We have our John Daly!!!

 

Last night, as I watched ESPN's coverage of the final two sessions of Day 1 at the WSOP's Main Event, I came to realize Chris Moneymaker is the John Daly of poker. Let's compare, shall we?

If I said "This person came along in his sport at a time when it was struggling and needed a boost." who would I be talking about? (Moneymaker is credited with the poker boom and Daly's "Grip It and Rip It" style and beer drinking on the course endeared him to millions of Average Joes in a country club sport.)

If I said "This person came out of nowhere to win one of the most prestigious titles in his sport in his first attempt and he got into the event in a non-traditional way." who would I be talking about? (Moneymaker won a $40 satellite and eventually won the 2003 WSOP Main Event; Daly's win at Crooked Stick in the PGA Championship as an alternate gave golf the shot in the arm it needed.)

If I said "This person has a huge following to this day, even though he pretty much hasn't done anything since winning that title." who would I be talking about? (The galleries behind Moneymaker and Daly rival the greatest players in their respective sports, and autograph-hounds surround them wherever they go. And yes, Daly won the British Open later and Moneymaker also cashed a couple more times in the WSOP and made a WPT final table, but you get the point.)

If I said "This person is a little chubby for his frame, wears baseball caps (even though his sport isn't baseball), has been known to have a little scruff on his face from time to time and wears a gawdy chain bracelet." who would I be talking about? (Just look at the pictures, which came courtesy of Getty Images.)

If I said "This person is from Tennessee and had/has a problem with gambling and addiction." who would I be talking about? (Moneymaker is from Tennessee and though Daly is originally from Arkansas, he calls Memphis home now. Moneymaker admits in his book that gambling led to problems at home and in his bank account, and I don't need to list Daly's problems do I?)

If I said "This person has had marital problems." who would I be talking about? (Moneymaker lost his first wife due to his poker lifestyle and got remarried, and Daly has had at least 4 wives.)

Conclusion: Chris Moneymaker is the poker world's John Daly, there is no denying it. And, just like Daly, who almost always gets disqualified from a tournament if he isn't in contention due to frustration, you can see that frustration creeping into Chris' face, as evidenced by his poor play last night. Hopefully he will be able to quell his frustration and problems so he won't end up where Daly is now.

Are there any other similarities that I'm missing?

-- Chris

Comments

[Clever Moniker]

Who are two people who have never been in my kitchen?

Who are two people I really don't care about?

[Chris Cosenza]

Cliff? Is that you?

[djm182]

Chris, it's a darn good analogy. These guys at least seem to be good people - I'm not nearly as up to speed on Moneymaker as I am with Daly, but there are TONS of stories on how decent and accommodating a person Daly is. No reason to believe Chris is any different. Regardless, they are both people that I find myself pulling for, despite numerous faults in their respective games.

The hand where Chris failed to correctly count out 3000 (I think) chips to make the call with his flush draw was just oh so painful to watch. I've seen that mistake in the home game but only from VERY inexperienced players. Complete and total brain fart.

[yancy]

Bad sunglasses.

[Sports Guy]

Both are better than Chris in their respective arenas.

:P

[Chris Cosenza]

Thanks DJ, yes, when he raised by accident, I was like, God, how far this kid has fallen.

And Sports Guy: Yes, Daly is better at rehab than me, and Moneymaker is a better accountant than me. 8-)

[Clifford C. Clavin, Jr]

I still think the judges ripped me off.

[Sports Guy]

Touche, Chris :-)

I kid because I love.

[Al Martin]

Please raise your hand if you have NEVER made a bone headed mistake at the poker table.....

[Chris Cosenza]

I've never made one on national tv. 8-)

[djm182]

I've made more than my share - but Moneymaker's mistake was unfathomable.

[Norman Chadd]

Both have problems for sure but I think I'm in a better place when I remember their positive accomplishments. I dare to say everyone that ever played poker could put themselves in Moneymaker's seat at that final table and dream a bit.

[Chris Cosenza]

Hey Norman, when you retire put in a good word for me, will ya?

[Putt_PUtt]

Chris, I hope you limbered up. Reaching that far can cause you to pull a muscle.

I hate to start this; I know I'll regret it....

At least you could have gone down the "Phil Ivey is Tiger Woods" road that so many blogs have tread before.

[ante_up_fan]

hmm, not sure moneymaker is as big a drinker...

[Chris Cosenza]

I don't remember saying Moneymaker drinks as much, but remember the night before the 2004 Main Event Moneymaker got smashed and busted out. He was hung over. I never said he was a drunk, but he has been known to party too.

Putt: I really don't think that was a stretch at all. In fact it's spot on. 8-) That Tiger Woods analogy is ridiculous They both are very good and they both have African American heritage, that's about it. Now Ivey golfs, but that doesn't mean anything. Just weak.