Polish Pounder turns 40

Everyone’s favorite “Known Pro” turned 40 last month and we had a great tribute for him at Stinger’s Sports Bar, complete with a dart tournament. For those of you who do not know who the Polish Pounder is, it is Brad Halley.

Yes I know you thought he was forty 15 years ago, but he is not. It does seem like he has been around forever, and he has.

Playing darts in the bars since he was in his early teens, Mr. Halley was the first player from Arizona to make Team USA and travel to Germany. In his travels, at the ripe age of 21, Brad apparently had too much fun and someone has made sure he was a “Known Pro” ever since. What that means is, no matter how good or bad he shoots, Brad will be a pro forever.

Most players stay on the pro list for two years unless they win a major event; not Brad – he could not play for five years and come back and be a Pro. But as we all know, it doesn’t worry Brad, “He Picks ’Em and He Chooses ’Em”. No, Yogi Berra didn’t say that, it was Brad. We still haven’t figured out what that means.

Brad was an original captain in the Masters League and has 40 seasons under (or over) his belt. Brad is the most unselfish dart player I know, often taking the team shot regardless of the stats. Brad is a great guy, a hard worker and the best friend anyone could hope for.

Happy Birthday Brad.

Mike Bates

(Also: Happy Birthday to Miss Marci Halley, who turns – – on December 1.)