Welker Cochran

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Welker Cochran (Oct. 7, 1897 - July 26, 1960)

A United States billiards player who won world titles in two different disciplines, 18.2 Balkline and 3-Cushion billiards. Reports vary but he was born in either Des Moines or Manson, Iowa. He began playing at a young age in a billiards establishment owned by his father in Manson and by the age of 17 was among the best players in the world. He won his first world title in 1927 in 18.2 Balkline. The popularity of balkline faded in the late 20's and early 30's causing Cochran to switch to 3-cushion billiards where he won his first world title in 1933. He retired from serious competition in 1946 due to arthritis but did make a comeback attempt in 1954. He died in 1960. Cochran was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1967.