Just found this online:
Fiore “Jimmy” Casella was a professional poker player from Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. He is known for his feat of winning three bracelets at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournaments. He was the uncle of Dr. Francis J. Beckwith, a Christian philosopher, scholar, and lecturer. In his latest book titled Return to Rome: Confessions of An Evangelical Catholic, Dr. Francis J. Beckwith has mentioned the name of his uncle Jimmy Casella.
Jimmy Casella was a genius of his times and one of the most talented poker players. In May 1971, Jimmy Casella entered the 2nd Annual World Series of Poker and took part in Event #2 - WSOP Limit Razz that was held at the Binion Horseshoe casino in Nevada, Las Vegas. He outlasted all participants for a first place finish to walk away with his first gold bracelet and $10,000 in prize money.His reputation as a world class player reached its pinnacle in the 1974, when he participated in the 5th Annual World Series of Poker. He made his final table appearance at Event #1 - WSOP Limit Seven Card Stud and won the heads-up confrontation against Johnny Moss, a poker pro from Odessa, Texas to take home a gold bracelet and $41,225 in prize money.
Jimmy Casella also participated in Event #2 - WSOP Limit Razz of the same WSOP tournament and outlasted all participants. At the final table, he survived a heads up confrontation with Charlie Hall, a poker player from Las Vegas, Nevada to finish first and win his third bracelet as well as $25,000.
The poker world suffered a great loss in August 1976, when Jimmy Casella died. He will always remain as one of the most remembered and cherished champions of the 70s in the history of WSOP.
You can find the strangest things on the internet, and sometimes they are true. :-)
Comments (1)
_Return to Rome_ is on its way to my house right now. I look forward to procrastinating from grading essays for a few delightful hours next week!
Posted by Beth Impson | November 15, 2008 10:53 AM