A new year of league play
Rack ‘em up!
In 2022 we lost another sponsor for two teams and a venue. Now, in 2023 we hear rumors a new sponsor for those same two teams will soon emerge. The question comes up during these moments, how do we keep everyone playing?
Well, unless we add a 2nd night of league, we won’t be able to play everyone, and when you think about it, we couldn’t play everyone, to begin with. There are some 58 substitute players league-wide, and also some unknown number of players that would play if asked. I know of a few of those myself. We could field a second night of league without even trying hard. We can agree, of course, that not all substitute players want to play more than once in a while. Even so, we still have good numbers for adding teams. If we reduce teams by two players, say, we might play two teams each night. If we start the conversation of how to solve the problem of having almost everyone play that is interested, we will figure out how to do it.
Being on a team with friends and playing two games each week while having Linda Long keep track of stats is all many of us are interested in. Remember, though, Linda will not be doing more league work.
With any new team, stats will need to be kept and finding a not-Linda willing and able to keep them. Any reduced team would result in less of a crowd with fewer players. For example, a D.A. J.T. J.H. J.T. team with or without T.J. would be a strong team.
All are good players and able to win against anyone, all want change in the status quo, and all are making efforts to bring ideas forward.
Sonny as pool player mentor? I find out about this while he explains to Bryan what should have been done and why. The why part caught my attention. Also, he started with, “I watched it on youtube, don’t you know,” and went on to make a credible explanation of the whys and wherefores, finishing with, “don’t ya know that?” Well, you are caught. Either you are stupid, or you agree, because when he says, “don’t ya know that ?” he also gets this suspicious look like maybe, you know, you were born ignorant and can’t change? I say, “you are so right.” I mean, it is safer somehow, and, after all, my Sister always said I was lazy.
FOR TUESDAY 12/27/2022 >> Visit the following Fort Bragg Pool League sponsors: Angelina’s Grille & Bar, Golden West Saloon, Milano Hotel and Bar, Tip Top Lounge, or Welcome Inn: all maintain a schedule of Fort Bragg Pool League players and teams. Look to the list for someone you know and find where they are playing. You might join a team, make new friends, or watch 8-ball games as they unfold. The league is on Holiday until mid-January. Tournament schedules are posted on bulletin boards near pool tables; anyone can enter to play.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS >> The last Tournament of 2022 was played on December 31st at Welcome Inn. Don Barsell, Linda Long, Kathie Neal, Steve Neal, Luis Medina, and Roy Yanez played 8-ball in a winner take all format. The likely winners changed positions back and forth until the most deserving emerged. Kathie Neal didn’t just win the last tournament of 2022. Kathie Neal’s win was a VICTORIOUS WIN! It was hard to say who was happiest, Kathie Neal, or Steve Neal, and it was a nice way to close out 2022.
If you are visiting Fort Bragg, you can test your game against local players! Enjoy the good company, food, music, and full-service bars. With shuffleboard, dice, dart, or corn-hole in addition to billiards for your entertainment. Angelina’s Grill and Bar features Karaoke Friday evenings. If you like outside patios, try Milano Hotel and Bar, with a patio and tables for enjoying the fresh air. Come, and spend time in Fort Bragg.
CUE TIP >> If you are thinking about how to keep your game sharp while the league remains on holiday. Try what seems to have worked for others in our League. They play every tournament they can get time to play. The pressures and competition are similar to the league in all ways but one. In tournament play, you are the entire team. Being on your own could actually be liberating, though, especially now with Sonny explaining to you and your teammates what could have been. Contact me at mcbohanon@gmail.com.