Originally Posted by kewlJ
I know mickey doesn't really want an answer to this question, he is just trolling Redietz.Originally Posted by mickeycrimm
But I think it is the same answer as a question often asked in blackjack circles of who was the best card counter ever? Some think it was Uston (it wasn't), others think one of the players from the MIT teams or many Tommy Hyland team. Maybe Tommy himself. At least one player will tell you it is ZenKing.
I think it is someone none of us have ever heard of that just went about his business of card counting (probably back in the day long before forums), probably didn't even play all that high stakes, just enough to make a decent living. I think it might be the same for best sports handicapper ever. Some guy we have never heard of, probably didn't even bet massive amounts, spreading his bets around town, just enough to make a good living and not draw any attention.
It varies by sport and era, as with most things. The point is mickey has no idea and hasn't met, worked for, or competed against any of them. I have.
In the 70's and 80's, you'd have to list Tony Salinas and Mike Lee of High Rollers, who were NFL and college football experts respectively. In the 80's, 90's and 2000's, probably wise to mention Doc and Dave Malinsky and Phil Steele at NorthCoast, although to what degree Steele "did his own thing" is debated by some. Certainly you have to mention The Computer Group, helmed by Billy Walters in the late 80's and early 90's. For longevity, Marc Lawrence himself must be mentioned, as he has done reasonably well for decades, although some might argue his recruitment and administrative skills augmented his handicapping mightily. Larry Fletcher, although not exclusively a "handicapper," would have to be on the list, as Fletcher is the only handicapper and professional gambler I knew who I believe won every year. Fletcher worked closely with Mike Lee.
If you don't know who Mike Lee is, or Tony Salinas, or Doc, you really should not be debating sports handicapping. If you've never heard of Southern Comfort, you're forgiven as he was private and non-commercial except for The Wise Guys Contest.
As I mentioned in another post, I may have some reasonably high-profile writing assignments in my future, so while I'd love to meet all of you brilliant "APs," I just don't have the time. But I will make an effort to post bios of some of the most famous sports betting industry icons. Because all of you anonymous dudes should learn a little about how the non-anonymous half lives.
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