Jimmy Caras was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is the second living person to be elected to the Hall of Fame.  Jimmy started playing billiards at the age of five.  When 17, he defeated Ralph Greenleaf in an exhibition match to become known as the Boy Wonder of The World.  Nine years later, in 1936, he won his first world championship. He won again in 1938, 1939 and in 1949.  Eighteen years later, in 1967, he won the U.S. Open in a field of 48 players.  His record of “most balls,” “most games won” and “fewest innings by a champion” still stand in the record book for that size field.

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-Billiard’s Jimmy Caras in BCA Hall of Fame – 1977