Corey Linville – Lynnwood, WA
I can’t believe we’ve been publishing the Medallion for over 25 years and have NEVER taken the opportunity to formally interview one of the game’s most prolific and visible players ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú Corey Linville.
Maybe it was his dry demeanor and permanent smirk that always had a way of scaring the hell out of me, so I always ran the other direction. He has a way about him that can do that, y’know. After I started to get to know Corey a little better, I realized that this guy is actually very interesting. I could give it all away, but let’s give Corey a chance to explain it all to you directly ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú I think he’s definitely got some things to say.
Corey, let’s just get this out on the table?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ tell us what’s been going on in your life lately, if you don’t mind sharing.
Well, I’ve been told that I have Cirrhosis of the liver. It’s at least 85% Cirrhosis and the other organs are enlarged to help it out. The specialist give me a 50% chance to make it five years without a transplant. Don’t really want one either – just tired of this life!
Wow, what a mind-blower! What was your initial reaction to the news?
I kind of knew it was coming, but thought I had longer. So I said, “Oh well,” and kept on drinking. But it hurts too much to drink, so I need a new drug (Huey Lewis).
How does this change your outlook toward life and relationships?
You’re talking to a truck driver! So, life sucks, and relationships?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ well, I haven’t had one in over three years, so I don’t even know if it still works!
Corey, how do you go about daily life with this knowledge?
One day at a time. It’s only bad when the liver shuts down and I lay in bed for a week waiting for it to start pumping again.
Has this changed anything in your daily life as a result?
Sure! What I eat, drink and how I drive the truck. I have to eat low sodium foods and try driving without getting beat around too much. Try driving with muscle cramps, it’s a bitch!
Is it true that you’re retiring from darts due to your illness?
Yes and no. I want to because its too hard to play sober! But some people think they can keep me from drinking, so we’ll see!
Where do you call home?
It was where I fell over, but not anymore. Lynnwood for now. Bought a house with a friend, 50/50, to fix up and sell in two years.
Have you always lived in the Pacific Northwest?
Yes. Born in Oregon, and moved here in 1971.
Were you aware of your intimidating first impression on people?
Sure. Everybody thinks I’m an asshole, and I’m okay with that. If they keep coming back for more, they’ll find that I’m not all bad.
Is that to psych out your dart opponent, making it impossible to read you at the line or did somebody take your popsicle when you were a kid?
Not really, I try not to think about who I’m playing. Most of the time I’m too drunk for anybody to read me. If they could read me they would probably need to see a Shrink. My mind will blow you away!
What do you do for fun when you’re not playing darts?
Work on the house. Take the Jeep out four-wheelin’, then fix what I break. Go over to friends’ houses to B.S. Watch comedies.
What you do for work, Corey?
I drive a dump truck in downtown Seattle, an eight axle truck and trailer. I’m one of those asses that take up two lanes to turn. Oh and break windshields (whatever).
That sounds cool. Do you drive long-haul or short?
All local. “We Dig Seattle” is on the door of our trucks.
Do you have any kids or family in the area?
Little bro lives in Ballinger. Mom’s in Moses Lake. Dad’s in Kingston. Older bro lives in Moses Lake . I don’t really talk to any of them.
Name a couple of your best friends who share your love for darts.
Friends are people you can call to do other things with. Like Todd Jordan, Danny, Matt, Traci Ewing, Ed Jackson, Brian and Denise. The rest are dart acquaintances, like Lil’ Jen, Jen Firestone, Big Abe, Dave Foster, Guppy, Nice-rack Rachelle, Dave Breeze, Sammy and John Husman.
How long have you actually been playing darts now, anyway?
I started out in steel tip back around ‘90 or ‘91.
What are some of your best memories surrounding the game?
Just all the people I’ve shot with, and getting out to drink.
And, your current Medalist rating?
I’m now an eleven, but ranked down with the eights.
Do you believe that accuracy in dart throwing is a natural ability or learned?
I think there is a lot to the game and you have to find the throw that best fits you.
Describe your ideal dart partner.
Dave Foster with a nice chest.
Have you ever learned something about the game from a new or low-rated player?
You’re always learning. Each player plays differently.
Name some of your favorite locations to shoot from and why.
Waldo’s, when they cared about the players. Cactus Moon, because they do care. It doesn’t take much to make me happy, but good service and a good drink.
Who’s been your biggest influence in the sport?
Lil’ Jen, when she cared.
What’s been your highest achievement within the sport to date?
Second in the Pit with Jen Firestone, or maybe just the fact that I get out and try to just have fun with whomever I’m playing. Playing Dave and beating him. Ha Ha!
How can location owners, coordinators and players work more effectively to ensure a positive future for the sport?
How would I know? I don’t even have a future.
What are you most passionate about in life?
Having fun with what time I have left.
If you could make a single alteration to the sport, what would that be?
I would stat all tournaments to get rid of the baggers. Don’t let the same team win every night.
Is there anything specific you’d like to share with our audience?
Shoot, have fun. Talk a little smack. I will see some of you around, the rest I will miss. if you see me drinking, call me stupid and go on with yourself, sometimes you just need a drink.
P.S. Sorry if I pissed off anyone, but remember, I’m an asshole.
