Presented is a wonderful offering for any sporting fan: A billiard cue ball signed and humorously inscribed by Willie Mosconi, one of the greatest pool players of all time. Mosconi lived in Philadelphia as a child, above a pool hall owned by his father. Willie's father didn't want his young son to play pool, so the father hid the billiard balls from his son, but Willie, loving the game, improvised play by using an old broomstick and small potatoes. Willie became a child prodigy, and was playing exhibition matches against professionals in his early teens. Then, between 1941 and 1957. Mosconi won the World Straight Pool Championship an incredible 19 times. Mosconi was one of the first inductees to the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame. He was a key advisor to the award-winning film The Hustler (1961), starring Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Jackie Gleason, and Piper Laurie. Mosconi had to teach Paul Newman, who had never before held a cue stick, how to walk, talk, and play like a pool hustler. Mosconi also recommended Gleason, already a good pool player, for his part as "Minnesota Fats." Rudolf "Minnesota Fats" Wanderone actually promoted a feud between himself and Willie Mosconi that kept both of their names in the limelight for years.
The offered white cue ball has a 2.25" diameter. Using a blue fine tip marker, Mosconi wrote, "Fats Cant [sic] Shine My Shoes/Willie Mosconi." The signature and inscription is neatly scripted, but there is a light line that is a smear across part of the word "Shine" and the first letter of "My." The smear is narrow and very light, and the words are still clearly visible. The offering comes with a PSA Hologram attached (AK32678). The cue call is in EXCELLENT condition. The Willie Mosconi signature and inscription on this cue ball make this a true prize that will connect its owner, and all of those see it, back to the vintage days of American pool.
Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: $25.81 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.