about us
The original WFH Pool League was established in October 1992 under the direction of the late Mickey Hoch. He began with just 8 bars and only 14 teams and dedicated his pool league to his very good friend, William Francis Hartnett (WFH).
“This pool league is named and dedicated to the fond memory of William F. Hartnett. In early 1982, at the choice age of 66, Bill Hartnett was retired, suffering from the recent loss of his wife of 40 years, and looking for something to do with his time. Although I had known Bill for years, as his son and I were best friends, it wasn’t until his wife died that we became close. The reason for this was simple, Bill had known my father well and his death was just a few weeks before Bill’s wife. It was then that I introduced Bill to a few local pubs and he started playing pool. For a man who had played only a few games of snooker in Ireland, he adapted quickly. Over the next 9 years, Bill became a fixture at Mr. Kay’s, Oak Lawn Liquors, and George’s. He played on my league for 8 years and always had a winning record. His love for the game continued and he relished challenging top players wherever he went. Win or lose, Bill was always a gentleman. He personified everything that is good about the game of pool. For those of you that knew him as “Bankin’ Bill”, “Little Billy”, or “Irish Bill”, I’m sure you’ll agree that to know him made you a better person. For those that didn’t know him, I can only say that there will always be something in your life that you missed. In June of 1991, Bill Hartnett passed away at the age of 75. He was loved by many and he will never be forgotten. NO man could ask for anything more.” - Mickey Hoch
Mickey’s goal was to give Chicago’s southwest suburban pool players an alternative to the APA’s design. He devised a handicapping system which enabled players of all skill levels the ability to compete with each other. Mickey also offered individual players and entire teams chances to win weekly cash prizes. In only 3 years time, Mickey’s league had grown to 180 teams with an enrollment of more than 1500 players! Clearly, the response was overwhelming and his format is now used in 3 states.
Since 1994, players in the WFH pool league have been sanctioned by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) and, more recently, players have been sanctioned by the American Cue Sports (ACS), as well. Both organizations are governing bodies which establish league guidelines and offer players an opportunity to compete at various tournaments throughout the year.
For almost 16 years, Mickey Hoch handled the day-to-day operations of Chicagoland’s WFH pool league until his death in the Spring of 2008. Soon thereafter, it became apparent that the WFH was not financially solvent and the league was forced to dissolve. Although players were disappointed, they chose to continue the tradition of the WFH pool league.
In May of 2008, John Carvell, Sharon Smith, Colleen Ceh, John Yniguez, and a number of team captains assembled to form what’s now known as the "New" WFH Pool League.
We’d like to welcome you to the NWFH Pool League and we hope you enjoy being a part of what we believe is the best pool league in town!
NWFH Pool League Staff
our people
Lee Hartnett
President.
Son of league creator Bill Hartnett, Lee is the heart and soul of the NWFH Pool League.
our Awards
William F. Hartnett Award
For Good Sportsmanship.
This award is named after Bill Hartnett, a man who personified the word “gentleman“. Bill was considered to be a special person to all who knew him and winners of this award should be honored. Players in each division will vote to decide the winner of this award signifying recognition of their Good Sportsmanship. This award will be presented by the League President or Bill’s son, Lee Hartnett.