Barry's World

Always optimistic, Behrman sees great things ahead for the U.S. Open now that he's paid his debt to society.

The day after his six-month anniversary of being sprung from jail, Barry Behrman is racing non-stop all over town. "I hope you can keep up with me," were his first words to me, "because, trust me, I'll wear you out." On this Thursday afternoon in July, after picking me up at the Norfolk, Va., airport, he all but sprints through the terminal, jumps into his '98 silver Corvette with the US9-BALL license plate, and immediately hits the highway for a car dealership about an hour away in Newport News.

"I'm looking to buy another Corvette," he eagerly tells me with his Smiley Face smile, his big green eyes popped as wide as wheels. "I got this really great deal. A 2004 convertible with 2,000 miles on it for only $44,000. This'll be my eighth Corvette, but my first convertible. Been a Corvette man all my life. Just happen to like 'em. Smoothest ride you'll ever have. And they've worked out a lot of the kinks over the last six years, so this new one should be incredible. If nothing else, it'll be a great investment."

With one hand on the wheel, he quickly grabs for his cell phone with the other and dials up the dealership. "Hi, this is Barry Behrman," he says. "I'm on my way to see the red convertible 2004 Corvette. Don't sell it. I'll be there by 3:30 - at the latest. Okay? Please, please don't sell it! I'll be right there."

Hanging up the phone, he instantly presses his foot on the pedal, stick shifts into a higher gear, and, turning toward me, again with that huge smile, says, "Smooth, huh?" He then blithely utters: "Yeah, I'm a Corvette guy. It's me." And he pauses for a moment before almost whispering, "One of these days I'll grow up."

When you've spent a lifetime thinking that life's a party and making sure that you are the life of that party, this is what passes for a slowed-down, frugal, restrained lifestyle. You sacrifice not by eschewing the new status-symbol car but by getting an awesome bargain on one - then frantically rushing to close the deal. His probation officer keeps telling him, Slow down, Barry, slow down, remember what got you into trouble, Barry, but asking Barry Behrman to slow down is akin to asking a fish to not swim so much. The guy has been on a dead run his whole life. He doesn't know how to live any other way. "I'm totally hyper. I can't sit still. I have to go, go, go," he concedes during a late lunch, after taking a half-hour test spin in the new torch-red Vet and plunking down a $2,000 check as a down payment (although he later says he changed his mind and didn't go through with the purchase).

He says that high energy, aside of being in his genes, was destined for him by the stars. "I'm an Aries. We're thickheaded, arrogant, and vain, but bold, strong-minded, and achievers. Real go-getters. Real ballbusters." He pauses, tilts his sunburned face, and grins. "I was also born on April Fool's Day. That tells you everything. I'm a fun guy. I like to have a good time. I'm all about fun. Which is what got me into trouble. I played too hard."

Next Page >

Top

Since 1978, Billiards Digest magazine has been the pool world’s best source for news, tournament coverage, player profiles, bold editorials, and advice on how to play pool. Our instructors include superstars Nick Varner and Jeanette Lee. Every issue features the pool accessories and equipment you love — pool cues, pool tables, instruction aids and more. Columnists Mike Shamos and R.A. Dyer examine legends like Willie Mosconi and Minnesota Fats, and dig deep into the histories of pool games like 8-ball, 9-ball and straight pool.

Copyright © 1997-2003 Billiards Digest, All Rights Reserved
LUBY PUBLISHING INC.
122 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1506, Chicago IL 60603
Phone: 312-341-1110
Fax: 312-341-1469
Legal Disclaimer