Willie Mosconi was a great pocket pool player. He set many world records in his area and is well-known for his trick shots. His talents and great looks combined made him an icon in the sport.
Willie Mosconi was born in Philadelphia on June 27, 1913. Joseph, his father was a boxer while 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 led him to become a professional billiards player.
Willie started gambling for cash in 1930s. He made between $10,000 and $15,000 per year. After the Great Depression, his earnings increased greatly. He was able to support his family during difficult times because of his success. Gloria, his daughter was born in 1952. Later, she became an accountant. Paul, her son, was also 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 was on a fantastic run during the tour. He sunk 526 consecutive ball during the tour. Later, the record was certified.
Willie Mosconi eventually began writing instructional books about 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 a consultant to the Brunswick Corporation. He has also appeared on several 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 an important role in introducing billiards into the lives of new generations. At the end his life, he won thirteen World Championships. 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. His opponents included Fast Eddie Felson and Minnesota Fats.
He was a true fan. He also wrote articles about pool. He tried to disassociate it from the image of drunks that it is associated with. 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 recognizable figure on TV and in the movies. One of his most memorable performances came in the George Thorogood music video for "Bad to the Bone".
Mosconi died from a heart attack at the age of 64. His wife, Ann, remarried.