[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by mossguy

In 1955 or 1956, when I was either a sophomore or a junior at LaSalle College in Philadelphia, and living in the dorms, we got a new freshman named Bruno. The school was run by the Brothers of Christian Schools. Bruno's father was Angelo Bruno, The Gentle Don, of the Philadelphia Mafia. Angelo wanted to show his appreciation to the brothers for keeping an eye on his son and for keeping him out of trouble, so he donated a very fine pool table to be used in the dorm. Shortly after the arrival of the table, Black Cadillac Limo pulled into our parking lot and out stepped the mobsters, just like in the movies with long black overcoats and fedoras. The driver opened the door for Mr. Bruno and Mr. Mosconi. We got a great demonstration and show from Willie. Several of us, including me, got to shoot a few shots with him. He was nice enough to miss occasionally so that we could have a turn. It was a very interesting experience! I still have some black and white photos from that evening. If/when I find them, I'll post them.

You indeed witnessed greatness. Mosconi still holds the record for most balls sunk without a miss in straight pool. 526. John Schmidt, possibly the best straight pool player alive today, made a run of 400. Others have claimed to beat Mosconi's record, but these claims haven't been documented.