— 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.

NartzikBen Nartzik (1895 – 1963) Inducted 1967

Ben Nartzik will always be remembered for his tireless crusade to revive billiards from its severe doldrums in the 1950s.  Nartzik deserves a lion’s share of the credit for ridding the game of its “pool hall” image and re-establishing its status as a “gentleman’s sport.”  Under his leadership, the BCA was able to help both the Boys Club of America and the Association of College Unions to organize billiard programs and run successful annual tournaments.  Nartzik recognized the potential of the industry and bought the National Billiard Chalk Co. of Chicago.

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.

 

Ben Nartzik – BCA Hall of Fame Inductee – 1967