Jeff Hagees, once a designer of missile propulsion systems, turned to gambling to cope with job-related stress. After losing thousands in pool rooms, he faced serious financial trouble. His employers suspected him of selling defense secrets due to his gambling problem and fired him. In retaliation, he created the costumed identity of 8-Ball, using his engineering skills to design a custom pool cue. He organized a criminal syndicate and embarked on a crime spree in New York City to amass wealth