Willie Mosconi has been called one of the best pocket pool players. His trick shots and world records were set by him. His talent and his great looks made him an iconic figure in the sport.
Willie Mosconi arose in Philadelphia on June 27,1913. Joseph, his father, was an athlete and Helen O'Reilly, his mother, a homemaker. When Willie was young, he was introduced to the game of pool. At the age of six, he began participating in tournaments. This led to him becoming a professional player in billiards.
In the 1930s, Willie started playing for cash. He earned $10,000 to $15,000 per annum. His earnings rose significantly after the Great Depression. Because of his success, he was capable of helping his family through difficult times. His daughter, Gloria, was born in 1953. She later went on to become an accountant. Paul, her son, was also 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 did not want to play against Mosconi, he accepted. Mosconi had a great time on the tour. He sunk 526 consecutive ball during the tour. The record was later 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 (2005).
He published many articles on billiards. He was appointed as a consultant by the Brunswick Corporation. He was also a guest on many television games programs.
Mosconi continued to promote the sport even after his death in 1984 from a heart attack. He was also involved in the Brunswick Corporation's 1961 film, "The Hustler", where he played 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. He won thirteen World Championships before he died. He was elected to 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. His opponents included Fast Eddie Felson and Minnesota Fats.
He was an avid fan. He also wrote articles regarding 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 was a mentor to Paul Newman as an adult in the art and technique of billiards. He was instantly recognisable on TV and in films. His most memorable performance was the George Thorogood video of the song "Bad to the Bone".
Mosconi was 64 when he died of a heartattack. Ann, his wife of 64 years, remarried.