Billy Incardona - Part 2 (Champagne Eddie, Minnesota Fats & the Greats of the Game)
In this captivating second installment of Legends of the Cue: The Billy Incardona Story, co-hosts Mike Gonzalez, Allison Fisher and Mark Wilson continue their deep dive into the colorful, gritty, and often hilarious world of one of pool’s true storytellers and road warriors. "Nine-Ball Billy" pulls no punches as he recalls his early influences, his larger-than-life mentor “Champagne Eddie” Kelly, and the unforgettable characters who shaped the golden age of American pool.
From the smoky rooms of Pittsburgh to the legendary Johnson City tournaments, Billy paints vivid portraits of the game’s most iconic figures — the flamboyant Ronnie Allen, the magnetic Minnesota Fats, and the ever-serious Willie Mosconi — capturing both their brilliance on the table and their antics off it. He shares Fats’ showmanship and courtroom wit, the rivalry and respect between Fats and Mosconi, and the raw charisma that made them household names far beyond the poolroom.
Billy’s stories take listeners behind the curtain of the hustler’s life — from tense, high-stakes matches against the likes of Leonard “Bugs” Rucker and Eddie Taylor, to his unforgettable first encounters with a young Efren “Bata” Reyes, long before the world knew his name. Through humor, humility, and hindsight, Billy reveals the lessons learned at the felt, the friendships forged through competition, and the deep respect that binds the greats of the game.
It’s an unfiltered journey through pool’s most legendary era — equal parts history, heart, and hustle. Whether you’re a lifelong player or just love a great story well told, this episode reminds us why these legends will never fade from the game’s lore.
🎱 Listen now to “Champagne Eddie, Minnesota Fats & the Greats of the Game.”
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Music by Lyrium.
About
"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”