Many folks have requested information regarding "The Seniors"-"The Seniors" began in 1995, with its first tournament held at Len Miller's Oceanside Casino in Oceanside, California.
"The Seniors" Poker Players Hall of Fame was created as a part of "The Seniors" annual tournament. Johnny Moss, the Grand Old Man of Poker, was the first player to be inducted into "The Seniors" WCOP/Poker Players Hall of Fame. There are now 61 members of "The Seniors" Hall of Fame. They are: Johnny Moss*, Berry Johnston, Benny Binion*, Bill Boyd*, Puggy Pearson, Jack Keller*, Byron "Cowboy" Wolford*, Tom McEvoy, Barbara Enright, "Oklahoma Johnny" Hale, Billy Duarte, Fred Gasparian, Mac Fisher, Clyde Coleman, Len Miller, Jesse Alto*, Chuck Thompson, Carol Hale, Hugo Meith*, Dave Crunkleton, Carl McKelvey, Ron Weaver*, Dan Alspach, Ron McMillan, "Oklahoma Bob" Ensley*, Pete Knowles, Lamar Hampton, Nick Segarich*, "Amarillo Slim" Preston, Doyle Brunson, Johnny Wheeler*, Max Stern, Maria Stern, Marsha Waggoner, T.J. Cloutier, Robert Turner, Ken Flaton*, Vince Burgio, Rod Peate, Russ Hamilton, "Miami" John Cernuto, Bob Thompson, John Bonetti,Jay Haimowitz, Spike Gallas, Perry Green, Jim Spain, Will Noyes, Dale Carden and John Breeding.
"The Seniors" WCOP organization is very proud of this illustrious group of great players who in their own way have helped "The Seniors" WCOP become the recognized and respected group that it is today.
Carol Hale, the historian of "The Seniors" WCOP, requests that any family members or friends of these players RSVP to Oklajohnny@aol.com that they will be present for the induction of Mr. Paul Mckinney at "The Seniors" @ the Series on July 12,2006. Also, please send her pictures or biographical information about the members of "The Seniors" Hall of Fame, so that the archives may be complete. Carol thanks you for your help. Since their inductions into "The Seniors"WCOP/ Poker Players Hall of Fame, twelve of the members have gone on to play in the big game in the sky: Johnny Moss, Benny Binion, Bill Boyd, Hugo Meith, "Oklahoma Bob" Ensley, Johnny Wheeler, Jesse Alto, Jack Keller, Cowboy Wolford, Ken Flaton, Nick Segarich and Ron Weaver.
These honored poker players of "The Seniors" Hall of players are now are playing in a full game, with two on the waiting list. All of us other members of "The Seniors" WCOP/Poker Players Hall of Fame are on the future waiting list to play in the BIGGEST OF ALL POKER TOURNAMENTS IN THE SKY. The selection process for "The Seniors" WCOP/ Poker Players Hall of Fame has been modernized for the 21st century.
I will be phasing out my input into the selection process. I am very proud of what has been done in the past to get the hall started. But I am kicking myself upstairs, so to speak. I will be 79 this year and have a few years left in me, but I am now going to create a selection process that will be very democratic. This selection process will be put into full force and effect upon my retirement as president and CEO of "The Seniors" World Championship of Poker Inc., which is wholly owned at this time by me.
Until that time, the following rules will be followed: I will appoint an advisory board. My first appointment will be Mr. Stanley R. Sludikoff. I am happy to report that Stan has accepted the chairmanship of the Advisory Board.
Each member of this board will serve staggered terms-of one, two and three years terms or until their successors are seated on the advisory board. Stan is a great friend of mine and he will be of great help to me in selecting the other members of this advisory board, which will help me organize and create procedures that will make the selection operation and induction of new members fair and democratic.
Three members of this board will be selected from the living members of "The Seniors"WCOP/ Poker Players Hall of Fame. Three members of this board will be selected from the poker media. Three members will be selected from "The Seniors" WCOP Poker Tournaments poker players who support "The Seniors" Charities and who play in "The Seniors" events during each year. Three members will be selected from the legal licensed casinos and other poker rooms that host "The Seniors" WCOP events. I will be a life member of this board, and will recommend but not vote, unless needed to break a tie in the voting process.
In the past year I hosted senior events in the following locations: The Orleans, The Golden Nugget, Foxwoods, The Gold Coast, The WSOP, The Oklahoma Johnny Hale championship at Seneca, The OK-J Open at the Cherokee's, Sunset Station, and the Aviation Club on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France.
Here are the simple rules regarding the qualifications for induction into "The Seniors"WCOP/ Poker Players Hall of Fame:
#1. be male or female.
#2. have attained the age of 65.
#3. agree with the goals of "The Seniors." WCOP
#4. support "The Seniors" in its charity drives.
#5. play in and support "The Seniors"WCOP events and promotions.
#6. be of good moral character and standing in the poker world.
#7. have contributed to the betterment and improvement of poker.
#8. The inductees do not need to be worldrenowned nor be a world champion, but these accomplishments are considered a plus!
#9. be nominated by "The Seniors" poker players and approved by the advisor board.
Please let "The Seniors" WCOP know if you think this process can be improved, and if there is anyone you would like to recommend for the Advisory Board. and/or for induction into "The Seniors"WCOP Poker Players Hall of Fame.
Until next time, remember to Stay Lucky!
