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6.15.2000...On Wednesday, June 14, the billiard
world was dealt the tragic loss of one of its finest players. Tony "The
Hurricane" Ellin, 34, of Ladson, S.C. was killed Wednesday when a train hit his 1999
Cadillac as he crossed an intersection. The collision, which occurred just before noon,
happened less than a block from his home.
Tony had been playing pro pool for
many years, and had gained the respect & admiration of players & spectators
throughout the world. My first memories of him were from December of 1991 Sands Regency in
Reno, followed up by Jack Johnston’s “Last Call for 9-ball” at the Sands in
Las Vegas. Since then, I have seen him at just about every professional tournament that
existed. Over the last several years, he had established himself as a permanent fixture at
tournaments. As anyone who knows him would say, he was always happy and in good spirit,
and as such shared it with the people he came in contact with.
When Tony was not playing,
he always had a kind word to offer, and was known as being kind & gentle.
On the
table, however, he was a fierce competitor, oftentimes stringing numerous racks against
his unfortunate opponents. Hence the nickname “the Hurricane” was born.
Tony was
not alone on his trek to be the best. For several of those years, he was accompanied by
his wife Shelby, who was an accomplished player in her own right, as I can personally
attest to. Three years ago, Tony & Shelby were blessed with the birth of their
daughter Ashley.
Tony's victories at the professional
level include a victory at the 1994 Sands Regency XIX, and the Hard Times Pro-Am, also in
June of 1994. He also made it to the finals on many other occasions, only to be held to
several 2nd place finishes, including the September 1993 US Open 9-Ball Championship ,
1994 Bay State Shootout in April, and the 1994 Dallas Open in July.
There were also
numerous trips to the semi-finals as well, ending with 3rd place finishes, including the
Sands Regency XXII, Legends of 9-Ball in June of 1996, and again at the Sands Regency XXV
in 1997. At Chalker’s San Francisco 9-Ball Classic in June of 1995, and yet again at
the Sands Regency XXVIII, he placed 4th. His rankings on the Pro Billiards Tour for 1995
were 12th place at years end, and a career high in 1996 at 9th place at years end.
Over
the years, there were many articles published about him in many publications, including
the American Cueist in August 1994, Pool & Billiard in July 1994 & July 1996, and
Q Action Magazine in July & August issue 1994.
Tony will be sorely missed by those
whose lives he touched. Our thoughts & love go out to his surviving family.
Tony is
survived by his wife, Shelby, and daughter Ashley Annette, 3; parents George and Bonnie
Ellin; sister Nancy and niece Sarah. Memorials may be made to the Billiard Education
Foundation Fund, c/o B.C.A. 4345 Bevery St., Suite D, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.
The BEF
is a non-profit foundation that provides college scholarships to junior billiard players.
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