Willie Mosconi is considered one of the greatest pocket pool players of all time. His trick shots and world records were set by him. His skill and his beautiful looks make him an icon for the sport.
Willie Mosconi arose in Philadelphia on June 27,1913. Joseph, his dad, was a fighter boxer. Helen O'Reilly, Helen's mother, was homemaker. Willie was first introduced to pool when he was young. At age six, he started competing in tournaments. This experience led him to become a professional billiards player.
In the 1930s, Willie started playing for cash. He earned between $10,000 to $15,000 annually. After the Great Depression, his earnings increased greatly. His success enabled him to provide for his family in times of need. Gloria, his child, was born to him in 1953. Later she became an accountant. Paul, her son became an accountant.
Mosconi embarked on a cross-country tour of exhibitions in the middle 1950s. During this tour, he met Ralph Greenleaf. Although Greenleaf didn't want to play against Mosconi but he accepted. Mosconi had an amazing run while on the tour. During the tour, he sunk 526 consecutive balls. Later, the record became official.
Willie Mosconi eventually began writing instructional books about the game. These books included Willie Mosconi's Pocket Billiards (Ziff-Davis Publishing Company 1948) and Winning Pocket Billiards (1959, Crown Publishers).
He wrote many articles on the game of billiards. He became a consultant for the Brunswick Corporation. He was also a guest on many television games programs.
Mosconi, who died in 1984 of a heart attack, was still actively involved in the promotion and support of the sport. Neben his work at the Brunswick Corporation was he also an active stakes holder in "The Hustler", the 1961 movie that featured Minnesota Fats. He also served as technical advisor to the 1961 movie.
Willie Mosconi was a key player in the introduction of billiards to new audiences. 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. Some of his opponents were Minnesota Fats and Fast Eddie Felson.
He was an avid fan. He also wrote articles about the game of pool. He tried to remove it from its association with drunks. He was a founding member of the Billiard Congress of America. He played a major role in the expansion of the game throughout the world.
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, his wife of 64 years, remarried.