Any Old School Players Around?

[Prbucci]

I played in the days when an Arcade in Pompano named (Diversions) was King. I Played against guys like the late but Great (Butch Mays) and the defensive Guru (Doc). Anybody still around from those days at (Whirly Ball)? I like to start playing again with my son. I live in Parkland, is there any good places to attend these days?

[Cheryl]

Hi, there...

Yes, we have lots going on in South Florida. We have Friday night tournaments at Murphy's Downtown in Boca Raton, but that is a bar, so if you were looking to play with your son, that might not be the best option.

In any case, here is the information for that location:

http://www.netfoos.com/account/5/account_home.html

We also have a great tournament on Saturday night at Striker's Bowling Alley in Sunrise. That would be a great location for your son to join in the fun. Here is the information for that location.

http://www.netfoos.com/account/623/account_home.html

And if that's not enough, we have a nice two-day tournament coming up. Here is the information for that event:

http://www.netfoos.com/2008/2008-nfoos- ... rn-3-1.pdf

Oh, wait...there's more! We have a Florida State tournament coming up later this year in October. Here are the details for that tournament:

http://www.netfoos.com/2008/2008-fl-state-flyer-12p.pdf

As for Whirly Ball...yes, there are a few old school foosers from that era that still come out to play. Gary Gold (GaryG on this Forum), Jeff Kobal (JeffK on this forum), and several others come to mind.

Are there any particular players from that time you'd like to reconnect with? I have a large database of Florida foosers, so I might be able to help you out. Feel free to post some additional names in this thread, or you can email me at cmarinaro (at) gmail (dot) come.

We look forward to seeing you at one of these tournaments soon!

[Craig]

Prbucci,
My name is Craig and I've been playing around Pompano and Coral Springs since the late 70's. A friend <Todd> and I used to play at Coral Springs Mall <Tournament Soccer table> game room, Diversions <Dynamo tables>, and Whirlyball <Stryker and Dynamo tables>.

Jim Dumas used to own the tables at Whirlyball, he still plays every Fri and Sat with us. We now play against guys that have played for some around 10yrs, some 4 yrs and a few within the past year.

Dont get me wrong, these guys can play, they have adapted to the game rather quickly, which keeps us old guys on our game.

Pushkicks, Pullkicks, pull shots, Pushes, and the all mighty"Snake' shot are the shots of choice nowadays. But some ol timers like me still shoot the backpin. Tough to do on the Tornado's.

Well look forward to seein' you and your son out there. Cheryl listed two popular places we all go to.

Talk to ya,
Craig

[Prbucci]

My son is 22, so Bars are ok. I grew up in Coral Springs and first started playing in the Coral Springs mall on the (TS) Table with my friend Bobby. We were the two Bobbys. As for Jim Dumas, I ran into his old partner Tom at the ZZ Top concert. Tom is a photographer now. I see that the front pin is real popular now and unfortunately for me I was a back pin guy who could never do the pull shot. Anyway, I will come up and check you guys out. Oh and by the way, doe's it matter that at 41 now, the reflexes are not what they used to be?

Thanks Bobby

[JeffK]

Hey, Bobby... I remember your name. Didn't you come out and play with us a few years back when we were playing at the Sportsmall in Deerfield Beach? I was running the tournaments then... and Adam H. was still playing (he's been out of the foosball scene lately). There are still a few "old schoolers" around though... hope to see you at Strikers soon!

Jeff

[Cheryl]

You must be Bobby Bucci. You are actually already in my foosball player database.

And you must be talking about Tom Craig. He came out to a tournament about 4 years ago, and we haven't seen him since. If you'd like to talk to him via email, I can contact him and see if he's okay with me giving you his email address.

If you could get him to come out of retirement as well, that would be fabulous!

As for being 41, age is only a number. Foosball is like riding a bicycle...once you learn how, you never forget, so come on out and knock the rust off of those rods and have some fun with us!

See ya soon...

[Craig]

Bobby,

Not sure I remember the two Bobby's but Todd and I worked at Loews theater there next to the game room. However your last name sounds familiar.

We would also play at Gary's sports bar in Pompano and one place in Boca that had two Tornados back in the 90's.

Anyways, look forward to meetin' ya, you'll pick this game back up in no time playing the guys that play there now. Its a blast !!

As for the reflexes, Im 38 and <IN MY OPINION, GUYS> I feel my reaction times are even faster than some of the younger players. So no worries there.

Later,
Craig

[SweetDaddyD]

Hey Bobby

Glad to hear You and your son want to come out and play , I ve been back playing now for 3 years ,after I didn't play for 18 years and it 's still a lot of fun , hope to see ya soon , jim dumas

[GaryG]

Whats up prbucci, What is your last name and what is the last name of your old partner? I have been around since 1985 pretty regularly. I first met a guy name David Abrams who I can say is my longest and oldest Friend who I can Proudly say Is my Best Friend!!! Not sure if you remember him Ok , I am going to throw somename at you who was around when I first started. Tell me if you know any of them?

David Abrams( My Florida State Expert Doubles Partner)
Chris Thomas
Mr. Dumas
Mike Green
John Duckett
Mike Driscoll
Mark Pedergrass
Jeff Hughes
Rich Janis
Wayne Harell
Scott Weiss
Gregg Reynolds
Gregg Grant
Gonzo and his brother Rob?
Gregg McCloud (I miss you man)
G.B. Ellis
Joey Fellipe
Gary Gold (My Florida State Expert Singles Partner) hehe
Paul Fellipe
Rob (Q-Tip)
Reese Grasso
John Grasso ( My National Championship Rookie Doubles Partner)
Butch May (first one to attempt at teaching me how to play)
Tom May
Bill Bonson
Tony Matanni
Tony Alavaro
Brian Costello (My Florida State Expert Doubles Partner)
Wes Randolph
Joe Zinna
Candy Zinna
Bryan Gabbert
Mike Yore (My Florida State Expert Doubles Partner)
Tom Craig
Kyle ?
Dave Tortaresse (sorry Dave, I butchered your name)
Becky Collister
Paula Zamitta
Mark Cabanas
Chris Juhl
Nick Ames
Glenn Burgess
Paul Slade
Rob Romanowitz
Abe's Son ( Forget his name)
Darren Miller
Sy ?
Mike Mignacca
Mike Cody
Kenny Bixgorin ( Sorry I butchered your last name Kenny)

I know I am forgetting some, Brian Upoopoo Came just a bit after.
Brian U. Please hlp me by adding who I left out?

I First Palyed at Cross County Mall Challenger Arcade and Arcade Action, The Palace Skating Rink In Lantana, Whirly Ball In pompano And about 50 other places after that!!

Gary Gold
A.K.A. Double G.

[Prbucci]

Gary my last name is Bucci and as to Jeff's Question,yes I did go to the sports mall once. It was to far at the time to go and practice and boy did I need the practice. Jim, How is Diana & Scott? Guys, there was a time that I lived to play this game and the group and the places to play just dissappeared. I would love to be part of it again, How could I help promote the game and get strong consistant participation. PS doe's anyone know where I could buy a Tornado and what is up with this new Warrior Table?

[foosguru]

Quite a trip down memory lane! Surprised you remembered some of them, esp. Gonzo (D.J. @ Diamond Dolls) and Rob his brother. Now, I'll be going nuts trying to remember Chris Juhl, when Chris Thomas keeps popping in my head. And, you even spelled Rob Romanowicz almost right...lol! And Greg Reynolds....wow. BTW....Greg Mcloud showed up at Strikers a few months ago, bald head and all! Was good to see him.

The few I can add:

Greg Chin
John ? (Now a dealer @ Isle of Capri) that I ran into recently <nt Grasso>
Jason Reep
Darren Miller's girl Michelle and Mike Green's girl Renee were regulars

All I can come up with now, you hit most of them!

[GaryG]

Paul, I am assumming I read your post wrong??? You dont remember Chris Juhl??? He used to run all the tournaments back in the day at Action Arcade Mostly You remember Gumby!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darren's wife's name was Christine not Michelle

Brian Costello, I know I am forgetting some please help me???
What was Rat Boy's real name from the London Pub??

Double G.

[Craig]

I used to play at London Pub, Gary and I think I know who your talking about (IE Rat Boy) cant help you though, just reminiscing !

[GaryG]

Rat Boy's name was Phil! I just remembered, not sure of his last name though!

Double G.

[foosguru]

It seems I got Mike Mignaca's girl mixed up with Darrens'....Sorry to all involved! I gotta say though, I would take Christine in a mixed any day of the week ....or Renee in that matter!

On to London Pub....Do you remember Mark Fullem? The great goalie who was sure to be drunk by the finals Oh, and Roy Margolis, who did alot for us all running the tourneys.

Oh, and Kim (Cody)...who was always great for running tourneys for us! And, I have to add my wife's name to the list....Kelly.....cause she was there more than most players on average, and ran the sheets....LOL!

2 more paragraphs and I have a FoozKilla post....

[foosguru]

I forgot.....Ratboy is Phil Izzo/Rizzo/.....lol

He worked as a "chef" at the London Pub.

[Craig]

Thats right, Phil Izzo, i think !!? I remember that guy.

[GaryG]

Paul, Roy and Kim Were not original players they came after.

Double G.

[Foozkillah]

That person you called "rat-boy" was Phil Izzo, whom I believed played at Whirly Ball, Action Arcade, the London Pub (think he ran one of them) and last time I saw him was at SuperSports.

Chris Juhl went to Japan for Motorola after 94, when Cody and Kim Byron ran the Jonathan's tournaments. Saw him a few times at Lost Weekends in downtown West Palm Beach in the early 2001/2 seasons. I think he's still in the area, but not with Motorola.

Jim Brown (Atlas Van Lines Jimbo) and Ray Margolis (solo graphics artist) disappeared from the scene after Frank's in Broward stopped their tournaments, changing to a sward bar.

Bill Bonson (from Keg West, where I first met him and Greg Chen) got married to a doctor, went to business for himself as Dr. Pest Control or something, and lives off Belvedere Rd in WPB near Military Trail. He last went when they had a mini-old-foosers reunion at TJ Murphy's about five years ago. Even Darren Miller's brother played.

[GaryG]

Brian, Jim And Roy (not ray) came later on... Right at the same time Dante Bichette was playing. They were about 5 years later actually. I cant believe I forgot Greg Chin on my list! He was one of the better players when I was coming up. Glenn Burgess had the best 5 man by far back then and inspired me to shoot a push kick. I wish I could shoot a Dink Like he had !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He had the the best Push Kick Dink in the business!!! Another player I forgot was Lloyd Heilbrun he was from that far back as well. Mr. Dumas do you remember Wayne Herell? Another guy I forgot his name was the guy that Kenny used to play with all the time, Paul Slade might remember him? It was in the whirly ball Days He shot a very fast, long and Square Push shot up front. And Larry also, I forgot his last name? Paula Z. used to call him a Brick Shit House. lol And Kelly Gilliam used to play also. not a bad goalie! And Damon and his brother Darren also.

Paul, Do you remember how Abe at Action Arcade used to have that top 10 Players board on the wall, and used to update it every week! It Inspired EVERYONE to play better to move up on the board. That was one of the coolest things That Abe used to do for us!! I miss Abe! Along with having Trophys every week for the top 3 finishers. Remember when he had that big foosball Tournament and he taped the whole thing onto a VCR Tape? I think David A. still has the tape. I will have to check with him.

I dont remember If i had Jason Reep on my original board or not?

Double G.

[foosguru]

Do I ever remember that board. I remember thinking what it would be like to get my name on there. I had just started playing than. I don't remember Kenny's partner, sry. I also can't help with the push kick guy from Whirlyball, but someone brought the same description up to me at the tourney last night.

[GaryG]

kenny's partners name was Jay but I dont remember his last name.

[GaryG]

Mr. Dumas,

How could I forget Brad Izzo (or was it Pizzo)!!! I know Tony M. Remembers him!! Paul, Do you remember? Or was he before you?

[foosguru]

No, getting nothing in the noggin here. Must be before me, maybe I'm not so old after all.