Willie Mosconi is regarded as one of the most outstanding pocket pool players ever. He set many world records in his area and is well-known for his trick shots. His talent and his great looks made him an iconic figure in the sport.
Willie Mosconi was born in Philadelphia on June 27, 1913. Joseph Mosconi, his father, was a boxer, and Helen O'Reilly was his mother. Willie was first introduced to pool when he was young. At six years of age, he began 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-$15,000 per year. After the Great Depression, his earnings increased greatly. Because of his success, he was capable of helping his family through difficult times. Gloria, his only child, was conceived in 1953. Later she went on to become a certified public accountant. Paul, her son, was also an accountant.
Mosconi went on a cross country exhibition tour in the 1950s. His friend Ralph Greenleaf was with him on the tour. Greenleaf declined to play against Mosconi. However, he accepted. Mosconi had a great time on the tour. He sank 526 consecutive baseballs during the tour. The record was later confirmed.
Eventually, Willie Mosconi began to write instructional books on 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 was also a consultant for Brunswick Corporation. He appeared on numerous television games shows.
Mosconi had been active in the promotion of the sport before his death from heart disease in 1984. He was also involved in the Brunswick Corporation's 1961 film, "The Hustler", where he played Minnesota Fats. He was also the technical consultant for the 1961 movie.
Willie Mosconi played a major part in bringing billiards to new generations. He won thirteen World Championships before he died. He was inducted in the Straight Pool Hall of Fame.
Despite his fame Willie Mosconi didn't like the life of a poolhall. He would travel the country to compete in tournaments. Fast Eddie Felson, Minnesota Fats, and others were some of his rivals.
He was an avid fan. He wrote articles on 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 ultimately contributed to the global growth of the sport.
Willie Mosconi taught Paul Newman the art of billiards as a child. He was an instantly recognizable figure both on TV, and in the movies. One of his most memorable performances was in the George Thorogood video for the song "Bad to the Bone."
Mosconi was 64 when he died of a heartattack. Ann, his wife of 64 years, remarried.