John Schmidt - Part 4 (Breaking Barriers, Breaking Records)
After three episodes of stories, lessons, and unfiltered honesty, Legends of the Cue brings you the powerful conclusion to our four-part conversation with one of the most fascinating figures in cue sports: John Schmidt — the man who broke Willie Mosconi’s 65-year-old straight pool high run record.
Known to fans as “Mr. 600,” John opens up about the physical and mental toll of chasing greatness, from pounding thousands of balls a day until his body ached, to embracing fitness, nutrition, and even the right shoes and chalk as critical tools of the trade. He recalls the pivotal shift in strategy that allowed him to reach his historic 626-ball run — the humility it took to change a break shot he’d hit the same way for decades, and the lessons learned pushing past 400 into uncharted territory.
But triumph didn’t come without turbulence. John candidly shares the darker side of his achievement: the skepticism, harsh criticism, and even hostility that followed. In his words, the adoration and the animosity revealed as much about human nature as about pool itself. Through it all, he kept perspective — focusing on performance, consistency, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
The conversation also revisits Schmidt’s time representing Team USA under Captain Mark Wilson at the Mosconi Cup, the camaraderie and challenges of team competition, and the unforgettable atmosphere of playing in front of raucous European crowds. Finally, John reflects on the career “Mulligans” he’d take if given the chance, and how he truly wishes to be remembered — not only as a great player, but as a good person.
This finale delivers the wit, humility, and raw passion of a man who pushed the limits of straight pool, and himself, to the edge of history.
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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.”