BalsisJoseph “The Meatman” Balsis (1921-1995) Inducted 1982

Joe Balsis was born in Minnersville, Pa.  Balsis never could resist knocking the balls around one of the pool tables at father John Balsis’ recreation room.  By the time he was 11, Balsis was playing exhibitions against the likes of Andrew Ponzi and Erwin Rudolph. He won junior titles four consecutive years.  During pool’s doldrum years Balsis left the game and it wasn’t until 1944 that Balsis, a boat machinist in the Coast Guard, won his next title; Armed Services Champ.  In 1964 “the Meatman,” as Balsis is known because of his family’s meat business, returned to competitive pool.  Between 1965 and 1975 Balsis competed in the finals of the U.S. Open five times, winning twice (1968 & 1974). He won the prestigious Billiard Room Proprietor’s Association tournament in 1965, then captured the World All-Around championship in Johnston City, Ill., in 1966.  He won the Jansco brothers’ Stardust Open all-around title back-to-back in 1968 and 1969.

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 beHOFgallery_200en 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.

Pool’s Joe “Meatman” Balsis in HOF 1982