The "F Word" Darts Shirt
Over the weekend our league had this seasons end awards banquet and dart tournament. "There you go with the F word again!" was a phrase I overheard from somewhere around board 4, and I thought it would make an amusing dart shirt. A dart team with a team name starting with the letter F might even have fun with this one.
Interesting Moments In Darts Shirt History
Eric Bristow
The nickname of the Crafty Cockney was given to Eric Bristow when he visited an English pub by that name in 1976 during a visit to Santa Monica. It became a nickname which stuck with him throughout his career. Bristow wore a dart shirt (which he received from the same pub) depicting a uniformed British policeman, a Union Flag and the title Crafty Cockney whenever he took part in a tournament.
Dennis Priestley
Sky Sports once used a player cam for video coverage of darts. A tiny camera was fitted to Dennis Priestley's dart shirt to capture his view of the action while playing.
He is nicknamed "The Menace", in relation to the Dennis The Menace cartoons, and reflects this by wearing Red and Black striped dart shirts and outfitting his arrows with red and black flights.
Wayne Mardle
Wayne Mardle is known as "Hawaii Five-O-One" and sports colorful Hawaiian shirts at darting events, a play on words from TV show Hawaii Five-O and the starting score in a leg of darts.
Bob Anderson
Bob Anderson has been a professional for several years and has worn a selection of dart shirts which, as with Bristow, led him to a nickname. The shirts are usually a western style - or a cowboy style - and as a result Sid Waddell called him The Limestone Cowboy. The name stuck and he always plays under that moniker now. The Limestone Cowboy also refers to the limestone hills of Wiltshire where Bob used to live.
The majority of professional darts players now have nicknames, a trend which is said to have started with Eric Bristow and his dart shirts. When the Professional Darts Corporation circuit started in 1994, it became almost customary for every player to use a nickname. I myself compete with players by the names of Dirt, Big Dave, Chief, Rey Rey, Fred "Ton 60" Garza, T-Rex and others. All of which have their own unique dart shirt to further their dart playing persona, individuality and expression.
The nickname of the Crafty Cockney was given to Eric Bristow when he visited an English pub by that name in 1976 during a visit to Santa Monica. It became a nickname which stuck with him throughout his career. Bristow wore a dart shirt (which he received from the same pub) depicting a uniformed British policeman, a Union Flag and the title Crafty Cockney whenever he took part in a tournament.Dennis PriestleySky Sports once used a player cam for video coverage of darts. A tiny camera was fitted to Dennis Priestley's dart shirt to capture his view of the action while playing.
He is nicknamed "The Menace", in relation to the Dennis The Menace cartoons, and reflects this by wearing Red and Black striped dart shirts and outfitting his arrows with red and black flights.
Wayne Mardle
Wayne Mardle is known as "Hawaii Five-O-One" and sports colorful Hawaiian shirts at darting events, a play on words from TV show Hawaii Five-O and the starting score in a leg of darts.Bob Anderson
Bob Anderson has been a professional for several years and has worn a selection of dart shirts which, as with Bristow, led him to a nickname. The shirts are usually a western style - or a cowboy style - and as a result Sid Waddell called him The Limestone Cowboy. The name stuck and he always plays under that moniker now. The Limestone Cowboy also refers to the limestone hills of Wiltshire where Bob used to live.The majority of professional darts players now have nicknames, a trend which is said to have started with Eric Bristow and his dart shirts. When the Professional Darts Corporation circuit started in 1994, it became almost customary for every player to use a nickname. I myself compete with players by the names of Dirt, Big Dave, Chief, Rey Rey, Fred "Ton 60" Garza, T-Rex and others. All of which have their own unique dart shirt to further their dart playing persona, individuality and expression.
Killer Cricket Recognized
I received a surprising and encouraging email today:
Props to Mark Clifford with the Patriot Dart League in Massachusetts for the design concept! Mark, I see a freebee dart shirt in your near future! According to my stats the Killer Cricket dart shirt has been a popular design among those looking around at MyDartShirts.com and you deserve to share in the kudos received.
Props to Mark Clifford with the Patriot Dart League in Massachusetts for the design concept! Mark, I see a freebee dart shirt in your near future! According to my stats the Killer Cricket dart shirt has been a popular design among those looking around at MyDartShirts.com and you deserve to share in the kudos received.
Dart Board Setup - Regulation Measurements and Tutorial
Over the years I have received calls and emails asking me about the measurements for installing a dartboard. The regulation specs are easy to remember, so I reckon many people contact me because I can ramble them off the top of my head.
I have also seen beginners and new dart players searching the web and posting their questions about setting up dartboards in dart forums. In order to put the answers out there - along with with a little bit of advice and humor - I have created a Dart Board Setup - Regulation Measurements and Tutorial for anyone interested.
Writing that article also gave me a brainstorm, and I created some interesting throw lines to add to my web site. Although they bear a few of the same designs I have already done, I'll be designing more in the near future as time allows.
I have also seen beginners and new dart players searching the web and posting their questions about setting up dartboards in dart forums. In order to put the answers out there - along with with a little bit of advice and humor - I have created a Dart Board Setup - Regulation Measurements and Tutorial for anyone interested.
Writing that article also gave me a brainstorm, and I created some interesting throw lines to add to my web site. Although they bear a few of the same designs I have already done, I'll be designing more in the near future as time allows.
Gifts For Dart Players
Is there a friend or family member in your life who plays darts? Unlike many sports and hobbies, finding gifts for those involved with darts can be a bit challenging.The gift of darts themselves is great! However every dart player has their own preferences in weight, design and grip. The gift of a nice dartboard would be great as well! But again, each dart player may have a preference in what they enjoy playing on.
There are many other choices of gifts and presents for dart players, whether it is Christmas, a Birthday or even just a thoughtful gesture. Here are a few links and suggestions:
Keepsake BoxesThe dart player on your gift list might love one of the many keepsake boxes offered. They can keep their spare flights and shafts along with other small items in them. They could even keep their darts in them! But whatever they use their keepsake box for, they will know it was your thoughtful present to them in addition to acknowledging their love for darts. There are several unique darts designs to choose from, some humorous and some inspirational.
Mugs and Steins Make A Great Gift!Whether it is coffee, tea, beer or the wide variety of beverages out there, dart players always enjoy a refreshing drink. Consider any of these vessels adorned with dart designs as a wonderful gift to the dart player you know! I use the Aiming Fluid stein myself on many nights at the boards.
Custom Designed Out Charts. The Gift Of Knowledge!
Why be plain when you can decorate your dart area? If the dart player on your gift list has a dartboard setup at home or in the office, they may enjoy one of these custom out charts. Plain out charts are simply a list of numbers on a poster. These charts add color and decoration to any darts setup.
At 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall and printed in full color, these out charts are decorative as well as readable from the throw line. Checkouts from 52 to 170, both two and three dart options listed. I have the 180IQ Out Chart under my dartboard setup at home and I get great comments on it from all of my guests.
Dart Art. A Great Gift For Any Dart Player!
Dart art for the home, office, game room and more. These dart prints are perfect for the home, office or game room. All prints are custom manufactured using archival inks and acid-free paper. Framed prints are matted and framed in a stylish black frame with plexiglass cover. Frames include complete backing.
Dart players enjoy being unique and expressing their personality. Although many dart players attend events that require a professional dress code, the majority of shooters play at local tournaments and some in dart leagues.Regardless of when and where they play, every dart player will enjoy a unique dart shirt that expresses their personality. My Dart Shirts offers a variety of dart shirts with designs ranging from the serious to the whimsical and funny.
My Dart Shirts also has several other items that would make great presents and gifts for the dart player on your list. BBQ Aprons, Ceramic Travel Mugs, Teddy Bears, Throw Pillows, Tile Coasters, Stickers, Wall Calendars, Clocks, Posters, Greeting Cards, Journals and more. All with the elements I prefer: Fast and easy secure online ordering, several darts designs to choose from and fast affordable shipping to most Countries around the world.
NEW! - Just released, the Dart Players Digital Camcorder is a deadeye for any dart player!
Design Your Own Dart Shirt
The "Lost and Found" design at mydartshirts.com has been popular, especially with those looking to customize it to include their home pub, dart team or favorite dart hangout. You can now customize this and design your own dart shirt by clicking here!
Skull Darts Design
Originally designed as a tattoo, I thought this skull darts design would make a great black dart shirt. The tattoo project took another direction with a different skull. This design could have lettering added for a cool dart team design as well.
NOTE: The myadartshirts.com watermark across each design is NOT printed on the shirts.
Shoes for Darts?
Is the hunt for casual and comfortable shoes for darts a little crazy? I'll be honest. For the casual luck of the draw or league night I've been sporting a pair of Spalding tennis shoes I bought at Wal Mart for $18 back in August 1996. Yes, their pretty torn up, I have duct tape and a few select adhesives holding the soles on. But, they were comfortable! I finally lost the sole off of one at Metallica and Ozzy this year, so a search for new shoes begins...
Practicing at home is a little different. My setup is in the garage, and more often than not I wont wear shoes at all. Considering the dirt, saw dust, occasional bug - oh and that snake I stepped on barefoot one day - I've been looking around for some comfortable slip-on shoes or simple sneakers for darts. Behold I found some and they allowed me to decorate them as I please.
Tacky huh! Original and unique though...
Lucky Darts Shirt
This dart shirt was designed for St. Patty's Day events, but many dart players wear theirs for luck several times throughout the year. They say there is no luck in darts. As we all know ninety percent of the game is half mental. Now there's an example of my superior math/scorekeeping skills for ya.
And before I leave for tonight's weekly blind draw, a few words from the late George Carlin on the subject of considering darts as a sport.
Darts could have been a sport, because at least there's a chance to put someone's eye out. But, alas, darts will never be a sport, because the whole object of the game is to reach zero, which goes against all sports logic. ~George Carlin
And before I leave for tonight's weekly blind draw, a few words from the late George Carlin on the subject of considering darts as a sport.
Darts could have been a sport, because at least there's a chance to put someone's eye out. But, alas, darts will never be a sport, because the whole object of the game is to reach zero, which goes against all sports logic. ~George Carlin
Dart Meds
Ever wish you had a prescription for throwing lousy darts? Perhaps this Internet meme will bring your darts back to flying true!
Side effects may include cursing, bent shafts, bounce outs, loss of beer money, high blood pressure, angry partners or team mates, chips, the yips, dartitis and random excuses. Do not take dart meds if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, not even if you intend on sexual activity within 24 hours. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 16 ounces or keeping score.
Side effects may include cursing, bent shafts, bounce outs, loss of beer money, high blood pressure, angry partners or team mates, chips, the yips, dartitis and random excuses. Do not take dart meds if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, not even if you intend on sexual activity within 24 hours. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 16 ounces or keeping score.
Your Basic Darts Shirt
After posting yesterdays blog regarding dart teams I got to brainstorming about a generic design that could possibly suit any dart teams name. After all, some team names are tough to come up with a creative design or logo that will compliment them.
The standard and always popular "Property Of" came to mind, as all you would really need to do is change the lettering. You could even include your sponsoring club name rather than use "Athletic Department", or use anything you like for that matter.
So although this has been done since the dead sea was just getting sick, I've added this design to My Dart Shirts available on tees, sweatshirts, pullovers, boxers, a thong (ya really) and youth dart shirts. Sending in pics of players wearing the thong is recommended. Wait, what!?
The standard and always popular "Property Of" came to mind, as all you would really need to do is change the lettering. You could even include your sponsoring club name rather than use "Athletic Department", or use anything you like for that matter.
So although this has been done since the dead sea was just getting sick, I've added this design to My Dart Shirts available on tees, sweatshirts, pullovers, boxers, a thong (ya really) and youth dart shirts. Sending in pics of players wearing the thong is recommended. Wait, what!?
Dart Teams and Dart Team Names
I find one of the most entertaining things about league darts is the clever team names that players come up with. Often they will be descriptive of the players on the team, other times the name reflects a humorous dart phrase.
Not too long ago I polled an Internet audience of people unfamiliar with darts and/or the dart community. The question - in short - asked people their opinions about how dart players are seen through the eyes of the general public. I was doing this in order to research how dart players wind up stereotyped.
Their general consensus was that when they saw people playing darts - other than on television - it appeared to be a casual affair. Just friends getting together for a few pints and a good time on the boards if you will. Barely any of those who responded viewed organized darts as a group of players being engaged in any serious competition whatsoever.
I was surprised to discover many people indicating that if all the players were dressed alike or "in uniform" for lack of a better term, they would of course perceive the game as something on more of an organized and competitive level.
Think about that for a moment. How many times have you been playing darts somewhere and another person in the venue walks through the dart area on the way to the restrooms? How about those who walk up and interrupt play? Perception may be the cause. Perhaps if everyone were wearing their matching dart shirts on each team one may decide to go around the dart area and NOT interrupt the match, having the perception that organized competition is in progress.
These discoveries lead me to believe that dart shirts are great for a team in that aspect as well as others. A teams sponsoring club can enjoy the advertising they get when their team wears their dart shirts to other events and venues. Plus it promotes the sport in the eyes of the public as well as the venues that support darts.
Returning to the subject of team names. Cool dart team names seem to create not only commendatory between players, but also tend to attract an audience. My 2008 summer league team for example was called "Big Tony's Madhouse Mafia". Our sponsoring pub (Big Tony's) is owned and operated by Italians. The madhouse of course refers to our teams ability to wind up on the double one.
Our team always wore our matching dart shirts bearing our "Madhouse Mafia" logo, and of course included advertising for Big Tony's Grill and Sports Bar. Before week one was even over the wait staff wanted shirts. Before week two was done many of the regular patrons were ordering shirts. By seasons end, the entire bar was proudly wearing Madhouse Mafia dart shirts and rooting for us as the home team. EVERYBODY wanted to be a Mafia Member!
All in all a win-win situation in my opinion!
So what's your dart teams name? What are your creative ideas for a dart team name? Naturally, as one who creates dart shirts I am slowly creating a selection of designs bearing fun and unique dart team names, with hopes that dart players in leagues around the country may pick up on the benefits of wearing their team colors with pride. And perhaps even creating a better public view of dart players to the public at the same time!
Not too long ago I polled an Internet audience of people unfamiliar with darts and/or the dart community. The question - in short - asked people their opinions about how dart players are seen through the eyes of the general public. I was doing this in order to research how dart players wind up stereotyped.
Their general consensus was that when they saw people playing darts - other than on television - it appeared to be a casual affair. Just friends getting together for a few pints and a good time on the boards if you will. Barely any of those who responded viewed organized darts as a group of players being engaged in any serious competition whatsoever.
I was surprised to discover many people indicating that if all the players were dressed alike or "in uniform" for lack of a better term, they would of course perceive the game as something on more of an organized and competitive level.
Think about that for a moment. How many times have you been playing darts somewhere and another person in the venue walks through the dart area on the way to the restrooms? How about those who walk up and interrupt play? Perception may be the cause. Perhaps if everyone were wearing their matching dart shirts on each team one may decide to go around the dart area and NOT interrupt the match, having the perception that organized competition is in progress.
These discoveries lead me to believe that dart shirts are great for a team in that aspect as well as others. A teams sponsoring club can enjoy the advertising they get when their team wears their dart shirts to other events and venues. Plus it promotes the sport in the eyes of the public as well as the venues that support darts.
Returning to the subject of team names. Cool dart team names seem to create not only commendatory between players, but also tend to attract an audience. My 2008 summer league team for example was called "Big Tony's Madhouse Mafia". Our sponsoring pub (Big Tony's) is owned and operated by Italians. The madhouse of course refers to our teams ability to wind up on the double one.Our team always wore our matching dart shirts bearing our "Madhouse Mafia" logo, and of course included advertising for Big Tony's Grill and Sports Bar. Before week one was even over the wait staff wanted shirts. Before week two was done many of the regular patrons were ordering shirts. By seasons end, the entire bar was proudly wearing Madhouse Mafia dart shirts and rooting for us as the home team. EVERYBODY wanted to be a Mafia Member!
All in all a win-win situation in my opinion!
So what's your dart teams name? What are your creative ideas for a dart team name? Naturally, as one who creates dart shirts I am slowly creating a selection of designs bearing fun and unique dart team names, with hopes that dart players in leagues around the country may pick up on the benefits of wearing their team colors with pride. And perhaps even creating a better public view of dart players to the public at the same time!
What's my out!!?
Throw your opponent off with this whimsical design on the back of your dart shirt.
NOTE: The myadartshirts.com watermark across each design is NOT printed on the shirts.
Steel Tip Out Charts for Darts
I was sitting in my "darts office" one morning around 3 or 4 am after a long stretch of working a double. When your building a web site for a 16+ hour stretch like that you start to lose your ability to speak english due to typing code for most of the day, and visually you see many things from a unique perspective.
I had grabbed myself a cold beer and a smoke, sat my chair at the throw line and sat staring at my darts setup. I have everything just about the way I like it out there, however I have taken down and hung up an out chart poster several times, unsure if I like it or not when I rarely refer to it myself. It does come in handy for guests quite frequently though, so at the moment I have one hanging under the dart board.
On this particular night I began glancing at the out chart and pondering on some finish I had last week in league when suddenly my brain kicked in and told me "I don't like how plain that out chart is". Seriously, about the only thing it has going for it - above say a list of parts for a Holley Carb to hang on the wall - is that it refers to darts.
Naturally I decided to design one to order, which led to a few ideas, which led to more ideas.... Now I dont know whether to stop designing and order one or keep working to find one I like. I am up to about a dozen so far.
EDIT: I wound up ordering the Ton80 IQ out chart, and it looks fantastic.
I had grabbed myself a cold beer and a smoke, sat my chair at the throw line and sat staring at my darts setup. I have everything just about the way I like it out there, however I have taken down and hung up an out chart poster several times, unsure if I like it or not when I rarely refer to it myself. It does come in handy for guests quite frequently though, so at the moment I have one hanging under the dart board.
On this particular night I began glancing at the out chart and pondering on some finish I had last week in league when suddenly my brain kicked in and told me "I don't like how plain that out chart is". Seriously, about the only thing it has going for it - above say a list of parts for a Holley Carb to hang on the wall - is that it refers to darts.
Naturally I decided to design one to order, which led to a few ideas, which led to more ideas.... Now I dont know whether to stop designing and order one or keep working to find one I like. I am up to about a dozen so far.
EDIT: I wound up ordering the Ton80 IQ out chart, and it looks fantastic.
Dart Shirt Goodness: Autographed by John Part
Last year I had the privilege of designing the artwork for one of John Parts exhibitions held in Canada. It was a volunteer project, and what a great gesture of thanks it was for the organizer of the event to send me a dart shirt bearing John Parts signature. A thousand thanks to Rocky and to Darth Maple himself!
The original artwork:
It took a while to get here, and during the wait I had been considering a nice frame for it. I'd like to hang it up with a pic of John holding up his third World Championship trophy. However I regret to say this, but the printing is far from impressive:
Maybe I'm just picky having been in the imprinted sportswear industry since 1996. Maybe I had envisioned a much better product considering JP's pro status. I don't mean to offend anyone, but in all honesty It looks as if someone cut out some cheap heat transfers with a set of those scissors they give you in Kindergarten and ironed the logo on. You can clearly see where the transfer was cut out around the logo and the lettering. It is dirty looking as if the transfer paper was stained.
All that aside, I think I'll still frame this up. It really is something special to me regardless of the quality.
Here is a video clip from the event. Nice oche!
The original artwork:
It took a while to get here, and during the wait I had been considering a nice frame for it. I'd like to hang it up with a pic of John holding up his third World Championship trophy. However I regret to say this, but the printing is far from impressive:
Maybe I'm just picky having been in the imprinted sportswear industry since 1996. Maybe I had envisioned a much better product considering JP's pro status. I don't mean to offend anyone, but in all honesty It looks as if someone cut out some cheap heat transfers with a set of those scissors they give you in Kindergarten and ironed the logo on. You can clearly see where the transfer was cut out around the logo and the lettering. It is dirty looking as if the transfer paper was stained.
All that aside, I think I'll still frame this up. It really is something special to me regardless of the quality.
Here is a video clip from the event. Nice oche!
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