"What a long strange trip it's been!" This past year has been like no other that I've ever lived. Over night I went from a rock'n roll zero to a rock'n roll hero. I owe it to you, the fans. All you Peromaniacs out there who were with me from day one.
The humble beginnings:
I started out playing for quarters at my dads house for fun. I owe a lot to Ben (It's all about the Benjamins) Larocco. Just watching him and seeing what he did gave me a great idea of what not to do and when not to do it. I still haven't spent all the quarters I took off him... How many gum balls can a guy take. I also remember Mike (if you can't beat'em, bluff'em) Thomas. It was like taking money off a drunk guy. And of course my inspiration " One Time " Home dog! was always entertaining watching that 4th nine come up in night baseball. Last but not least " The Intimadator " my Bro Al, why go 50 cents when you can go 2 bucks.
The humble beginnings:
I started out playing for quarters at my dads house for fun. I owe a lot to Ben (It's all about the Benjamins) Larocco. Just watching him and seeing what he did gave me a great idea of what not to do and when not to do it. I still haven't spent all the quarters I took off him... How many gum balls can a guy take. I also remember Mike (if you can't beat'em, bluff'em) Thomas. It was like taking money off a drunk guy. And of course my inspiration " One Time " Home dog! was always entertaining watching that 4th nine come up in night baseball. Last but not least " The Intimadator " my Bro Al, why go 50 cents when you can go 2 bucks.
John get a hug from his bro AlIt was a long road to reach the level of playing that I am at now. I payed a high price and sacrificed a lot : late nights, struggles with addiction, playing so much I had a severe bout with finger nail sensitivity- I made a full recovery.
Life on the Road, the NPT nationwide promotions tour
John at an autograph signing session. With the high price came the big payouts. The promotional tour was a lot of fun and the fan support was amazing. We hit 17 supper clubs in 16 days. And oh the fish frys, being champ has its benefits.
After a slow start, the fans started to line up. The sing alongs at the Baraboo camp grounds and I can't forget the nice people at the Cracker Barrels - great bathrooms too. After getting ok'd from the doc, there was a slight cholestrol issue, we headed back home.
John on the cover of the Febuary 2006 Wheaties box
John at the Bushwood celebrity Pro-am golf outingThere are so many great memories and still more to come . Thanks to all you Peromanics. Remember to renew your memberships this year, it has its priveldgess....not the membership, but being the NPT champ.
Until we meet again . " I'm all in all the time!" Johnny the Wad.
John with my wife at our wedding...
How did the belt make it through the reception hall metal detectors.
Fans flock to see the belt
How did the belt make it through the reception hall metal detectors.
Fans flock to see the belt
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