A member of the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame, Strickland may not wear his record on his sleeve, but his five world championships and five U.S. Open championships are listed across the back of the vest he wears to play.

Known as a bit of a loose cannon, Strickland didn’t disappoint, telling the crowd, “Don’t heckle us, we ain’t got no money,” as well as trading barbs with Hatch, who had just driven the pair up from their last exhibition.

Strickland said, “My table ain’t no playground — I’m programmed to seek and destroy.”

It was Strickland’s first trip to Maine — drawn by the 10 Diamond brand tournament tables; quite possibly the only such collection in New England.

If pool halls leave you with an image of Paul Newman in a smoky, seedy room filled with gamblers and torn felt, Legends will wash away all misconceptions. Bright and roomy, not only does Legends have a stellar billiard table collection, but they also have an area for tournament darts.

They cater to everything from your night out, to business lunches, to kiddy parties with chefs on staff cooking from scratch — not line cooks reheating pub grub.

Tables circled the play area, creating an intimate VIP section. Of those in the VIP section, one lucky, albeit doomed, spectator would get the chance to play a round with The Pearl.

Regulars as well as players in local leagues munched complimentary snacks, occasionally trying to banter with Strickland and Hatch. One voice came through the crowd, “My mom told me, never bet against Strickland — evah.”

Strickland set the table up for 10 ball and from the first break, it would be a while before the crowd would get to see Hatch actually play. Whether he hammered the cue ball or tapped with delicate finesse, Strickland simply could not miss.

When finally a shot did fall short, Strickland joked, “If the table was heated, the ball wouldn’t have rolled that far.”

When Hatch finally commanded the table, he shot with surgical precision, laying out his stick and planning each shot — a habit Strickland bristled against, “You know, in a world tournament, you can’t do that?”

“Can’t you just say, ‘good shot,” Hatch fired back. “Yep, you’re definitely walking (home).” The pair brought continuous laughter from the crowd — two straight men in a comedy routine punctuated by unbelievable skill.

While displaying trick shooting, Strickland dedicated one of his shots to pool great Steve Mizerak, who famously performed the same trick shot for a Miller Light commercial in 1978.

It was a time when, as Strickland said, “I was wearing white pants then — they weren’t even mine — all we had was underwear.” Often painting the professional player as poor, Strickland said, “I can’t quit — of course I’m broke,” making quitting difficult.

After missing a shot, Strickland once again blamed intangible environmental conditions. Hatch, not skipping a beat, shouted, “It’s all that driving you did!” Again, when Strickland complained his cue wouldn’t take the chalk, Hatch responded, “It’s because I licked it in the car!”

Chris Tarmay won a $700 cue signed by Strickland.

Co-owner Melinda Small said, “The exhibition event opens the door for us to invite more pros to the area for people of all ages and interest to enjoy.”

Small said she hoped people would see, “This professional exhibition match as our commitment to L-A economic growth and to bring in new and exciting opportunities for entertainment.”

dmcintire@sunjournal.com