There have been a number of very famous pool players that have been idolized and are now seen as great influences on those who wish to become well known and admired players. In studying their techniques, many look at the pool cue used and will attempt to collect the accessories these individuals used to play their great games.
One of the more well known faces in pool was that of Steve “The Miz” Mizerak, who passed away in 2006. He was a fan of straight pool and won the US Open for four years running from 1970 to 1973. This feat was followed by a win of the 9-ball competition in 1978. His face is memorable because he and his pool cues were seen in the movies Baltimore Bullet and The Color of Money. Like so many who make pool a way of life, Mizerak’s pool stick was his means of survival and best friend, and it was highly coveted by collectors after his death.
Danny Diliberto was another legend who trusted fate to his pool cue,
choosing Straight Pool as his game of choice and beginning his
championship career with a city championship in Buffalo in 1960 and a
progression to the US Masters in 1963. By 1967, he had defeated
many players and their pool cues and finally beat the world champion of
the time, Joe Balsis, taking the title as his own, in Miami,
Florida. He continued his pursuits, winning other tournaments in
Nine Ball, Eight Ball and One Pocket games during the late 1970s and
early to mid 1980s.
Luther Lassiter, who died in 1988, was another world champion pool player, whose nickname was Wimpy and who is known for his game of Nine Ball. He is widely considered to be one of the best Nine Ball players in history and was inducted into the Billiard Balls of America’s Hall of Fame in 1983. He attributed his success to an uncanny hand-eye coordination, which enabled him to wield his pool stick in an expert manner from an early age. Over time, he learned to use his ability to hustle and then to win championships with pool cues.
One of the most important aspects of the game for all of these famous players was a pool cue that was comfortable to use – the right length and weight and well balanced for ease of maneuverability. With this and plenty of experience, these people became famous players whose names are still on the tips of billiards lovers’ tongues today.