America's Best Ever Pool Player? You Decide

Who is America's best ever pool player? The poll on the top right of the pool history blog lists some all-time favorites, including recent Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Archer. I've left Willie Hoppe off the list because he was known as one of the best-ever billiards players, as opposed to one of the best-ever pool players. Neither have I included one of my personal favorites, Efren "Bata" Reyes. As he's from the Philippines, I figured I'd save him for a future poll of the greatest international players. I've also tried to get a good mix of players from different eras. (Van Boening vs. Greenleaf?!) Vote early. Vote often. I'll leave the poll up for awhile. Also, if you have a write-in candidate, feel free to comment at the bottom of this post. I'll tally up the write-ins later, along with those listed on the ballot.

Rags in the One-Pocket Hall of Fame

Rags was one of the greatest one-pocket players ever. He was rightfully honored in the One-Pocket Hall of Fame in 2006. There's also some information about Rags in the appendix of the REVISED paperback edition of Hustler Days.

John "Rags" Fitzpatrick, circa 1956

John1956
Originally uploaded by jakedyer.
Rags was considered by by some as the greatest one-pocket player that ever lived.

John "Rags" Fitzpatrick.

John "Rags" Fitzpatrick
Originally uploaded by jakedyer.
The always well-dressed Rags lines up a shot.

John "Rags" Fitzpatrick.

John "Rags" Fitzpatrick.
Originally uploaded by jakedyer.
A childhood photo.

Rags and Friends

PoolTableGroup Originally uploaded by jakedyer.
This picture, provided courtesy the family of Rags Fitzpatrick, shows the Washington D.C. pool great with some of the best players ever.