Herb and Bobby Luna - Article

The Lunas

A Long Run in Cal State Pool League

When Herb and Bobby Luna were in their early twenties, they joined Cal State Pool League, playing out of the Venetian in Old Broderick. The Lunas put together a team of family and friends and began their journey through decades of fun and competition. The team eventually found sponsorship at the Villa Club in West Sacramento and stayed with that establishment for many seasons. They have played for Kolo Club, Firehouse Pizza, Sammy’s Astro, the Hide Away, and other pool-oriented gathering spots. The brothers are now in their seventies. That would make their run in Cal State Pool League an astonishing 50 years!

Herb has always been team captain. His son, Jeff is a valued member of the team and Bobby’s son, Danny has also brought strength with his skills. Danny’s brother, Randy was a teammate who was sadly lost in a tragic vehicle accident a few years ago. Randy is certainly missed by all who knew him. Other members of the team are the ever-talented Larry Austin and Brian Rains, two men who have been with the Lunas from the beginning. The team has bragging rights to long-time players, Robert Aldana and Paul Glover, competitors who are always in contention to win. Dennis Gonzales added to this impressive lineup when he joined the team in recent years.

The Villa Club was open 24 hours so you can imagine how much pool time these players must have gotten in during some all-nighters. This could be the reason the team usually makes it to the playoffs, having won the championship several times over the years. It might also help that Bobby had a pool table of his own for some time. He no longer needs one as some of his teammates now have pool tables in their homes. These men can practice at their leisure.

The Lunas and their team are now sponsored by Streets of London in West Sacramento. It’s no surprise the Streets of London team won their division this 2015 spring season and then placed second in the playoffs, after being sent to the one-loss side their first match. That is a difficult task by any standard.

When asked who inspires him most, Bobby Luna was quick to reference Willie Mosconi, a name needing no introduction but gets one anyway. Mosconi was a professional player during the reign of Minnesota Fats. These rivals were polar opposites… Fats, with his outrageous antics, and Mosconi, with his tuxedo-clad, calm demeanor. Mosconi inspired many players during his career so Bobby picked a winner.

We all have memorable moments in pool and the Lunas are no different, though their story is not what we would expect as a ‘favorite pool memory’. While watching a tournament match in the back room of the Jointed Cue, two competitors, champion, Chick Melson, and his opponent, who shall remain anonymous, were nearing the end of their match. Chick made the winning shot and the other player showed his frustration by slamming his cue stick into the ever-worn, wooden, vertical pole resting proudly under the awning of the bar. His stick shattered into pieces, flying in different directions, stunning the crowd into temporary silence. We have all been so frustrated but have managed to keep our cue sticks intact. The Lunas laughed as they told this story.

The Lunas are long-time West Sacramento residents. They have enjoyed playing in local tournaments over the years, competing against and amongst family and friends. They prefer 8-Ball and have much experience in this popular game. They have not been interested in traveling to far-away tournaments, preferring to play closer to home.

Over the years, the Lunas have missed but a few seasons during their long career with Cal State Pool League. They will continue to play as long as they are able to walk around the pool table. Many wonderful memories have been created, by having participated with one particular pool league for such an impressive number of seasons, 100 if you do the math. After 50 years, nothing will stop these men from doing what they love best… playing pool. What were you doing in 1965?