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. His talents and great looks combined made him an icon in the sport.
Willie Mosconi was a Philadelphia native, born on June 27, 1913. Joseph, his father, was an athlete and Helen O'Reilly, his mother, a homemaker. Willie was introduced to pool as a youngster. He began playing in tournaments at the age of six. This experience led him to become a professional billiards player.
Willie began playing for money in the 1930s. He earned $10,000 to $15,000 per annum. His earnings increased significantly after the Great Depression. As a result of his success, he was able to help out his family during tough times. Gloria, his child, was born to him in 1953. She later went on to become an accountant. Her son, Paul, also became an accountant.
Mosconi traveled across the country on an exhibition tour during the mid-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. Mosconi sank 526 consecutive shots during the tour. Later, the record was officially certified.
Willie Mosconi was eventually able to create instructional books for the game. These books included Willie Mosconi on Pocket Billiards (Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, 1948) and Winning Pocket Billiards (Crown Publishers, 1959).
He wrote numerous articles about the game of billiards. He was an advisor to the Brunswick Corporation. He has also appeared on several television games shows.
Mosconi had been active in the promotion of the sport before his death from heart disease in 1984. 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 adviser for the 1961 movie.
Willie Mosconi played a major part in bringing billiards to 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 traveled across the country to participate in tournaments. Fast Eddie Felson was one of his opponents.
He was a true fan. He wrote articles on pool. He attempted to separate it from the image of drunks it is associated with. He was also a member of Billiard Congress of America. 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 a well-known actor on TV and the screen. His most memorable performance was the George Thorogood video of the song "Bad to the Bone".
Mosconi, who was 64 years old, suffered a fatal heart attack. Ann, his wife of 64 years, remarried.