Larry Mead – Bellingham, WA

There is a man that travels in our circles who has carved out an amazing career in darts over the past three decades. The Medallion would like to draw your attention to this individual’s journey from his meager beginnings to eventually become one of the most formidable talents at the dartboard today.
His name is Larry Mead and his jubilant, lighthearted personality is one that has touched many of our lives around the world of darts. He is omnipresent and his hunger for more darts is truly insatiable. Join us as we sit down with Larry and pick his brain to reveal the man behind those intimidating darts with a vengeance.

Larry, when did you first come onto the dart scene?
Back in 1978.

Who’s responsible for your introduction into the sport of darts?
Polly Bailey, Earl Baker and Jim Web.

Where were you born and raised?
In Mount Vernon, WA.

What is it about the game that keeps you interested year after year?
I love the game and I just like playing a lot.

How did you earn the player’s respect early in your darting life?
By being a good winner as well as a good loser.

When did you realize you were an elite player within your own community?
When I was playing with all kinds of players and they were asking how to get better.

What circumstances brought you to Seattle recently?
My girlfriend, Tami, and another job that would enable me to play more darts.

What was your rating when you started and what is it now?
I was a 2. Now I’m a 14, rolling a 15.

Have you always played in the Medalist program or have there been others?
No, I’ve played other programs, including the Skagit League.

In your opinion, what are the most notable differences between the larger league programs?
Different ratings for players and different in how they rate players.

What is your philosophy toward the game and the players?
To get ahead early in the game. As for the players, I can’t say anything about them.

How do you spend your time away from the boards?
Working, camping and fishing.

Any kids or family in the area?
Yes, both. My son Steven, 18, lives in Oak Harbor, my brother Dave Mead, 65, Lives in Anacortes, WA and my sister Debbie Neddles, 58, lives in Everett, WA.

What’s your secret to maintaining a good rapport with all the friends you’ve made in the sport?
Just to have respect for them as they have respect for me.

What is the furthest you’ve traveled for darts?
The road lies ahead of me. At this point, I am not sure.

What has been your greatest achievement in the game so far?
Winning State with two people that have never been in the pit before, Kim and Ish.

Are you a faithful Medallion reader? How can we make it better?
Yes. In making it better, I’m not sure, but if I think of anything I will let you know.

How has your game progressed over the years and what steps do you take to continue to improve?
It has improved a lot. To get better, I keep playing as much as I can and play the better players as much as I can. Plus I play Robo.

How can we, as players, help to build the sport for the future?
Play your darts the best you can and not to hold back or sandbag.

What would you like to see implemented into the Medalist program to make it better for you and your fellow players?
Have a league with no handicap and have the Super A Trios with a female teammate required.

Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers in closing?
Yes, play your darts the best you can and don’t sandbag – it will hurt you in the end.

Thanks for your time, Larry. There is so much to learn from those who’ve gone before us. We appreciate your generosity in sharing with us and hope to see you in the winner’s circle for many years to come.