Danny Diliberto & Jack Colavita Inducted into the Straight Pool Hall of Fame

  Danny “Buffalo Dan” Diliberto and Jack “Gentleman Jack” Colavita

Queens, New York –  Former World All Around Champion and straight pool legend Danny Diliberto and 5x New Jersey State 14.1 Champion “Gentleman Jack” Jack Colavita will be inducted into this year’s Straight Pool Hall of Fame . Both players have had a long fruitful career in 14.1 accomplishments and both became huge influences on the promotions of the game as well. The 77 year old Diliberto will be dusting off his pool cue and participating in the 72nd Predator World Tournament of 14.1 as the honorary inductee , while Colavita will be honored throughout the week as well posthumously. World Champions from 1912 on through the earlier decades of 14.1 history will also be included and recognized as a group. The induction dinner ceremony will take place August 1st ,2012 at 5pm at Linden Place Banquet Hall adjacent to Carom Cafe which is hosting the Predator World Tournament. Special 14.1 Hall of Fame video presentations will be presented by NYCGrind.com’s founder Jerry Tarantola. The World Tournament will pause for a long dinner break in honor of the ceremony during the fourth day of competition so all the players and fans can join.

Fans will be in for a rare treat as they watch pool’s favorite 14.1 commentator play in his first World 14.1 in 30 years! The last big straight pool tourney Danny Diliberto played was in 1989 in Chicago only 23 years ago. “I’ll never forget that tournament. They had a $3500 bonus for running 150 & out, and I was playing Varner and ran a 95 and I knew I was going to get that money, then a ball skidded on me!”

Diliberto has become a staple for Accu-Stats, the premiere pool video company in the industry. Danny’s expert commentary and insight has influenced thousands of players worldwide. Diliberto was on the ballot where fans voted along with other top nominees that included Oliver Ortmann, Dallas West, Lou Butera, and Gene Nagy.

“It’s really an honor to be elected in with greats like Ray Martin and Jack Colavita. I’m really looking forward to the event and also playing. I haven’t played straight pool in years, but I’m going to be hitting balls before the World Tournament. Don’t worry I still know how to play!”  said Diliberto. Danny was the prestigious World All Around Champion of the legendary Johnston City events back in 1972 and runner-up to the late Steve Mizerak at the 1982 World 14.1 Championship. Diliberto was also the recipient of the BCA Hall of Fame last year.

“I’m really happy for Jack Colavita and his family. He was a great player, but above that he was a great person. I miss him.”

Diliberto was a force throughout the decades in all billiard disciplines

New Jersey’s Jack Colavita received the lead votes to be elected into the unsung heroes part of the 14.1 Hall of Fame. Colavita was a stone cold legend in the Northeast and was one of the dominant forces of 14.1 in New Jersey during the days of giants such as Steve Mizerak, Ray Martin, and many other notables. Jack won the New Jersey State 14.1 Championships 5 times and the New York State 14.1 Championship 3 times. He also got 3rd at the US 14.1 Open. Later in life, he was a big proponent and helper of the revived New Jersey State 14.1 Championship, before passing away at age 73.

“Jack was one of the greats because he really played the game the right way. He was also a strong 9-Ball player and was super at roll out 9-Ball because he was a great shotmaker. Back in those days, we sometimes played 1000 point matches in blocks over a few days. I remember one of those times Jack ran four consecutive 100 ball runs on me. He was just raining in 100’s ! When he was on, he was a machine and no one played it prettier. He was phenomenal”, said Allen Hopkins, World and US Open Champion in 9-Ball and 14.1.

“Colavita used to win the New Jersey 14.1 Championships back when the field was the same as a World Championship”, said NYC great Danny Barouty.

“It was incredible because Jack didn’t even play on the tour. He had a full time job 5 days a week and a family”, said Pat Fleming, Founder of Accu-Stats.

Colavita had such a strong following that they created a Jack Colavita Memorial Tournament in his honor in New Jersey.

“There were many factors on why we decided to start the Straight Pool Hall of Fame. We wanted to honor not only obvious choices, but to remember great players that are still alive and remind them that they are not forgotten. They are living treasures of the sport. Also, we wanted to recognize those who may not receive recognition elsewhere, but were huge parts of 14.1 history”, said Charlie Williams, Founder of Dragon Promotions.

“Last year’s Straight Pool Hall of Fame was sold-out with over 100 people and we couldn’t believe the terrific response. My own staff had to stand and give up our seats to some desperate fans that wanted to get in to watch. Luckily we still managed to find some dinner!” said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

Fans can buy tickets in advance by going to http://worldstraightpool.com/tickets.html

Guest speakers at the dinner banquet on August 1st  will include several speakers including former World Champions Stephan Cohen, Allen Hopkins, and of course Danny Diliberto . The 14.1 Hall of Fame events will also include video presentations by NYCGrind.com’s Jerry Tarantola. Charlie Williams will MC the evening’s festivities.

Danny Diliberto still plays pool and continues to teach players today. The renowned instructor and many times champion can be reached for lessons or appearances at 1-(954)- 665- 5978

Good luck to Danny Diliberto going for the World Tournament title at the prime age of 77!

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