Shortstop On Pool

Shortstop On Pool (often abbreviated SSOP) is an American billiards instruction brand and e-commerce platform founded by Bob Keller, a PBIA-certified instructor, BCA/VNEA national champion, and author. The brand is dedicated to promoting and teaching Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous), a classic pool discipline, through a combination of instructional content, physical training aids, and apparel. Its official website describes it as a source for "Pro Pool Instruction & Unique Training Aids" designed to help players improve fundamentals, aiming, straight stroke, and Straight Pool strategy. The brand's origins trace back to Keller's lifelong passion for pool, which began in 1980. After a multi-year break, he returned to the game in 2019, taking lessons from renowned instructors Mark Wilson, Jerry Briesath, and Straight Pool champion John Schmidt. This renewed focus led to the publication of his book, "A Shortstop On Straight Pool," co-authored with league director David Sheesley, and the launch of the Shortstop On Pool YouTube channel on March 14, 2021. The channel quickly grew, featuring the "Rack of the Week" series and accumulating over 60,000 subscribers and 600+ instruction videos. Shortstop On Pool operates primarily as a direct-to-consumer online store and educational platform. Its product line includes the "Ghost Align" stroke trainer and "Ghost Aimer" aim trainer, both designed and laser-cut by Bob Keller himself. The store also sells 14.1-themed apparel, bridge tools, a children's book, and billiards accessories. In addition to physical products, the brand offers free lessons, a deep video library, and a paid online masterclass called "The Right Way," created in collaboration with John Schmidt. The brand's content is focused on pool fundamentals, pattern play, shot selection, real-game strategy, and cue ball control. As a private, owner-operated business, Shortstop On Pool does not disclose financial details or corporate ownership. Its primary market is the United States, but its digital products and YouTube content reach an international audience of pool enthusiasts. The brand positions itself as a specialized resource for players seeking to improve their Straight Pool game, with a mission to help players achieve their first "Century" run (100 balls).

Shortstop On Pool was founded by Bob Keller, whose personal journey in pool began in 1980 at a bowling alley in Denver, Colorado, playing on Brunswick Gold Crown tables. He became a regular on the Denver tournament scene, competing in 9-ball, 10-ball, and One-Pocket, and developed a particular passion for Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous). He earned many first-place finishes in the Denver Straight Pool league, achieved a league high run of 99, and recorded over a dozen personal centuries. After a multi-year break from the game, Keller returned to pool in 2019 with a renewed commitment to playing at a high level. He sought instruction from top coaches, including Mark Wilson and Jerry Briesath, and received Straight Pool coaching from champion John Schmidt. This period of intensive learning inspired him to share his knowledge. A league clinic evolved into the book "A Shortstop On Straight Pool," co-authored with league director David Sheesley and featuring a foreword by John Schmidt. On March 14, 2021, Keller launched the Shortstop On Pool YouTube channel with the first episode of his "Rack of the Week" series. The channel became a platform for his instructional content, growing to over 60,000 subscribers and more than 600 videos. The brand expanded beyond video instruction into physical products. Keller, an inventor, designed and laser-cut the "Ghost Align" stroke trainer and "Ghost Aimer" aim trainer. The official website, shortstoponpool.com, serves as both an educational hub and an online store selling these training aids, 14.1-themed apparel, a bridge tool, a children's book, and billiards accessories. In addition to free content, Shortstop On Pool offers "The Right Way," an online 14.1 Masterclass created with John Schmidt. By 2025, Keller had accumulated 35 centuries, and the brand continues to promote Straight Pool through instruction, products, and community engagement. The business remains a private, owner-operated enterprise based in Denver, Colorado.

• 2025

  Bob Keller has accumulated 35 centuries; brand continues to grow.

• 2021

  Launch of Shortstop On Pool YouTube channel with 'Rack of the Week #1' on March 14.

• 2021

  Publication of 'A Shortstop On Straight Pool' book co-authored with David Sheesley.

• 2019

  Keller returns to pool after a multi-year break, takes lessons from Mark Wilson, Jerry Briesath, and John Schmidt.

• 1980

  Bob Keller begins playing pool at a bowling alley in Denver, Colorado.

Specialized, instructor-led Straight Pool training and tools for serious pool players.

• Ghost Align Stroke Trainer

  A stroke training aid designed and laser-cut by Bob Keller.

• Ghost Aimer Aim Trainer

  An aiming training aid designed and laser-cut by Bob Keller.

• The Right Way - online 14.1 Masterclass

  An online masterclass created with John Schmidt.

• A Shortstop On Straight Pool (book)

  A book on Straight Pool co-authored with David Sheesley, foreword by John Schmidt.

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