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.
The following is provided courtesy of the BCA.
John Wesley Hyatt (1827-1920) Inducted 1971
John Wesley Hyatt, known as the father of the American plastic industry, was an inventor rather than a player, but his invention of the celluloid plastic billiard ball in 1868 revolutionized the billiard industry. Hyatt began his search for a suitable synthetic billiard ball material when a New York billiards firm offered a $10,000 prize for a substitute for ivory. Hyatt’s earlier attempts involved shellacking a paper pulp sphere and a ball made of layers of cloth.
A Tradition of Greatness:
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.