'The Seniors' Poker Players Hall of Fame

"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 that Hall of Fame.

There are now 43 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, and John Bonetti.

"The Seniors" organization is very proud of this illustrious group of great players who in their own way have helped "The Seniors" become the recognized and respected group that it is today.

Carol Hale, the historian of "The Seniors," requests that any family members or friends of these players send her pictures or biographical information about them so that the archives may be complete. And many thanks for your help.

Since their inductions into the Hall, seven members have gone on to play in the big game in the sky. They are Johnny Moss, Benny Binion, Bill Boyd, Hugo Meith, "Oklahoma Bob" Ensley, Johnny Wheeler, and Jesse Alto.

The selection process for "The Seniors" 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 74 this year and have a few years left in me, but I am 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:

Any player to be inducted into "The Seniors" Poker Players Hall of Fame:

o may be male or female.

o must have attained the age of 65.

o must agree with the goals of "The Seniors."

o must support "The Seniors" in its charity drives.

o must play in and support "The Seniors" events and promotions.

o must be of good moral character and standing in the poker world.

o must have contributed to the betterment and improvement of poker.

o need not be world-renowned nor a world champion, although these qualities are a plus.

Please let "The Seniors" know if you think this process can be improved, and if there is anyone you would like to recommend for induction into "The Seniors" Poker Players Hall of Fame.

As a final note, at the recent Four Queens Poker Classic, "The Seniors" limit hold'em event raised $4,125 for charity. The next "Seniors" charity event will be held at the Reno Hilton on Friday, Jan. 11, 2002, during the World Poker Challenge.

Until next time, stay lucky.

Editor's note: "Oklahoma Johnny" Hale is the author of Gentleman Gambler, available through Card Player, and the creator of the Seniors Charities and the Seniors World Championship of Poker. His E-mail address is Oklajohnny@aol.com, and you can visit his website at www.seniorpoker.com.