In this sixth and final chapter of our deep dive into the remarkable life of Billy Incardona, we bring to a close the journey of one of pool’s most colorful and respected figures—a man whose sharp mind, storytelling charm, and love for the game have made him a true legend of the cue.

Billy reflects on his lifelong relationship with the sport, from creating his instructional video Common Sense One Pocket to helping shape the design of Diamond Billiard tables. He shares vivid memories of epic road matches, including the now-legendary “Chasing Incardona” story with Ronnie Wiseman, a tale of rivalry, endurance, and the chess-like strategy of nine-ball at its highest level.

As the conversation turns personal, Billy opens his heart about family—his late son, his accomplished daughter, and the grandson who now carries the family name forward. His words reveal a man who has known triumph and heartbreak, fame and humility, and who finds deep meaning in love, legacy, and the memories that endure.

Looking back, Billy admits that if he knew at twenty what he knows now, he might have chosen a quieter life—but his passion for the game, the people, and the journey itself shines through. He shares what he’d do differently, the one moment he’d relive, and how he hopes to be remembered: as someone who loved the game and the players who brought it to life.

Filled with laughter, candor, and nostalgia, this heartfelt finale reminds us why legends like Billy Incardona never truly fade—they live on through the stories, the friendships, and the timeless beauty of the game.

“Legends never die,” Billy says—and after hearing his, you’ll believe it.

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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.”

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.

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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.”

In this fourth installment of our six-part deep dive into the extraordinary life of pool legend Billy Incardona, we step inside the smoky rooms, backroom barns, and broadcast booths that shaped one of the game’s sharpest minds and most colorful storytellers.

Joined by hosts Mike Gonzalez, Mark Wilson, and Allison Fisher, Billy brings to life the unforgettable characters and moments that defined his years as both player and commentator. He recalls the brilliance and blunt honesty of fellow legends like Grady Mathews and Danny DiLiberto, whose quick wit and unfiltered banter made the commentary booth as entertaining as the matches themselves.

The stories then move to the felt — and to a hidden marijuana farm in South Carolina — where a young Earl “the Pearl” Strickland faced off against world champion Mike Sigel in a grueling, three-day money match for large stakes. With a front-row seat to one of the sport’s most legendary encounters, Billy paints a vivid picture of raw talent, nerves, and competitive fire, explaining how this match foreshadowed Strickland’s rise to greatness.

And just when you think the tales can’t get wilder, Billy shifts to Las Vegas, where the legendary gambler and card savant Stu Ungar takes the stage — a genius of gin rummy and 3-time WSOP winner whose brilliance was matched only by his self-destruction. Through Billy’s eyes, we see the razor-thin line between genius and ruin that runs through so many icons of the cue and card rooms alike.

A master storyteller at the height of his recall, Billy Incardona once again proves why his voice — and his stories — are an irreplaceable part of pool’s rich and unruly history.

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Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

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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.”

In this third installment of our six-part conversation with pool legend and all-time hustler Billy Incardona, we dive deep into the wild, unfiltered golden age of American pool — a time when the cues cracked, the cash flowed, and the characters were larger than life.

Billy takes us straight into the heart of Johnson City, Illinois, home of the famed Jansco Brothers’ “Hustlers Jamboree.” With his trademark mix of humor and candor, he recalls the smoky taverns, all-night action, and the unforgettable personalities who made the event a gambler’s paradise. From Luther “Wimpy” Lassiter and Boston Shorty to the chaos of FBI raids and backroom card games, Billy paints a vivid picture of pool’s most colorful era — where everyone who mattered showed up to play, gamble, and live the life.

The conversation then drifts west to Las Vegas, where Billy recounts his foray into high-stakes sports betting alongside poker giants Doyle Brunson and Chip Reese, and high-stakes gambler Billy Walters — even pioneering the city’s first two-way radio betting network. His stories of bookmaking, halftime lines, and run-ins with big names showcase the hustler’s instinct that made him one of the sharpest minds in any game.

Finally, Billy reflects on his evolution from player to broadcasting legend, becoming the iconic voice of Accu-Stats. With partners like Grady Matthews, Danny DiLiberto, and Mark Wilson, he helped immortalize the game on film — often sparring and laughing his way through the booth.

It’s pool history told the only way Billy knows how — raw, riveting, and straight from the heart of the action.

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Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

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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.”

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.”

In this first installment of our six-part conversation with the great Billy Incardona — known to pool fans everywhere as “Nine-Ball Billy” and later the unmistakable voice of Accu-Stats — the Legends of the Cue team dives into the early years of one of pool’s most colorful and enduring figures.

Hosted by Mike Gonzalez, Mark Wilson, and Allison Fisher, this episode traces Billy’s roots in Pittsburgh, where a curious nine-year-old first discovered the magic of the game on a makeshift checkerboard table during recess. From that innocent fascination grew a lifelong passion — and a career defined by grit, gamble, and street-smart ingenuity.

Billy recounts his first games at the YMCA, his early taste of victory in youth competitions, and his unforgettable initiation into the gritty world of money pool when he unknowingly faced legendary hustlers Charles "Country" Martin and Cicero Murphy— the latter destined to become the first African American world champion in straight pool.

Listeners are treated to vivid snapshots of mid-century Pittsburgh poolrooms, family life shaped by a tough father and a loving mother, and the young hustler’s rise as a natural gambler with a mind made for odds, angles, and human psychology. Billy’s candor, humor, and charm shine through as he explains how “matching up” and “hiding your speed” weren’t just tactics, but a way of life.

This opening chapter sets the tone for an extraordinary life story — from humble beginnings and hard lessons to the mindset that made Billy Incardona one of the game’s most fascinating figures. Authentic, funny, and full of wisdom from a bygone era of pool, this is Legends of the Cue storytelling at its best.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

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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

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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.”

In this powerful conclusion to our four-part Legends of the Cue series with Mark Kendall, guitarist and founding member of the platinum-selling rock band Great White, we dive deep into the stories that shaped his life both on stage and at the pool table. From the adrenaline rush of performing for hundreds of thousands of fans to the quiet intensity of a one-on-one pool match, Kendall reflects on the parallels between music and cue sports — focus, rhythm, and that elusive flow state where everything just clicks.

Joined by co-hosts Allison Fisher, Mark Wilson, and Mike Gonzalez, Kendall shares how decades in the rock world forged his resilience, taught him humility, and kept him grounded through life’s toughest moments — including personal loss and rediscovery. Listeners will hear hilarious behind-the-scenes tales from the road, late-night jam sessions that turned into lifelong lessons, and his encounters with legendary pool players like Nick Varner, CJ Wiley, and Mike Massey.

But this final chapter also takes a more reflective turn. Mark opens up about what he’s learned after a lifetime of chasing perfection — in music, in pool, and in himself. His answers to our signature three closing questions reveal the wisdom of a man who has lived fully, loved deeply, and still finds joy in the simple act of hitting a clean shot or nailing the perfect riff.

Filled with laughter, insight, and inspiration, this episode celebrates the artistry of a true original — a rock star with a cue in his hand and gratitude in his heart.

🎧 “Mark Kendall: Rock, Rhythm & the Road to the Table” — the unforgettable finale of a story that hits every note.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

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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.”

In this third installment of Legends of the Cue’s four-part conversation with Mark Kendall, the legendary guitarist and founding member of Great White, we explore the deep parallels between two of his lifelong passions — music and pool. Joined by hosts Mike Gonzalez, Mark Wilson, and Allison Fisher, Kendall opens up about the rhythm of discovery that links his guitar playing to his cue stroke, and how both crafts demand timing, creativity, and relentless discipline.

From his early days pounding the pavement with posters and dreams to headlining arenas, Kendall reflects on how technology reshaped the music industry — and how he’s adapted from analog grit to digital hustle. His stories of the 1980s rock scene are laced with humility and gratitude, as he recalls the raw determination that took him from backyard jam sessions to platinum records.

But it’s Kendall’s honesty about personal growth and recovery that resonates most. He speaks candidly about overcoming alcoholism, finding purpose in helping others, and channeling that same energy into his practice at the pool table. Whether chasing his dream of a 100-ball run or mentoring a struggling friend, Mark’s philosophy is rooted in perseverance and giving back.

Along the way, he and the hosts swap memories about training with top players, the nerves of competition, and the enduring joy of mastery — whether on stage or in the billiards hall. Blending rock ‘n’ roll authenticity with cue sport precision, this episode captures the heart of an artist who continues to find rhythm, redemption, and meaning in every note and every shot.

“When the lights go down, whether it’s a concert or a match, it’s the same rush — you just want to play your heart out.”

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

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.”