Oh...yes, "Minnesota fats", aka Rudolph Wanderone, had some TV matches with the late great Willie Mosconi. Wanderone, a non tournament winning level hustler, adopted the name after the movie came out, gained his notoriety that way. More bluster & hustle than skill, he knew how to market himself.
Mosconi easily beat "fats" in their televised matches, even though Mosconi was past his prime then...had more or less retired from competitive pool.
Mosconi still holds the record of 526 balls made without a miss in straight pool.
Witnesed by over 30 people who signed, then notarized. Those there said Mosconi didn't miss after 526...he just got tired of sinking balls, saying that was enough.
Far as I know, John Schmidt's run of a bit over 400 is the best done by a player still active today. Run over 100 in straight pool, and you will be a strong player in my book.
