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.

schaefferSRJake “The Wizard” Schaefer, 1855-1910, Inducted 1968

Jake Schaefer, Sr., “A player whose super-brilliance with a billiard cue won for him the sobriquet of “Wizard.” So ran the lead of a 1909 newspaper article singing the praises of Jake Schaefer, Sr. From the last quarter of the 19th century through the first decade of the 20th, Schaefer, Sr. was one of the most feared names in Balkline Billiards.  Derivations of the game were invented just to stymie his genius – all unsuccessfully.  He traveled throughout the world winning matches and gathering fans.  On March 11, 1908, though desperately ill, he successfully defended his title in his final match for the 18.1 championship against Willie Hoppe by a score of 500 to 423.

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.

Billiard’s Jake Schaefer, Sr. in 1968 BCA Hall of Fame