-1950s. His friend Ralph Greenleaf was with him on the tour. Although Greenleaf was not keen to play against Mosconi he agreed. Mosconi was on a fantastic run during the tour. He sank 526 consecutive balls during the tour. Later, the record was officially certified.
Willie Mosconi started to write instructional books about the game. These books included Willie Mosconi on Pocket Billiards (Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, 1948) and Winning Pocket Billiards (Crown Publishers, 1959).
He published many articles on billiards. He was also a consultant for Brunswick Corporation. He was also a guest on many television games programs.
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 was also the technical advisor for the 1961 movie.
Willie Mosconi is credited with bringing billiards alive for new generations. He won thirteen World Championships before he died. He was inducted into 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 also wrote articles about pool. He tried disassociating it from the image that it is associated to, namely of drunks. He was a member of The Billiard Congress of America. Ultimately, he contributed to the growth of the sport worldwide.
Willie Mosconi, an adult, coached Paul Newman on the art of the billiards. He was an instantly recognizable figure both on TV, and in the movies. His most memorable performance was the George Thorogood video of the song "Bad to the Bone".
At 64, Mosconi suffered a heart attack and died. Ann, his wife was remarried.