Steve Cook

Steve Cook (December 31, 1946 – October 21, 2003), was an American professional player and instructor of pocket billiards (pool). He is best known for the extremely challenging game of one-pocket, which Cook described as "the pool game for and creative abilities." He was nicknamed "Cookie Monster", and due to his unassuming appearance hiding world-class talent, "the Clark Kent of one-pocket".

Early life As a child, born in Lima, Ohio, Cook suffered debilitating bone deterioration in his right hip, from ages 5 to 10, preventing him from playing running sports, and leading to a focus on hand–eye coordination games. The 1991 victory made him one of only two players to ever win both the Stardust and Legends of One Pocket titles.

Aside from competing professionally, Cook served as the manager and house pro at Varsity Billiard Room in Tampa from the early 1970s to 1996,

Titles 1970 Stardust Open One Pocket Championship 1970 Stardust Open All-Around Championship 1970 Birmingham Open One Pocket 1972 Hoosier Open 14.1 Championship 1973 Hoosier Open 14.1 Championship 1974 Southeastern Open 9-Ball 1974 Wisconsin Open 14.1 1979 Citrus Open 9-Ball 1980 Birmingham Open 9-Ball 1984 Florida State 9-Ball 1987 Pool Room Open 9-Ball 1988 Citrus Open 9-Ball 1991 Legends of One Pocket Championship 1993 Los Angeles Open One Pocket Championship 1996 Florida State One Pocket Championship 2005 One Pocket Hall of Fame

Later life In 1996, Cook returned to Lima, Ohio, to care for his mother after she suffered a stroke. He continued playing in the Midwest, and occasionally in major events in Las Vegas and elsewhere.

At the age of 56 he died in his sleep on October 21, 2003, in his hometown of Lima, of causes that were not disclosed in his obituary.