Willie Mosconi has been called one of the best pocket pool players. 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, a Philadelphian, was born 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. He began playing in tournaments at the age of six. This experience helped him become a professional billiards players.
Willie began to play for cash in the 1930s. He made between $10,000 and $15,000 per year. His earnings increased dramatically after the Great Depression. He was able to support his family during difficult times because of his success. Gloria, his child, was born to him in 1953. Later, she became 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 refused to play against Mosconi's team, he accepted. Mosconi enjoyed a tremendous run on the tour. During the tour, he sunk 526 consecutive balls. Later, the record became official.
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 on billiards. He was an advisor to the Brunswick Corporation. He also appeared on a number of television games shows.
Mosconi, who died in 1984 of a heart attack, was still actively involved in the promotion and support of the sport. 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 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 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. Fast Eddie Felson was one of his opponents.
He was a true pool fan. He also wrote articles about pool. He tried to distance it from the image it has been associated with, which is that of drunken people. He was a member of the Billiard Congress of America. He contributed significantly to the growth and development 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. One of his most memorable performances came in the George Thorogood music video for "Bad to the Bone".
Mosconi, 64, died of a heart attack. Ann, his wife of 64 years, remarried.