Dave Miller - Article

David Miller

Decades in California State Pool League

When it comes to dedicating oneself to the wonderful game of pool, while remaining steadfast as a loyal member of California State Pool League, David Miller has what it takes. Since 1977, David has played in our league with a true enjoyment for the game and the camaraderie of his teammates and fellow league members. He shows up for competition with a cool disposition, respect for his opponents, and is always ready to entertain audience members looking forward to a great show.

As a highly skilled pool player, David has the necessary focus and determination to consistently place at the top. He does this by practicing on his own 4’ by 8’ pool table and by showing up for league matches and tournaments with the intention of playing his best game and most certainly with thoughts of glory. It also helps that he has been shooting with his original Joss West cue stick since 1978.

David was born in Illinois but moved to Sacramento in 1955 and started playing pool when he was just 12 years old. He has played on winning teams with so many different establishments in California State Pool League, it would be difficult to name them all. Having competed with our league for four decades, it is safe to say David has enjoyed a win for nearly every establishment his team called home. For those of us who know David well, it is clear he has the ability to relax at the table and to compete with peace-of-mind. You will never see signs of angst or frustration from David, even when he misses a shot. He is confident enough in his ability he simply steps away from the table and waits for another opportunity. When that time comes, David knows how to bounce back and clear the table for the win.

When asked to name his pool-playing idol, David named local professional, Kim Davenport, a player of great talent whose American team won the Mosconi Cup. That team’s picture hangs on the wall in the tournament room at Jointed Cue Billiards. Kim had been a regular in Sacramento based tournaments for many years and will always be thought of as a well-respected champion.

For the past several seasons, David’s team has played for Hard Times Billiards on Garfield Avenue. In recent years, they won the California State Pool League championship playoffs an astonishing five consecutive seasons and after placing second the following season, they reclaimed their overall champion status for the fall 2015 season. His talented teammates are Mike Boyd, Mark St. Germain, Joe Thompson, Dathan Louviere, Phil Prentice, and Cory Miller, David’s son, who, needless to say, grew up with a cue stick of his own.

David’s favorite game is 9-Ball but he has more opportunity to play league 8-Ball. Competing in the Billiard Congress of America National 8-Ball Tournament is a must for David. The BCA tournament was held in different cities around the country for many years but has taken place in Las Vegas the past 25 years. David has been a participant in the BCA Championships since the early 1980s, playing in singles events, team competitions, and Scotch Doubles.

In 1994, David placed 13^th out of over 1,000 competitors in the Open individual division. His greatest pool memory occurred that same year when his team of longtime friends, Eddie Clark, Mike Boyd, Gene Ahola, and Jack Baker walked away with a 7^th place finish in the team division. Ten years later, David placed an individual 25^th out of 2,200 players. David competed in the Open Scotch Doubles event with partner, Janna Sue Nelson in 1997, where they placed an impressive 9^th out of 311 teams. This accomplishment was done after being sent to the one-loss side their first match.

Under the name Highway 50 Nightmare, David’s talented team placed 5th in the 2014 Master’s division. That was certainly no easy feat, with the competition as stiff as it is. David will be competing again at the July 2016 BCA Championships in his three favorite divisions. With his skill and experience, he is sure to bring home a winning smile.

David Miller has never missed a season with California State Pool League. That would equal an astonishing 40 years with our league, 80 seasons if you do the math. It can only be imagined where he displays the many trophies and plaques he has acquired over the years. He may need a warehouse to show them all properly. With strong competitors like David Miller in California State Pool League, we are sure to improve our own game… simply by observing him in action. David Miller is a true champion, indeed.