Willie Mosconi can be considered one the greatest pocket-pool players of all time. He has set world records in his field and is remembered for the many trick shots that he created. His skill and his beautiful looks make him an icon for the sport.
Willie Mosconi is a Philadelphia native who was born on June 27, 1913. His father, Joseph, was a boxer and his mother, Helen O'Reilly, was a homemaker. Willie was a child when pool was introduced to him. At the age of six, he began participating in tournaments. This experience helped him become a professional billiards players.
In the 1930s, Willie started playing for cash. He earned $10,000 to $15,000 per annum. His earnings rose dramatically after the Great Depression. He was able to support his family during difficult times because of his success. Gloria, his daughter, was born in 1953. Later she went on to become a certified public accountant. Paul, Paul's son, also became an accounting professional.
Mosconi went on a cross country exhibition tour in the 1950s. He met Ralph Greenleaf, a friend during the tour. Although Greenleaf was not keen to play against Mosconi he agreed. Mosconi had an amazing run while on the tour. He sank 526 consecutive balls during the tour. Later, the record was 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 numerous articles on billiards. He was appointed as a consultant by the 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 had a significant role in bringing billiards back to the forefront of society. He won thirteen World Championships by his final day. He was inducted into Straight Pool Hall of Fame.
Despite his fame Willie Mosconi didn't like the life of a poolhall. He traveled across the country to participate in tournaments. Fast Eddie Felson, Minnesota Fats, and others were some of his rivals.
He was a true pool fan. He also wrote articles regarding pool. He tried to remove it from its association with drunks. He was a founding member of the Billiard Congress of America. He ultimately contributed to the global growth of the sport.
Willie Mosconi, an adult, coached Paul Newman on the art of the 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, Mosconi's wife, remarried.