— Each week Pool & Billiard Magazine DAILY is spotlighting a player or promoter who has been previously inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s HALL OF FAME.
To date (through 2014) a total of 65 individuals have been inducted; 50 in the player category and 15 meritorious service honorees. The following is provided courtesy of the BCA.
Welker Cochran, a champion who trained for his billiard matches with the same intensity as a professional boxer, won his first of two 18.2 Balkline titles in 1927. He later went on to become the Three-Cushion champion five times in the 1930s and 40s. Like many stars of the sport, Cochran learned the game in his father’s billiard establishment, and he became the protigi of Frank Gotch, the wrestler, who sent young Cochran to Chicago to hone his playing talents.
Welker Cochran – (1896-1959) Inducted 1967
A Tradition of Greatness Over Four Decades: Recognizing Outstanding Players and Contributors since 1966.
The purpose of the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame is to honor outstanding people who, through their competitive skills and dedication, have enriched our sport and industry.
Two categories have been established in Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame. The Greatest Player category shall be reserved for outstanding players who have been active in national or international competition for at least 20 years and have won at least one national or international championship. The Meritorious Service category shall be reserved for those who have made lasting, memorable and important contributions to billiards.
To date (through 2014) a total of 65 individuals have been inducted; 50 in the player category and 15 meritorious service honorees.