Willie Mosconi has been called one of the best pocket pool players. He set many world records in his area and is well-known for his trick shots. His skill and his beautiful looks make him an icon for the sport.
Willie Mosconi was a Philadelphia native, born on June 27, 1913. His father, Joseph, was a boxer and his mother, Helen O'Reilly, was a homemaker. Willie was introduced early to pool. At the age of six, he began participating in tournaments. His experience in tournaments led him to becoming a professional billiards player.
Willie first started to play for cash during the 1930s. He earned between $10,000 and $15,000 a year. His earnings increased significantly after the Great Depression. Because of his success, he was capable of helping his family through difficult times. Gloria, his child, was born to him in 1953. Later she went on to become a certified public accountant. Paul, her younger son, became an accountant.
Mosconi embarked on a cross-country tour of exhibitions in the middle 1950s. On the tour, he made contact with Ralph Greenleaf. Although Greenleaf did not want to play against Mosconi, he accepted. Mosconi enjoyed a tremendous run on 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 include Willie Mosconi, Pocket Billiards (Ziff-Davis Publishing Company), 1948, and Winning Pocket Billiards [Crown Publishers], 1959].
He published many articles on billiards. He became a consultant for the Brunswick Corporation. He also appeared on a number of television games shows.
Mosconi continued to promote the sport even after his death in 1984 from a heart attack. In addition to his work with Brunswick Corporation, he was also a stakes holder for "The Hustler", starring Minnesota Fats. He was also the technical advisor for the 1961 movie.
Willie Mosconi is credited with bringing billiards alive for new generations. He won thirteen World Championships before he died. He was inducted into Straight Pool Hall of Fame.
Despite his fame, Willie Mosconi hated the life of a pool hall. He traveled the country to play in tournaments. His opponents included Fast Eddie Felson and Minnesota Fats.
He was a true pool fan. He also wrote articles about the game of pool. He tried to remove it from its association with drunks. He was also a member of Billiard Congress of America. He ultimately contributed to the global growth of the sport.
Willie Mosconi was a mentor to Paul Newman as an adult in the art and technique of billiards. He was a recognizable figure 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, who was 64 years old, suffered a fatal heart attack. Ann, his wife of 64 years, remarried.