When you walk into Jimmy’s Pro Billiards in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, you’re stepping into more than just a pool hall-you’re entering the living legacy of Jimmy The Kid Wetch. His story, from a restless teenager shooting stick in smoky basements to a top-ranked pro and beloved local business owner, is as colorful as the game itself. Let’s take a cue from Jimmy’s journey and see how he went from hustling on the road to building a billiards community hub where everyone feels at home.
Early Days: A Kid with a Cue and a Dream
Jimmy’s childhood wasn’t exactly picture-perfect. Growing up in St. Paul, he bounced between homes and schools, thanks to his parents’ rocky relationship. Making friends was tough, and he often found himself searching for something steady to hold onto.
That “something” turned out to be pool. At just 13, Jimmy discovered the game in a friend’s basement, and it didn’t take long for him to get hooked. He started hanging around local pool halls like the Rack & Cue, hustling games for pocket change and racking up free table time by dominating arcade machines. In no time, he was beating his dad at pool and running 50 balls in straight pool before most kids his age had even picked up a cue.
By 15, Jimmy was a force to be reckoned with. He won the Minnesota State Championship at 17, dropped out of high school, and set his sights on making pool his life.
Life on the Road: Hustles, High Stakes, and Hard Lessons
Jimmy’s next chapter reads like something out of a movie. With a couple of seasoned backers and a mentor named Jack Cooney-a legendary road hustler-Jimmy hit the road, traveling from city to city in search of big games and bigger paydays. They’d walk into a pool hall, lay low, and wait for the right moment to strike. Sometimes, Jimmy would even use a fake name to keep his identity under wraps.
The stakes were high-sometimes thousands of dollars on a single match. It was thrilling, but also dangerous. Jimmy admits, “I never felt good about hustling. It wasn’t about if you’d win, but how much.” The constant hustle took its toll, and the risk was real.
Everything changed during a trip to Houston in 1993. After a big win, Jimmy and his girlfriend were robbed at gunpoint. The experience was terrifying and left a mark that never quite faded. That was Jimmy’s wake-up call. He decided it was time to leave the road behind and chase something more stable.
Turning Pro: From Hustler to Headliner
With a final stake from his last road trip, Jimmy opened Jimmy’s Pro Billiards in 1994. But he wasn’t done with competitive pool just yet. That same year, he burst onto the professional scene, taking third place at the Super Billiards Expo Players Championship and winning the McDermott Masters. By the end of his rookie year, he was ranked 16th in the world and had earned the title of PBT Rookie of the Year.
Jimmy’s dedication was unmatched. He practiced relentlessly, sometimes hitting thousands of balls a day. His hard work paid off: he won the Huebler Cup, made it to the finals of the 1996 PBT Riviera Eight-Ball Championship (losing only to the legendary Efren Reyes), and climbed as high as fifth in the world rankings.
But life as a pro wasn’t all glitz and glamour. Prize money was tight, and sponsorships were hard to come by as the popularity of pool waned. Jimmy realized he needed to focus on his new business and the community he was building at home.
Building a Legacy: Jimmy’s Pro Billiards
Today, Jimmy’s Pro Billiards isn’t just a pool hall-it’s a gathering place for friends, families, and pool lovers of all ages. Jimmy’s survived the ups and downs of the industry, from the smoking ban that closed many other halls, to the challenges of the pandemic. He kept things fresh by introducing craft beers, gourmet burgers, and unique events like “Play Pool with a Cop,” which brings together local police and billiards community members for a night of fun and connection.
Jimmy’s favorite part? Watching people come together, whether it’s a kid learning their first bank shot or a group of friends celebrating a birthday. “It’s not just about pool,” Jimmy says. “It’s about connection-seeing people from all walks of life having a good time together. That’s what keeps me going.”
The Heart of the Story
Jimmy “The Kid” Wetch’s journey is proof that pool is more than just a game-it’s a way to bring people together, overcome challenges, and build something lasting. From his days hustling on the road to his years as a top-ranked pro, and now as the owner of a thriving community hub, Jimmy’s story is about resilience, reinvention, and the power of following your passion.
So next time you visit Jimmy’s Pro Billiards, remember: every table, every cue, and every friendly face is part of a story that started with a kid and a dream-and grew into a legacy that’s still going strong.
