Prohibition-era was theme at Billiards by the Bay

 As part of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau’s Sports Month, dozens of Shake-A-Leg Miami (SALM) fans enjoyed a game of pool on one-of-a-kind antique billiards tables during Billiards by the Bay, last week. Proceeds support scholarships for water sports activites at SALM. The event, sponsored by Bacardi and Brandt’s Billiard Restoration, featured a prohibition-era theme with music, open bar, food, and cigars. Even Billy the Marlin avoided scratching.

Professional billiards players Crystal McCormick and John DiToro shared some tricks of the trade, dazzling players and onlookers alike with their unmistakable flair on the felt. Tournament winners from eight teams walked away with custom-made cues worth hundreds of dollars, provided by Dan Brandt of Brandt’s Billiard Restoration. The Wannabes’ team, Bob Mark and Jason Ostrow (shown here) – long-time fans of Brandt’s work - took home first place, bragging rights, and a $500 customized cue. Second place went to Vincent Williams and Mario Coryell of The Salty Dogs; The Funabilist team made up of Wiley Hicks and Bob Schreiber came in third.
  

David Neblett

The day before, Billiards by the Bay Junior Edition took kids on an unforgettable journey. Students from Charles Drew and George Carver elementary schools took what they learned in STEM classes and used it on these antique billiards tables, dating back to 1898. They also got a little help from their new friends, pro players McCormick and DiToro.