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"Okinawa Slim"
Artistic Pool, Trick Shot Competitions, 8–Ball, 9–Ball, 10-Ball, 14.1 & Exhibitions Tours
Playing Cues:
M8P1 "Prestige I" for TV and promotions
C17, D19 and D21 used for competitions
Break/Jump Cue: Stinger NG05
McDermott Ambassador Since: June 1982
Competes: Worldwide
Home Clubs: Kennesaw Billiards, Cue’s Billiards, Mr. Cue’s II and Marietta Billiards Club
Favorite Venues: Leader’s Club — Saint Petersburg, Russia
Tips/advice for aspiring players:
Never give up on your dreams; continue to work hard at your game to reach your goals. Practice, don’t do drugs and most importantly, listen to learn.
Best advice he received from someone:
My Father always told me: "Success is built from hard work. Never give up on things that you believe in. Be quick to hear and slow to speak. Always complete what you start."
Major Accomplishments
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2006-2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
1999
1998
1988
1986
1982
1980
Bio
It all started back in a musty old pool hall in Sanford, Florida. A skinny 7-year-old boy stacked two soda crates atop each other so he could shoot his first game of pool. It was a game long-remembered by that skinny little boy, who is now a retired Marine after 20 years of service and known by many as "Okinawa Slim."
His father owned a Billiard Parlor, a Restaurant and a Tavern—where his brothers and he used to imitate the styles of famous pool players. Combining and perfecting these first attempts at the game, Slim later refined and sharpened these bona fide styles into his own unique style. By spending so much time stooped over the felt-covered tables, Slim became quite proficient at the game. When he was 10, he played his first money game. Although that first game was performed for only a quarter, it was a quarter that Slim won. He would beat players that came into his father's Billiard Parlor that were twice his age! It was also the onset of a long series of winnings that would lead Slim to eventually reach a higher level.
As he reached his mid-teens, Slim had a hankering to travel. So he and his older brother set out. They traveled from town to town, from table to table, searching for their fame and fortune. To support their travels, Slim and his brother took jobs at the Oakland Recreation Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Several professionals frequented the center. They offered Slim pointers on how to improve his game. "I learned a lot from them," Slim said. He was labeled “Iceberg Slim” while he was associated with the center. His peers were awed that nothing could waiver his concentration at the tables.
The travel bug hit Slim again, but instead of rambling about the Eastern Seaboard, he considered another alternative. His brother, a Marine, dared him to join the Corps. At first Slim planned to join the Navy; but, his brother said he ought to try the Corps—so he did. After completing boot camp, he was just called Slim.
In May 1979, Slim was transferred to Okinawa, Japan. At first he was a bit homesick, so he played pool to keep himself busy and to take his mind off of the thought of being so far from the States. Slim spent most of his time playing at the Schilling Recreation Center, located at Kadena Air Force Base. In late December of that year, the center sponsored a pool tournament—which Slim eagerly entered. After four hours of stiff competition, Slim emerged champion, clutching a 1st place trophy for his pool playing expertise. Not only did he leave the competition with a 1st place trophy, but also with the title of “Okinawa Slim”.
“Okinawa Slim” continued to repeat this feat throughout his tour, taking on military personnel as well as local nationals winning 16 consecutive pool tournaments between the ages of 21 & 22 on Okinawa.
At the age of 22, Slim had the opportunity to travel and compete against players in Japan, Australia, Guam, Korea and Hawaii. He also played in his first professional pool tournament in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. At the age of 23, he competed against world champions such as Allen Hopkins, Lou Butera, Mike Massey and Little Al Romero.
Slim is currently working on a pilot for a potential reality TV show; working on a book; involved in helping the Boys & Girls Club; and working in the community, giving back to seniors and others in need.