Billy Incardona - Part 5 (Hustlers, High Stakes & the Golden Age of Pool)
In this fifth installment of our six-part series with legendary cue artist and road warrior Billy Incardona, listeners are treated to a vivid journey through the smoky, cash-fueled pool halls of America’s golden era. With trademark candor and humor, Billy recalls epic encounters with some of the game’s most colorful—and notorious—characters, bringing to life the grit and glory of a bygone hustler’s world.
From a wild high-stakes showdown with Weenie Beanie in Detroit to his induction into the One Pocket Hall of Fame, Billy’s storytelling captures both the thrill of victory and the sting of loss. He paints unforgettable portraits of poolroom legends like Artie Bodendorfer, the quiet Chicago genius who outsmarted opponents and bookmakers alike, and Cuban Joe Valdez, the proud Miami jeweler whose temper and toughness were matched only by his love for the game.
Billy also remembers Bunny Rogoff, the Pittsburgh hustler who could sell any act—from truck driver to Charlie Chaplin—and who once turned a near-shootout into a tale for the ages. Alongside co-hosts Mike Gonzalez, Allison Fisher and Mark Wilson, Billy reflects on the vanished romance of the road, when every poolroom was alive with characters, wagers, and whispers of easy money.
Today’s players may have lost that mystery, he says, but the stories remain—and in Billy’s hands, they shine as brightly as ever.
Join us for a captivating trip down memory lane with one of pool’s great storytellers, as he celebrates the brilliance, bravery, and beautiful madness of those who lived and played for the love of the game.
Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.
Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:
Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1
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.”
Incardona, Billy
Pool Professional
Pittsburgh Billy Incardona has been a solid One Pocket player and after hours legend for many years now. In fact, he’s still mixing it up against a whole new generation of players today. Of course, as the 'voice of Accustats', he has helped educate thousands of players in our favorite game. Recently Billy has also been promoting One Pocket tournaments in his own action-friendly poolroom.
Like many of our great players, Billy was gifted with natural talent and a fiercely competitive nature, and growing up in Pittsburgh there was no shortage of competition. At that time, Pittsburgh was home to the Hawk’s Nest, owned by 9-Ball champion Bernie Schwartz, which was also the home poolroom of another young champion, Jimmy Marino. In this company both Billy’s game and his game-making flourished. In fact, one thing that stands out with Billy, besides his knack for in-game strategy, is his knack for managing the game before the game, the art of matching up.
Bill won the 9-Ball division at Johnston City in the Jansco Brother’s 1972 summer tournament. At this stage in his career he was '9-Ball Billy', but like many players, as he got a little older he began to turn his attention to One Pocket. His One Pocket game really got a boost when he lived in Las Vegas where he had regular private sessions with Hall of Fame player Ed Kelly. In the relaxed atmosphere around Billy’s personal table, Kelly revealed both the shots and the style that made him one of the best ever, and Billy’s observant mind absorbed it all.
While he never snapped off a ma…
Read More