APRIL FOOLS’ Joke

Retraction and Apology for the APRIL FOOLS’ Joke
(Or desperate attempt to put a positive spin on an atrocious column)

Let me start by apologizing for the column in last month’s issue. I made a mistake by asking someone else to write my column for me, and then compounded the mistake by not proofreading the column prior to submission. Maybe we all can learn a lesson from this fiasco.

One of the things I love best about the pool scene in the Midwest is the colorful cast of characters that I’ve come to know. My ghost writer is a scoundrel, prankster, and a pal who can always make me smile. It seems that the now infamous “G.R.” has pulled one over on me and the readers of US Barsports. I asked for a column on how to win close matches and we had to suffer through a column on how to win from the chair by sharking the opponent with underhanded techniques that could start a fight in the wrong setting.

In my absence, my column-writing friend took the opportunity to play an April Fools’ joke on all of us. Neither of us ever imagined it would cause this much commotion amongst the pool community. I’ve been pounced on by numerous players when I walk into local pool rooms, have received steaming emails, and got a voice mail from a reader that made my ears burn. I’ve posted the voice mail on my website, BilliardCoach.com, in the photo gallery section. Click on it to listen to the MP3. Frankly, this column generated more discussion than all of the others combined including the crossword puzzle contest. I’ve given some thought to how I can turn this uproar into something positive.

Most players who know me or have competed against me know that my philosophy is to win and lose with dignity. I feel that if a player beats me, he has played well and deserves my congratulations. This is how I’d like to be treated if I’d been the victor. What I do in a match will not be forgotten in a day, month, or year if it is extraordinary. This is true if the actions are of the positive or negative sort. I learned many years ago that our actions will quickly determine our reputations and will stick with us indefinitely. Since I plan on competing in pool tournaments as long as I can, it is not worth behaving in a manner that will damage my reputation or the image of the sport I love.

We must all treat the game and our opponents with respect if we are to encourage others to begin playing the game. If observers witness the distasteful tactics that the April column extolled, potential pool players could not be blamed for running in the other direction to find a less vindictive pastime.

Take golf for example. Playing companions are schooled on proper etiquette from the day they set foot on a golf course. Experienced players understand that beginners will commit some faux pas, but will reprimand, explain, and correct the accidental offence quickly and quietly. If the teacher handles the experience well and the new player is hungry to learn the game, everyone benefits. The PGA has handled the image of their sport so well that thousands of spectators who line the fairways at professional events all hush when a pro is hitting his golf shot.

Wouldn’t we love the game of pool even more if our opponents and bystanders all worked together to create an atmosphere conducive to allowing the shooter to concentrate on playing the game at its highest level? I think the overwhelming criticism of the tactics outlined in the April column is a positive sign. Many players care as much as I do and we can all make a difference to eliminate ‘dirty pool’ and bring more class to the game.

Sincerely,
Mike Fieldhammer