Index and Links to all the Beards Stuff

To quickly scroll thru and examine the contents of my whole website click on:http://indexandlinkstobeardstuff.blogspot.com/

16 famous player interviews, includes 14 on video.Complete pool movie script for "Roxanne's Game."22 Vintage pool articles from Sports Illustrated.28 miscellaneous vintage pool videos

Five Pool Blogs: The Beard's Forum, War Stories, The Last Days of Bugs Rucker, Secrets of a Hard Core Pool Hustler, and Pool Pics and other Memorabilia

The Wake of Javenley Youngblood Washington

Obituary

Javenley Washington, Sr... Was born to the late Edward L Washington and Beatrice Shaw Washington on July 19, 1926 in Parkdale, Arkansas, both parents preceded him in death. At the age of five he came to Chicago, Illinois.

He attended and graduated from St. Benedict High School in Milwaukee.

Javenley, Sr.. accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized as a Catholic. He was a member of St. Mary of the Lake Parish under the leadership of Fr. (Rev.) Jim Kastigar, where he attended on a regular basis since joining in 2004 until his death.
Javenley Sr.. met Diane Smith Gratton, they were married and were blessed with the birth of two sons, Lawrence (T.T Foxx) and Javenley, Jr. He later met Mary Waller, they were married and blessed with the births of four children, April, Marlon, Monica Ann, and Mark.

He worked diligently with his father in their family business until he embarked in the world of billiards. This is where he received the name "Youngblood." He was the premier banking legend in the black community for many years. He was honored and placed in the Bank Pool Hall of Fame in 2006. He traveled many cities and played with the best. He was an avid reader and a man of great wisdom. You could find him in one of Chicago’s Public Library’s or bookstores reading and sharing his wisdom. He was known to walk three to four miles daily and did yoga until his death.

Javenley, Sr. leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories: his wife Mary; his sister- Lois Whitehead; his six children: Sergeant Major Lawrence (T.T. Foxx) Washington, Sr.. (Faye), Javanley, Jr. (Lela), April (Henry), Monica Ann, Major Marlon Washington ( Pauline), and mark; ten grandchildren: Angela (Michael), Sheryl (Josh), Rosella (Everett), Sergeant Lawrence Washington, Jr., Javanley, lll, Aki F.,Kelly, Robert, Robin, and Nicolette; five great-grandchildren: Phillip, Michael, DeAngela, Jaela, and Jarell; and a host of family and friends

One Pocket Hall of Fame Dinner 2006

This is a slide show on YouTube put together by Bill Porter at the Onepocket HOF dinner in Derby City in 2006. Bugs Rucker, Eddie Taylor, Gary Spaeth, CornBread Red and Freddy Bentivegna were inducted into the inaugural Bank Pool HOF. Bugs was inducted into the Onepocket HOF the previous year.

Bugs' Fact, Legend and Lore

When Bugs played Minnesota Fats in Johnston City in the early 60s, Joey "The Cincinnati Kid" Spaeth was staking him. A great player himself, Joey did not often back other players. However, Spaeth had just come from Chicago where he had the misfortune to have played Rucker. While there, Joey instantly became a convert to the Bugs Rucker fan club, when in a game of Onepocket with Spaeth only needing one ball to win, and everything seemingly out of play, Bugs banked all of the remaining balls into his pocket to win the game. He banked eight and out into one pocket! Joey had never seen anything like it before, and I personally have never seen or heard anything like it since.


Also in Johnston City, Illinois, Bugs spotted Hall of Famer, Buddy Hall two balls playing banks, 10 to 8 — and won the money. Perhaps you think maybe Buddy played badly — he didn't. Buddy made every makeable ball he shot at, played dead-nuts safeties, never dogged anything, and still lost every game. That was the kind of bank speed the mighty Bugs had.


During the filming of The Color Of Money, Leonard "Bugs" Rucker, was originally slated to play the black guy that hustles and beats Paul Newman. Bugs was absolutely helpless as an actor, and couldn't do a single line. They finally gave up on him and installed Forest Whitaker to do the part. The rest is history. Whitaker is an oscar winning actor today.

Pools Greatest Money Player, CornBread Red

CORNBREAD RED: POOL’S GREATEST MONEY PLAYER
By Bob Henning
This book takes the reader into the life of pool’s legendary money player. It’s action-packed, entertaining, and easy to read. An inside look at the Johnston City tournaments and the world famous big-money poolroom -- the Rack, in Detroit MI. It has received rave reviews from pool publications and other reviewers.

$16.95
Excerpt from my book, The GosPool According To The Beard:
Cornbread Red liked to bet so high it put a "tremble" in his opponents stroke. Red was one of my heroes. Whenever I ran into him, I followed and hung onto him the whole time. He had me totally fascinated. Red was the master at shooting off the game ball. When confronted with a big-cheese-money-ball, Red would derisively snort, "Haw, haw," in his inimitable style, then he would increase his normally long back-stroke about another foot, and slip-stroke the shot in, with dust flying out of the back of the pocket.

http://www.bankingwiththebeard.com/books.html#cornbread1

My Visit with Bugs

I visited Bugs at St Margaret's Hosp. monday. I brought him another 1k (grand) collected from the good folks who participated in Steve Booth's charity raffle. I have another 1k to give to his daughter Sondrea tomorrow. That makes about 5k so far with more to come. Later, for a real revelation regarding how tuned in Bug's family was to his profession.

You might never see another champion the likes of the mighty Bugs Rucker. He could play anywhere, on any table, for any bet. He didn't even have his own cue stick. Even if someone gave him one, he would usually sell it within a week. He could play with one directly out of the wall racks. He ducked no champions, but many champions ducked him. If you were dumb enough to play him a short set, like two out of three for all of it, nobody outside of Cornbread Red or Ronnie Allen could handle that kind of pressure like he could. Let's celebrate him a little while he is still with us.

Bug's daughter Sondrea and I were visiting him at the same time, whereupon I discovered that she didn't have a clue as to what her daddy did for a living for all those years. Finding out he was the world's bank pool champion for 20 yrs. and a member of the Bank Pool, and One Pocket Hall of Fame was a complete surprise to her. All she could relate to what he did was that he would leave town for a few weeks and return home flush with money. It turns out nobody in the immediate family knew anything about his pool career including his son, his mother and his wife! "They thought I was just a bum." was Bug's reply to me. Why he never told them anything remains a mystery. I can only guess that his family was probably very religious and strait-laced. (This later proved to be the case)

Bug's Birthday
Today, Aug 18, is Leonard "Bugs" Rucker's 69th birthday. He is spending the day in St Margaret's hospital with a bad case of diabetes and a missing leg. He asked me to bring him a special birthday lunch, king crab legs and baby-back ribs. I dont know if that's a healthy thing to do, but I'm gonna do it anyway. The meal cost pretty good too, so I put him to work autographing balls. I brought my son, Dino with me. Bugs hadn't seen Dino in about 15 years, but his mind is still sharp and he recognized and acknowledged Dino immediately. That made my son feel good and glad that he had come with me. Happy birthday to a great champion.

Billy Incardona's Instructional 1 pkt DVD

Accu-Stats' own Bill Incardona shares with you his common sense approach to successful One-pocket. This shows the most logical way to approach the One-pocket table. Bill discusses, and then demonstrates, each thought process that he deems important. He proves why banking, kicking, and taking intentional scratches are vital. He guides you through seven key thought processes from thinking offensively to destroying your opponent's shot, to the do-or-die scramble. Bill has always been a master of communication whether he's in the commentary booth talking to viewers, or just one on one. So spend some time with Bill Incardona and raise your One-pocket game to new levels.

Pat Fleming director of Accu-stats

I have spent much time in the Accu-Stat’s broadcast booth with my old pal Bill, and while we may, and often do, disagree on what particular shot to shoot during our analysis, I never disagree on the thought processes he used to arrive at a shot decision. He has always been one of the great thinking players in our game. His DVD will give you a valuable insight into how he was able to successfully handle the high-pressure, big money situtions that he became famous for throughout his career. This DVD is vigorously recommended.
Freddy The Beard Bentivegna
60 minutes $26 plus shipping
http://www.bankingwiththebeard.com/dvds.html#billydvd1

Requiem to a Champion

After visiting my dying pal yesterday, Bank pool and One pocket champion, the once mighty, Leonard "Bugs" Rucker, and seeing him in such a fragile emaciated state, I couldn’t help but think back to more glorious times for the man. Times when he would sweep into a poolroom with an entourage rivaling Muhammed Ali, confidently looking for the big-time action. Back then, Bugs was tall, broad-shouldered, powerfully built and nattily attired. No relation whatsoever to the skinny pile of bones deteriorating in that hospital bed. I guess it’s true, life can sometimes be all too cruel.But overall his life was a glorious one. He was afforded legendary status, feared and respected by his pool peers.

We had always been friends, but we were also bitter adversaries. We played each other on sight. Because he was so great, I wanted badly to beat him. He was the supreme target and goal, and I would do anything in my power to win over him, and that shamelessly included everything in my hustler’s bag of tricks. If I could, I would cheat, shark, and steal balls. For me to invent personal justification for such larcenous chicanery is testimony to the level of competition I thought I would need to summon in order to beat him. Sharking was a waste of time, however. He was totally unflappable, and was oblivious to even the great sharkers like Ronnie Allen, Alphonse Daniels, and Preacher Red Jones. While I would commit almost any crime to win, Bugs played on the up and up. In a contradiction of terms, Bugs was a totally honest pool hustler. He never cheated, took any cheap shots or put in any false claims. I guess he didn’t need to do any of that stuff, because on the table and in the game, he was a deadly killer. If you were dumb enough to give him an honest gamble he would bury you. He doesn’t have much time left, but I just can’t bring myself to go back to the hospital anymore. Age and disease can make cowards of us all

Banking my way to Heaven, by Artie Bodendorfer

Bugs was his name and pool was his game. He was a dream come true, Bugs wanted to be a great pool hustler, and that is what he became. The older he got, the better he played. His reputation grew and grew. He became more intimidating, and he beat everyone. He played for the money, not for the glory. Bugs was fearless, and his aggressive style was awesome to watch. I cherish the memories we lived and shared. I will remember Bugs.

We played each other about 25 times. Everywhere we would meet, we would play, it was our thing. We were both pool hustlers and we both loved action. Most everyone was scared to play Bugs, but Bugs and I loved the competition, and that's why we loved playing each other. It was very exciting each time we played. We never talked while we played either. There were no cheap shots taken by either one of us, checking each other's rack, stealing balls, or by forgetting to spot a scratch. Everything was above board. We never had a discrepancy, we had too much respect to cheat each other.

Bugs was a fierce competitor, and he would run out from anywhere on the table. He was an eight-and-out player. Bugs and Ronnie Allen were the two best run out players in life. Bugs and Eddie Taylor were the two greatest bankers. Taylor might have been a little bit more consistent, but Bugs had more heart. Bugs would bet all the money on one game. If Taylor and Bugs would play in a tough neighborhood, on bad equipment I would bet on Bugs because he had more heart and he was used to bad conditions. Taylor and Bugs were in a class by themselves. The two most intimidating one pocket players were Ronnie Allen and Bugs. Watching them play was very special. In their prime they could fill a stadium.

I have had many great experiences with Bugs and they were all fun and exciting. Bugs was like a brother to me and at the end of his journey, Bugs would tell me every time we talked, he also loved me like a brother. Bugs always looked out for me, if someone would bother me he would step in and say he is with me, and if you want a problem we can go outside and straighten it out. No one wanted a problem with Bugs. He hung out with a tough crowd. They all loved Bugs, and Bugs was their hero. Bugs was to pool what Muhammad Ali was to boxing.

I have known and been friends with Bugs for forty years. We never had an argument or disagreement. Bugs loved life and he never gave up. He once told me, Artie don’t ever give up, and that is exactly what he did all the way to the end even though the odds were against him. I loved Bugs not for what he did, but for who he was, a great man. There will only be one Bugs, the unique kid with talent and an innocent smile that people loved and admired. His great attitude and love for people always showed his true colors.

Bugs was a cool character, people would point and say, that’s Bugs the best bank pool player in the world. He had a very powerful nickname and a reputation to go with it. He was really in a class by himself. Bugs could have been anything he wanted to be, a pro baseball player, a pro basket ball player, but he chose to become a champion pool player and hustler. Back in those days there were no tournaments, so it was like this, hustle pool, get a job, or starve to death. He lived a good full exciting life. He was always his own boss and did it his way.

I will miss Bugs, and I’m sure the rest of the world will too. Bugs never backed down from a challenge and loved competition. I remember a guy named Sunshine, he idolized Bugs in every way. He tried to bank like Bugs and even act like bugs. He would try to talk and walk and even dress like Bugs. He would say Bugs is the coolest guy on the planet. He was a younger version of Bugs and became a pretty good banker. Sunshine had a lot of talent but the rough pool environment got the best of him. Bugs was ahead of his time in everything from talking, walking, dressing, you name it. Bugs was the coolest man alive. And for all you rap stars and musicians I got news for you, Bugs did it all fifty years ago. And he was a natural, not a wannabe cool guy. Bugs had an unbelievable following everywhere he went. Everyone wanted to see Bugs play. He was a great showman and when he got down to shoot you knew he was a great player. It was like watching Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron at the plate. He had class and style like no one else. When he went to put powder on his hands he would get it all over the pool table. It looked like someone spilled a bag of cocaine.

I hope one day we will be together again. I know Bug's good friend Paul Jones will be waiting at the gate for him. They will be together in paradise. Bugs journey is just beginning. God wrapped his hands around him and said, Bugs come with me to paradise, you’ve suffered long enough. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and everyone that knew him. Good bye, my friend.
Arthur Bodendorfer

Bank Pool Instructional books

The GosPool of Bank Pool $29.95 http://www.bankingwiththebeard.com/books.html clik to order

Memorial service program & pics from Bug's wake

Grady Mathews Three One Pocket DVDs

Grady Mathews is a legendary gambler, professional pool player, and a four-time World One Pocket Champion. In 2004, he was the first player to be inducted into the One Pocket Hall of Fame. He has authored two books, promoted nineteen tournaments and produced eleven instructional videos. He has commentated on ESPN and The Billiard Channel, and has been a contributing writer to Billiards Digest and The National Billiard News. He is also the creator of the Legends of One Pocket tournament series.All 3 remastered OnePocket DVDs are available for purchase for $29.95 ea. Http://www.bankingwiththebeard.com/grady.html/

ROAD PLAYER the Danny DiLiberto Story

ROAD PLAYER: The Danny DiLiberto Story
By Jerry Forsyth
A lifetime of stories from the vibrant memory of Danny DiLiberto, one of Accu-Stats Video’s most popular commentators. DiLiberto was one of the fabled road players, beginning with the Johnston City Hustler’s Tournaments. He excelled in four sports: baseball, bowling, boxing, and pool. Boxing was his first love, but his own hands could not stand the power of his blows. He was forced to quit because he punched so hard that he kept breaking the bones in his hands. Pool gave him the greatest fame and that’s what this book is about. From Las Vegas to Hollywood to the smallest towns on the most distant highways, this is the life of the roadman. A gambler’s tale in his own words. $19.95
Excerpt from my book, The GosPool According To The Beard:
"Most Talented Pool Player"
Probably Danny Diliberto from Buffalo, NY. Danny could run over 200 balls and was undefeated in 14 pro fights (12-0-2). Diliberto was an AA minor-league baseball player and a 200 average bowler who once bowled a perfect 300 game. Danny had a phenomenal throwing arm. He could throw a golf ball farther than anybody in the world. Danny could make a field goal on a football field with a golf ball by throwing it 100 yards through the goal-post uprights. He won the money doing that at Johnston City, IL. in the '60s. Later, he trapped the late Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle at a Fort Lauderdale bar during Yankee spring training. Danny bet Maris he could throw a golf ball farther than Roger could.
Diliberto won the bet from an amazed Maris by throwing the ball all the way across the waters of the Fort Lauderdale Causeway on Highway A1A. If I remember right, Roger didn't even take his turn and tried to renege and call off the bet. Danny, who had a punch that could down an elephant, stood his ground and finally got paid.

http://www.bankingwiththebeard.com/books.html#dandbk1

More pics from Bug's wake

The service was wonderful, many of Chicago's finest players attended, mostly the old school guys, however. We had a little gospel singing and a little evangelistic preaching, it was great and uplifting. The guy who sang a solo gospel tune played as good as Lou Rawls. After the service about 16 of us went to Chinatown and had a feast at The House of Fortune. Ed Young, the famous cuemaker did the ordering. The champ had a really nice send-off.

Bugs Ball Set

Not for sale. Available on loan for charitable use only.

Killer One Pocket DVD by Cliff Joyner and Wade Crane

The most explosive One Pocket player ever!

Complete set, VOLS. 1,2, & 3
by Cliff Joyner

Vol. 1 $29.95
Cliff Joyner, the number 2 One Pocket player in the world, assisted by World’s 9 Ball Champ, Wade Crane, shares many of his secrets in this series of 3 DVDs. He teaches the fundamentals of the game of One Pocket, starting with how to rack, how to break, and how to respond to the break and take that advantage away from your opponent. Plenty of moves and strategies to improve your game. About an hour long.

Vol. 2 $29.95
Cliff gets into high level play, playing with the "ghost" with Wade Crane acting the role of the opponent, but with Cliff shooting both innings. You’ll learn from two different points of view, as Cliff compares his shot selection with Wade’s. There are many different concept to consider for topflight play, and Wade’s insights are also priceless additions for your game. About 40 minutes long.

Vol. 3 $29.95
This is shorter but the entire thing is filled with pure goodness, and is devoted entirely to game winning shots, many never seen before. Each one is a bone-crushing One Pocket escape shot that can turn a losing position into a winning one. Cliff shoots, with Crane commentating, and he shows how you too can execute game breakers. A jam-up video! Use these shots on your opponents before they can use them on you. Turn the tide of the game with one stroke of the cue.
GET ALL 3 CLIFF JOYNER DVDs FOR $59.95 AND SAVE $15!

Http://bankingwiththebeard.com/dvds.html#cliff1


clik on link or any image to order