JOHNSTON CITY SHOOT-OUT 1961

JOHNSTON CITY SHOOT-OUT 1961

October 25th, 1961 the world of pool in America woke up to a remarkable new kind of tournament that shook the pool establishment out of a deep slumber. It was an unusual event on several fronts; one being the unlikely location for a major national pool tournament, deep in rural southern Illinois. Second, it was a game, One Pocket, not recognized by the established sanctioning body of pool in America at that time, the Billiard Congress of America. Third, the tournament boldly featured a number of known hustler pool players who had not participated in the few sanctioned events of the mid-century -- whether by their own choice, or because they were not invited due to their reputations. And finally, the promoter was a total newcomer to pool tournament promotions, a fellow who had his own roots more in the gambling side of pool than the establishment side of pool, the remarkable George Jansco. So who were these Jansco Brothers, and what made them think a small town in southern Illinois could become the “Billiard Capitol of the World”?
George & Paulie Jansco had grown up in Johnston City, where their parents ran a small grocery store. George had a talent and passion for baseball, and in 1932 he left high school to pursue his dream by attending a baseball academy out west. Coincidently, he got tagged with the nickname ‘Wimpy’ during his baseball career, although that nickname did not seem to follow him into the pool world, where of course there was already a player well known as ‘Wimpy’. Although he never played at the major league level, George had an excellent minor league career and was still being pursued by major league baseball scouts when he decided to call it quits.
In the 50's George returned permanently to Johnston City, where he bought the J&J Ranch – a little roadside bar on the east side of town that still stands. He also bought 2500 acres of land on the other side of town, on the main Herrin-Johnston City Road, directly in the path of what was eventually to become interstate highway 57.
During these years, George was very active in the community, assembling and managing a Coal Belt Baseball Team for Johnston City and promoting numerous sporting event fundraisers, including events that he participated in – he may have gained a few pounds from his baseball days, but he clearly stayed very active in exercising his natural sporting abilities.
Jansco Johnston City Cue Club
The Cue Club, site of the first three Johnston City tournaments

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This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Side-seamed

The Male model is wearing a size M. He's 6.2 feet (190 cm) tall, chest circumference 37.7" (96 cm), waist circumference 33.4" (85 cm).
The female model is wearing a size M. She's 5.8 feet (178 cm) tall, chest circumference 34.6" (88 cm), waist circumference 27.16" (69 cm), hip circumference 37.7" (96cm).

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