— 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.
Willie Mosconi “Mr. Pocket Billiards” (1913-1993) Inducted 1998
For most people, the name Willie Mosconi and the sport of Pocket Billiards are synonymous. And rightly so, since from 1940 to 1957 Mosconi had a near-stranglehold on the World Title, winning it 15 times in that period. Born in Philadelphia in 1913, Willie was a prodigy with the cue by the age of seven. At 20, he embarked on a hectic cross-country exhibition tour with his idol, Ralph Greenleaf, then World Champ and at the height of his game. The result, 57 wins for Greenleaf, an amazing 50 wins for the young Mosconi. One of the most astounding of Mosconi’s many records is his yet-unbroken exhibition high run of 526 balls!
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.