Los Angeles Pool League

We began the new millennium, 2000 with continuing shifts in team membership. Bananas slipped away, Catch One became a "Catch 22" by closing on Tuesdays (with a shift of its players to Mavericks), the Boulevard returned to our ranks after an extended absence, and Chico's joined us for the first time from Montebello. For the first time, the Board allowed two single teams from Motherlode and Escapades to pair together as sister teams to protect the loss of two bars which could only field one team each. Total teams, thirty-two; total participating clubs, seventeen.  Two important changes in League policies were voted in at the January Captains' meeting.  By a vote of twenty-two to zero with three abstentions, the Captains endorsed a Board recommendation that team dues be increased to $160 per team, a long delayed action necessitated by rising costs for all League activities.  The Captains also voted to hold team play-offs prior to Individuals' play-offs so that winning team members would not dilute the Individuals' competition.  Janell McKane was welcomed to the Board as League Statistician.  At the L.A. sponsored Forty-First W.C.C., the team championship returned to the League courtesy ofthe W.C.C. hosted Shooters team of Ward, Bailey, Bustamante, José Bermudez and Gibbi Tkatch.

Fall 2000, our fifty-fourth season began with the return to League leadership of Jeffrey Hersh, elected in the Spring along with other ex-Presidents Dale Correll, John Cochran, and Bill Dehn.  Unfortunately, ill health prevented Dale from assuming his Board duties before the season began.  Despite losing Chico's and Mavericks, team membership jumped to a surprising thirty-eight teams with the addition of new teams from Lil' Wonder Bar (L.A.) and Encounters (Pasadena), full sister teams from Motherlode and Escapades, and eight (8!) teams from Stevan Bailey's Rawhide-Shooters. For the first time in League history, at the suggestion of Scott Holecek, voting rights at our startup Captains' Meeting were given to any member in attendance, not just the team Captains.  A Hersh goal was to strengthen the League's financial status.  Under his guidance and with his financial support the Weekly Standingswere mailed to all League members.  Better publicity for our special fund-raising tournaments including a new special tournament for "New Players and Under Five-Hundred" greatly increased member participation and the balance of our League treasury (watched carefully by Treasurer Bill Dehn and auditor Terry Irwin).  Fall season brought with it the efforts of a Hershinspired Rules Committee that simplified, condensed, and clarified League rules of play.  In October, League stalwart Bob Holden passed away leaving more than twenty years of League participation and contributions behind him; among those contributions, Bob was a winner of "The Mike LaVoie
Award" in 1981, and co-founder of the summer Nine-Ball League in 1982.  The highlight of our W.C.C. competition in San Francisco was the first place finish of Mele De Victoria in the Women's Tournament, her third such title and tying her with Angie Costa (L.A.) and Jonnie LeMaster of Long Beach.  

Spring 2001 was a season of change. It began with the retirements from the Board of Governors of Glenda Davis, Lauren Ward and, most notably, Chris Yamagata.  Before stepping down Chris had completed sixteen straight seasons of service, by far the longest Board tenure of any woman in League history.  The team count dropped from thirty-six to thirty-two, not counting Rafters change-of-name to FUBAR for "F ---- d Up Beyond All Recognition."  In May, the League lost two of its foremost citizens: Paul Bussiere and Dale Correll.  Paul, a League member since the early 1970's, was one of its very finest shooters in both League and W.C.C. competition in the subsequent decades. More importantly, he had no equal in caring for the League's principles of fair play, fine sportsmanship and the love of the Eight-Ball game.  Beisel awardee Dale Correll, after years of Board service, including one as League president, passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness.  The happiest note of the season was the accomplishment of Prez Jeffrey Hersh and Stevan Bailey of Rawhide-Shooters in achieving an agreement with Miller Lite for their sponsorship and financial support of League activities.  The season ended on other positive notes. Glenda Davis was given a Special Recognition Award for her past service as League Historian, long-term board member and three term League president.  Once again a Lauren Ward-Stevan Bailey-Frank Bustamante team, this time with Jose Bermudez, Gibbi Tkatch, and Frank Novelo, won the team title at the Forty-Third W.C.C. in San Diego.  Fall Season started with some League firsts! Janell McKane became the first woman president in the League's fifty-sixth season.  The League's fledgling website came of age thanks to the efforts of Bill Hoover and James Prather, and for the first time in decades the League adopted a new logo designed by member Angelo Pacella.  For the first time, Jeffrey Hersh and Bill Hoover combined talents to produce a season "GUIDE" together, and for the first time in twenty-three straight terms Bill announced that he would not be returning to the Board of Governors in the coming season (he had had eleven other Board membership seasons before starting the string of twenty-three).  For his many accomplishments, including a record breaking eleven seasons as League leader between 1983 and 2000, Bill was the recipient of a Special Recognition Award. January, 2002 the Forty-Fourth W.C.C. competition in Long Beach was unusually tough, but our Hi/Lo team of Jon Bourgault and Ricardo Man prevailed to capture a first place trophy.  

Spring '02: Janell McKane oversees the final publication of the Guide assembled in great part by Jon Bourgault.  Janell concludes her six terms on the Board with two seasons of outstanding service as our first female President.  Her prior service as Statistician is also considered the "gold standard."  Gay Games VI: Summer: Sydney, Australia - two medal winners from our league! Jon Bourgault wins the Bronze and Jeff Lee wins the Silver medal in 9 - ball.

Fall '02: Janell McKane acts as sole Publisher of the Guide.  John Cochran succeeds Janell as League President.  Jay Belleville, our first President and one of our five founders, passes away on October 1st. January '03 - SF WCC XLVI - Rick Ayres and Kerri Frasca win the HI/LO.

Spring '03: At the May Awards Banquet, Janell McKane is presented with a well-deserved Special Recognition Award for her outstanding service as Statistician and President of the League.  She had also
tackled the tedious task of updating the vast mailing list.

Fall '03: At the Oxwood Awards Banquet, John Cochran is presented with the Special Recognition Award in celebration and praise for his twenty-seven terms on the Board of Governors including five as President.  He has been an outstanding fund raiser and Statistician.

Spring '04: MoonShadow hosted the Awards Banquet.  Two Special Recognition Awards are presented: To Ron Oliver, thanking him for his tenure as League Treasurer, Boulevard Captain and League Auditor.  His thorough reporting of our fund raising events helps the Board make informed decisions about our prospective Events Calendar.  Our appreciation was also directed to Angelo Pacella.  His professional background in art and design contributed mightily to the Guide, Fund Raising posters, post cards to the membership; print and on-line advertising appearing in Frontiers, Adelante, LN and
other sports and community publications.  John Savolainen, receives the John E. Isakson Award for his reliable, multi-year support of our Guide advertising and donations of pool supplies from AAA Billiards.  Darlene Cass takes first place in the WCC Women's Tournament in July as we host at THE MIX in Montrose.

Spring 2005: In January at WCCL a West Coast Challenge Hall of Fame is created. Each city presents a list of charter members to be inducted.  The Los Angeles group includes Paul Bussiere(•), Frank Bustamante, John Cochran, Joe Dale, Jack Frohman, Jeffrey Hersh, Bob Holden(•), Bill Hoover and Lauren Ward.  The induction is set for WCCLI in San Diego in July '05. (•posthumously).

Spring 2006: Long time member Joseph Nealon assumes the Presidency.  James Prather retires from the BOG after years of service as Rules Chair, Webmaster, and Secretary.  Phil Stephens elected in his first appearance on the ballot.  Phil is instrumental in the return of the Gold Coast after a long hiatus.  MoonShadow owners Sharon and Cindy host(ess) our Awards banquet.  It is our turn to host the Challenge.  WCCLIII is held at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys.  Stevan Bailey and David Boyd were inducted into the WCC Hall of Fame.  Pauley Pace takes 6th and David Boyd takes 8th place in the Open Individuals.  Gay Games VI: July - Chicago - Rick Ayres wins the Gold Medal in 9 ball. The firstInternational Outgames - July/August - Montreal - Jon Bourgault wins two bronze medals - 8 and 9 ball.

Fall 2006: Board appoints Russ Pepin as Treasurer and Jeffrey Hersh as President to fill two vacancies beginning July 2006.  Jon Bourgault with assistance from Bill Hoover begins a major upgrade of the League website.  Dale Beatie begins his reign as Fund Raising Chair.  Phil Stephens assumes the mantle of Statistician.  The Lodge changes ownership with their teams relocating to C-Frenz (formerly Bananas and Incognito). The Faultline and Study opt to close on Tuesdays.  MJ's team dissolves.  The Spotlight returns to the League after nearly a 20 year absence.  Bill Hoover allows his name to be absent from the Fall BOG ballot to take a well deserved and much needed, temporary hiatus from daily BOG duties at the conclusion of San Francisco hosted WCC LIV in January '07.  As Guide Publisher, 14 term President and multi-season Statistician, his contributions essentially swamp all others.  Akira Ohmori wins the Open Individuals.  Tom Nicholson receives "Special Recognition Award" for his contributions to the League scheduling.  Jack Plimpton is presented with the "Sportsmanship Award" - A very rare presentation indeed! - Oxwood hosts the awards banquet.

Spring '07: Shauna Madrigal coordinates with the Terri and Willie Farrell (owners of the Penthouse Billiards) to facilitate their entry as sponsors for the first time.  Three teams locate there for the first season.  Spotlight drops out again.  Jox is sold and withdraws for this season.  FUBAR takes a breather too.  Roosterfish reduces to one team headed by Walt Elk.  Jon Bourgault takes over as Guide Publisher.  Dale Beatie wins his fourth LAPL Open Individual championship and wins fifth place in the WCC LV Open Individuals.  MoonShadow hosts the awards banquet.  Cindy and Sharon receive the John E. Isakson Memorial Award for outstanding contribution by a sponsor.  Ginger Lewis, a new member, captures fourth place in the Women's Tournament at WCC LV in San Diego.  Joe Nealon resigns from the BOG due to the time pressure of work related responsibilities.  The Board votes to appoint Russ Pepin to fill the slot and he continues in his post as Treasurer.  Phil Stephens, Jake Fisher, Mike Harris and other supporters from the Gold Coast represent us at CSW donating their time and tips to the League.  30 year LAPL member Ricky Bravo and partner Gibbi Tkatch win the WCC Hi/Lo.

Fall '07: In an effort to expand the West Coast Challenge experience, the members vote to award the 8th place LAPL Open Individual slot to the winner of our "Bottoms Tournament" (.500 and under 10 week average).  The first winner to represent us is Penthouse player, Douglas Bigger.  Russ Pepin receives the "Special Recognition Award" affirming our ongoing appreciation for his tireless efforts, especially in the office of Treasurer.  Jeffrey Hersh is presented with his second Marvin Beisel Award at the conclusion of his 14 terms as President.  Shauna Madrigal's "Penthouse Pirates" win their first LAPL team championship.  LA takes the top three Open Individual slots at WCC LVI (56) in January '08 along with a second place Women's finish by Linda "Bo" Bowman.  Bill Hoover returns as Guide Publisher.

Spring 2008: During the regular season, on a trial basis, new players will have unlimited time outs.  Dues are increased to $200.00 per team.  Player personnel changes are now permitted with a 24 hour notice period replacing the "one week in advance" rule.  The Individual and Women's playoff tournaments are placed on a one minute "shot clock" to facilitate play.  Vern Addison and Rick Ayres are inducted into the WCC Hall of Fame at the LAPL hosted event at the Grand Vista Hotel in July.  For the first time, excerpts of the ceremony are posted on YouTube.  Both inductees have more than twenty-five years of loyal membership and have many playing accomplishments.  Both have been Captains and players at numerous sponsor locations.  They have attended, supported and had significant playing accomplishments at all levels of our League.  In July '08: Bill Hoover receives praise and accolades from the West Coast Challenge delegation at the LAPL hosted event held at the arena Sports Bar & Grill celebrating his fifty seasons on our Board of Governors.  He has served an unsurpassed seventeen terms as President, held every office on the Board of Governors including distinguished, multi-term tenures as Statistician and Vice President, Publisher of the Guide, and service as the Chief Team Judge at numerous West Coast Challenges.  He is surprised and surrounded by an honorary delegation composed of eight current and former Presidents of our League.  Michael Pfannenstiel and Gibbi Tkatch comfortably snare the WCC Hi/Lo trophy at the Grand Vista Hotel. Dale Beatie prevails over Lucky Butler (Long Beach) for his second WCC Open Individual title.

Fall 2008: Austin Griffin, one of our five founders, two term President, longtime Governor of the League, Statistician, and Fall 1991 Marvin Beisel Award winner, passes.  Willie and Terri Farrell, Penthouse Billiards owners, are presented with the John E. Isakson Award for exceptional support from a sponsor.  At WCC LVIII - San Francisco (January 2009), Anna Tkatch and Joe Bertoldo
capture the Hi/Lo.  Malisa Mapu triumphs with her third Women's Open championship.

Spring 2009: Former president and Motherlode Captain, Janell McKane, along with teammates Kirk Hill, Randy Schrier and Jimmy Dower, receive a well-deserved "Special Recognition Award" as a tribute to their many years together and in appreciation of their devotion to the League.  They have alternately represented the Spike, 7702, Motherlode and now Penthouse Billiards.  At the same
awards banquet on May 19th, the John E. Isakson Memorial Award, reserved for contributions by a sponsor, is presented to Gibbi Tkatch/Hot Shot Billiards.

Fall 2009: Tim Clark and Cliff Giles, Jr., assume the responsibility of co-producing the Guide after a hand-off from longtime Publisher, Bill Hoover.  Paladino's joins our list of Sponsors.  John Cochran retires temporarily from the Board concluding his seventh non-consecutive term as President and nearly 30 seasons on the Board of Governors.  The December 15th Awards Banquet celebrating the League's 72nd season is held at the MoonShadow Lounge including a tearful farewell from departing owners Cindy and Sharon.  A section of the night's program is carved out to praise retiring member Frank Bustamante for his 32 consecutive years of loyal membership.  He is presented with a "Special Recognition Award" along with a substantial contribution to his medical fund.  On the Fall '09
election ballot, the members ratify the re-titling of the "Sportsmanship Award" in Frank's honor.  Former Presidents and teammates attend from far and wide.  Bryan Haneiwich wins his first LAPL Open Individual title.  Ginger Lewis captures the Women's title at WCC LX in Long Beach (January 2010).  Spring 1975 LaVoie winner and Gold Coast owner Joe Salley passes.

I have been asked to make some comments about our Dear Leader, Papa Doc, Kim Jung Il President for Life  Bill Hoover who claims to be retiring for real this time from the Board of Governors.

Apparently, someone has been circulating a notarized affidavit with his fingerprint to ensure compliance with this latest pledge. He assures us however, that he will still be an active player and available as a judge.

During the preparation of these remarks, I needed to investigate certain personal facts. Since I was given this on short notice, I've had to make a few hasty assumptions.

It is likely that only one or two of these axioms can be true:

Bill was born in a log cabin on a mountaintop in Tennessee
Bill was born to Jewish parents in the Catskills
Bill was born in Peru to Indian parents
His favorite phrase is: ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS
or that Bill was born in Canton, Ohio and left shortly thereafter for Toastmaster General training school

He prides himself at his tender age of 65 of being a Toastmaster attempting (in his  words) to add humor to presentations - trying to keep it light and making our members feel welcome. If you ever try to locate the microphone at any one of our events you'll inevitably find his hand firmly attached to it.

Certain facts remain uncontested:

He magically appeared one day in late 1979 or and became a Member of the L.A. Pool League having arrived directly from Canton, Ohio along with his child bride Lee. A closer look at Lee's name on their fancy return address labels at Christmas time indicates the use of an "E." before his name. He really is "Eddie" but prefers Lee. I call him Eddie.

Lee and Bill, at one time or another, have rescued more than twenty cats. They all lived in varying numbers and ages inside their Hollywood apartment. There must either be a beachhead or a giant sandbox since none of them were ever permitted to go outside.  Lee is allergic to cats. In the 32 years that I know Bill, no one can ever testify to having being inside their apartment.

Additionally, during this seemingly endless period of time, barely anyone can report seeing Bill behind the wheel of a car; I mean inside the cabin, not outside under a wheel.

Despite this, he has been present at every event imaginable and more in his long and distinguished membership in our League.

Since 1985, I have served on the Board for approximately twenty terms with Bill. He has proven himself to be a moderating force between the liberal views of the laissez-faire "peace and love" philosophy of George O'Hara and the hard-nosed views of other unnamed members of the Board such as myself.

Along the way he has been recognized by the League with a variety of Awards and citations, To mention just a few:

In the Fall 1986 season he was presented with our highest honor: The Marvin Beisel Award for Unusual Dedication to the League

At the Spring 1997 Awards Banquet held at the fabulous Catch One, he was granted the League's Sportsmanship Award. With more than a thousand different players on our rosters since our founding in the Spring 1974, Bill joined a small handful of members to receive this distinction. The 1170 Bar; Tony Lobene, Bobbie Droukas, Jack Plimpton and Frank Bustamante.

And that was 16 years ago.

Some other notable points:

He has been elected to every Officer's position on our Board of Governors. No one else has had that distinction or breadth of experience.

He has attended all but three of the 66 West Coast Challenges. On one of those occasions, Bill had undergone hernia surgery but still managed to struggle in and perform his duties as a Judge when we hosted the West Coast Challenge at the Four Star (now known as Mickey's).

He was at the head of a very small group spearheading the creation of the WCC Hall of Fame and was later voted in as one of its Charter honorees.

He is proud of his record for Judging more WCC and LAPL Final Team Matches than anyone in history.

He also participated three times in the WCC HI/Lo.
once with Jimmy Dower. I still cannot divine which of the two was the HI.

He has certainly produced more GUIDES than anyone else.

He was our first Webmaster; succeeded by Jim Prather, Jon Bourgault; back again to Bill and now in the very competent hands of Bryan Haneiwich who has done a Herculean job of pulling this site together. He should be very proud of his work.

A few more observations:

He Co-hosted the Sponsor's Appreciation Dinner at the New York Company attended by over 100 bar owners, bartenders and major supporters held in 1987.

He received a Special Recognition Award during the banquet held at the PALMS Bar.

Recipient of a Special tribute presented at the Arena during the WCC acknowledging his 50 seasons on the Board of Governors

He briefly retired from the Board several times - If I had a nickel for every time he has suggested he might not be able to run again for the Board claiming that Lee supposedly wanted to move back to Ohio, we might be able to buy at least two shots of Grey Goose at the Eleven Bar

On at least three occasions, he left the board for a season or two and in one instance was called back to service within 45 days to fill a vacancy due to an untimely resignation.

Meanwhile, he has managed to find time to play pool and has now been a member of Six LAPL championships teams.

He has won trophies at every imaginable fundraiser. His entry fees alone over the past 34 years would probably fund a season of registration dues.

Meanwhile, ever the true POOL WIDOW, Lee has remained his loyal spouse during their 38 years together which will be celebrated this July 13th.

The list of fourteen sponsors he has represented in his 68 seasons:

In no particular order:
Mr. Mikes, Westside, The Study, Lodge, Club 22, Woody's Hyperion (Now M.J.s), Hollywood Billiards, Rawhide, The Oxwood Inn, Escapades, The Other Door, Spike, Gauntlet II and Griff's.

Let me say this about service. Bill defines the meaning of Service. He is actively engaged in the process both as an administrator and a participant. But more importantly, he has been the face of the League for many years to our sister cities. When they see Bill, they equate his presence with stability and continuity. This cannot easily be attributed to the other Leagues.

 People may say the old timers ought to make way for the next generation. And we do seem to have the next generation of volunteers moving into positions of authority. However, there is no substitute for the comfort that comes with a member such as Bill who understands our culture; tries his best to advance our interests both in the League and the community, and has maintained the respect that he has earned over the past 34 years.

We have been through life and death together. Our League lost nearly 100 members during the height of the AIDS crisis as evidenced by the four pool table sized panels of League names stitched  into the national QUILT.  We've had our moments but with the passing of time I've come to gain an even greater respect for his patience, dedication, loyalty and devotion to our League.

Many years from now, when an even longer view of our History is possible, one person will be atop the heap.

It is my pleasure to offer these remarks on behalf of our retiring TWENTY TERM President and ask all of you here tonight to join in recognizing the truly dedicated service and appreciation we have for our distinguished member, Bill Hoover.

Thank you.