Frederick Mali Honored with Billiard Congress of America 2009 President’s Award

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:42:36 +0000

Each year the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) recognizes an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President’s Award. This year the BCA has chosen to recognize Frederick Mali. Mali, who passed away at the age of 76 in 2007, was the president and CEO of The Henry W.T. Mali & Co., Inc. (Mali Cloth), the oldest continuously family-run company in New York City, founded in 1826.

“Fred Mali was a great ambassador for the game of billiards, as well as the most gentlemanly individual with whom I have ever done business,” said BCA President Ivan Lee. “I feel it is important to recognize a man who never had an enemy, made an indelible mark on his company and this industry, and always found time for anyone needing his assistance or support. Fred provided direction and assistance to many people in the billiard industry selflessly and willingly. The loss of Fred Mali to the billiard industry is difficult to accurately determine, but his eternal optimism and civilized manner would have been a guiding light in the troubled economic times that our industry faces today. I only regret that this recognition comes to him posthumously.”

Born in 1930 in New York City, Mali was educated at Buckley, Groton, Yale, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mali also served his country in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Paris, between World War I and II. He married Lucretia Obolensky Mali in 1979.

“Fred lived by the simple belief that a man’s word is his honor,” said his wife, Lucretia, who is also the current president of The Henry W.T. Mali & Co., Inc. ”He believed deeply that the only thing you have in life is your reputation, and so he rolled up his sleeves and worked non-stop to ensure Mali’s status as one of the leading companies in the billiards industry. They don’t make them like Fred anymore.”

Mali’s true love was using his engineering mind to improve systems and procedures at Mali and in the billiard industry overall. He personally developed many of the automated manufacturing equipment used to make the Mali Cue line of cues. He also was an expert craftsman with inlays for Pool Cues. Mali was also involved in the early days of organizing the Billiard Congress of America and the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America. Outside of billiards, Mali devoted time to arts and theater, helping design sets for numerous New York City theaters.

“I am eternally grateful to Fred Mali for the support he provided me during our 20 year friendship,” said Victor Stein, author of the Billiard Encyclopedia. “He opened many doors for me in the billiard industry—in the U.S. and throughout the world. And, as far as his reputation, Fred was a respected elder statesman in the billiard business.”

Comet Billiards Official Poolroom of the Predator World 14.1 Championship

admin — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:27:35 +0000

Comet Billiards Official Poolroom of the Predator World 14.1 Championship

Billiard News – Dragon Promotions is pleased to announce Comet Billiards as the newest sponsor of the Predator World Straight Pool Championships. The World 14.1 event has thrived and grown because of the base supporters the game has. Comet Billiards, and its owner Bill Haley, has joined an elite group of patrons such as Randy Goldwater, Joel Schapiro, Predator Cues, Diamond Tables, Simonis Cloth, Master Chalk, and Aramith Balls.
We really rely on the committment of people that love the game of straight pool, admits Charlie Williams, Co-Promoter of the event, People like Bill Haley, Randy Goldwater, and Joel Schapiro keep this game alive. The World Straight Pool Championship could only thrive in a place like the New Jersey/New York area and it needs a strong,local poolroom to help promote the event as well as assist in various needs of the event. Comet Billiards is a perfect fit and Bill Haley is a great ambassador of not only just 14.1, but pool in general.
I agree that Comet Billiards being a part of this event directly is a great match. We have such a strong following of straight pool fans in my room. I would do anything for the sake of promoting straight pool. said Bill Haley, who will also be volunteering to referee matches during the event.
Comet Billiards is an up-scale billiards room that opened its doors in May 2001 and was voted one of the Top 10 New Rooms by Billiards Digest. Comet hosts many regional tournaments as well as its own events. Comet Billiards also has a thriving weekly Straight Pool League. Comet is located in Parsippany, New Jersey.
Next year Comet will tentatively plan to have the Official Players Meeting for the World Straight Pool Championship , as well as a Charity Event,and Exhibition 14.1 Challenge Match the night before the main event starts.
Tickets can be bought online until 9pm on Sunday July 8. Afterwards, tickets can be purchased at the door.

Tickets can be bought online at Dragonpromotions.com .Hotel reservations at 1-800-HILTONS WPA is group code

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Frederick Mali Honored with Billiard Congress of America 2009 President’s Award

Comet Billiards Official Poolroom of the Predator World 14.1 Championship