Joe Balsis

Background

Joe grew up playing in the billiard room of his father, John (who was in the meat business).

Career

The young Balsis was skilled enough by age 11 to play exhibition matches against professional players including Andrew Ponzi and Erwin Rudolph. In 1964 Balsis began competing professionally, winning the United States Open in 1968 and 1965 Billiard Room Proprietors Association Tournament, the 1966 World All-Around Championship, and both the 1968 and 1969 Jansco Brothers" Stardust Open "All-Around" title.

Achievements

• In his teens, he won four consecutive annual junior titles, then left the game and joined the Coast Guard as a boat machinist for several years during pool"s temporary decline. In 1944, he took up competition again, winning the Armed Services Champion title.