Evening star., 1950-11-02

It's been more than years since
cleric his first world title which the 1871 baklne
Watching syls at Angers, perfect
ing his stroking and angle play might wonder Hoppe
isn't the most remarkable of all sports champions
only l8 years old when he his first world title
The the ballroom of the Grand Hotel Paris Three
thousand Frenchmen ammed the lavish to if the
great Maurice vgnaux called he Old Lon could turn back
the American challenger There was difference OF Al years
in their ages.
HOPPE WON. He also ruled the 1872 world from 1910 to
1920 1914 he the unchaenged king at 14 and
1888 he tried 72 successfully But at this point he out
of opposition. The exacting bakne had taken its toll
l. AS young Hoppe might have become major league
ball player Baseball his favoe sport but Willie, fine
billiard player age great at didn't live
boys life His parents afraid of injury to his hands al
though in later he often rsked injury by working out
with the New York Giants
But when Willie had out of baklne opposition he
too old to play baseball He committed to his game as
of livelihood and he concentrated cushion
billiards. division rich in fine players In 1s40a the age of
5he his first worlds title at three cushions and off
20 straight victories believed be record for tournament play
Only exceptional would be unaded after these
many years. Hoppe neither looks plays
jaded but it possible compile the miles he's walked
around billiard tables and the hours he's stood in acute inner
agony 81 years of opponents have made their shots it would
be staggering total
HE STILL his cue the he used in
1906 when defeated Vgnaux been repped hundreds of
times despite the perspaon and body oils into
the handle during thousands of matches the years. it
weighs half pound less than it did originally.
But I'm 35 pounds heavier Willie says with grin.
II couple of ago Hoppe Washington to play
few engagements Sitting his hotel the Mayower
Willie in reminiscent mood Il remember this city, he
said when had several billiard academies in the finest ira
don. remember Years Eve of 1911 when President
Taft invited exhibit in the White House They forgot
invite opponent and Representative Nicholas Longwoh
volunteered.
"Those days" Hoppe sighed when billiards
amaor sport Today find bowling alleys and parking lots
where pool academies used to stand
HOPES TRAVELLING COMPANION during that visit
Irving Crane, dsluSoned young who the pocket
billiard champion at the time Crane who off 309
balls in succession earing the table % tines saying that
only Hoppe could make any money with pool
Il went to Hobart College to be lawyer like my dad
Crane explained Il happened to world championship
but while sounds good don't clear $4,000 year. going
back to home town. LEonia N Y and make like lawyer
This gentleman he concluded noddng Hoppe s the only
Mr.. Billiards We'll know"
Il Willie smiled he listened "You know" he said
often looked to another sport for change of pace decided
on golf which is nice respectable game my age
But can't play golf Jake Schaefer
play it. million people play it. But Willie Hoppe
Il "Why?" asked visitor.
2 II can't putt Hoppe replied II just haven't got
on the sighed the with the uncanny
cate stroke in history