2017 - The Year in Review

Post date: Dec 29, 2017 6:00:15 PM

Au revoir...

As we end 2017, let me start by saying that I am thankful for cornhole. I am happy to have it as a hobby, a business, or even as just a social outlet. Because the painful lesson that 2017 has brought is that what's here today, is not promised tomorrow. In the summer, we lost Jimmy Williams, one of the area's great cornhole players and a better person. I have never met anyone who loved to play the game as much as Jim and his absence is felt from Connecticut to Pawtucket and up to Boston. And just last month, the South Shore's beloved Danny Talbot passed. I did not know Talbot very well, but I do know that he was always nice to me. I remember his trips to North Reading when we hosted up there and I am happy I was able to see him in October at Rachael and Chuck's house. Rest in peace.

Where do you play cornhole?

If you live in Massachusetts (or even New England), that answer could be everywhere! Other posts will debate the cream of crop, but for now just look around and take in the sheer volume of opportunities to toss bags. You can play every night of the week and it's a weird feeling when there's not a weekend tournament! Check out facebook and Instagram; the number of tournaments and board builders in the area is astonishing. This makes me smile. If you are helping push the cornhole revolution, pat yourself on the back!

Drama...

2012 or 2017?

Would it be a stretch to say that the cornhole community could produce a sequel to Sex, Lies, and Videotape? Rest assured, I am not plotting to steal your mobile phones! But, from the worst kept secret tournament ever to boycotts, facebook soliloquies, and even an accusation of fixing a tournament that I wasn't even running, yeah, 2017 had drama. But, that's no different than any other year and I think we are ending 2017 in a good place. It was great to reconnect with Mr. Bachand back in October. I ain't mad at cha!

Cornhole's biggest moment of 2017...

I have been in the cornhole game for some time now and I have never seen anything generate as much interest as the ACL ESPN broadcast back in the summer. People watched, and then watched again! Kudos to Trey Ryder and Ryan Alessio on the broadcasts...that is not any easy thing to do! Hopefully, the national spotlight continues to shine and pushes cornhole into the mainstream!

2018...

I am eager to see where this game will be in a year from now. I hope to continue to do my part promoting this spectacular game. However, I would be happy to just be writing this blog one year from now. What's here today, is not promised tomorrow. Happy New Year!