Column #685 There’s More to Life Than Darts

Monday, May 12, 2025
Column 685
There’s More to Life Than Darts

In the wild, electrifying world of darts, it’s easy to lose yourself in the moment – the roar of the crowd, the pressure of a double, the rush of a comeback. For those of us who’ve lived it, breathed it, and traveled the globe with it, the sport is far more than competition. But every so often, too often it seems, life delivers a painful reminder: as much as we love stepping to the line, there’s more to life than darts.

In recent years, we’ve lost far too many members of our extended darting family. Each one brought something unique – talent, laughter, leadership, heart. All of them left the sport better than they found it, and they left holes in our hearts when they passed.

Of course, we remember Eric Bristow, “The Crafty Cockney,” whose unmatched confidence and charisma helped put darts on the map. Jocky Wilson, the unpredictable genius with a heart as big as his talent. And Leighton Rees, the first-ever BDO World Champion, who helped lay the foundation for everything that followed.

We remember Sid Waddell, the “Voice of Darts,” whose poetic commentary turned matches into high drama. His words gave the game its rhythm and soul.  And legendary referee, Bruce Spendley.

In the U.S., we lost Stacy Bromberg, a fierce trailblazer and champion in women’s darts. Dave Kelly and Rick Ney, warriors of the oche with legacy etched deep into American darting history. Gentleman Bill Nicoll Sr. who elevated darts in the States through both vision and class.  And of course, originally from Thailand – Nicky Virachkul!

Phil Jones, the legendary Master of Ceremonies, and Tommy Cox, the tireless PDC tournament director, helped keep the sport professional and thriving. Dick Allix, instrumental in shaping the PDC and modernizing the game behind the scenes. Olly Croft, OBE, the controversial and pivotal founder of the BDO – his impact undeniable, his passion unmatched.

David Brook always a presence. George Silberzahn, not only a competitor but a teacher, coach, and author who helped countless players grow. Howie Reed, the American wordsmith whose writing brought humor, insight, and depth to the sport.

We remember Andy Fordham, “The Viking,” a fan favorite whose humility and spirit captured hearts. Kyle Anderson, “The Original,” one of Australia’s brightest stars, known as much for his generosity and dignity as for his darts.

We remember Glen Silva, a passionate advocate for the game, a presence that loomed large in American darts. And Tom and Della Fleetwood, tireless organizers, promoters, and caretakers of the soul of the sport in America. Their fingerprints are still on every tournament flyer, every board, every handshake.

Jim “Pops” Poliquin, founder of the National Darts Hall of Fame, whose tireless work gave American darts a place to honor its own. One can’t forget Timmy Nicoll, whose energy, humor, and heart helped light up every room – and every venue – he entered.

Darts case craftsman extraordinaire, Joel “Bones” Hanson, left us way too soon.  And no one can possiby forget the inimitable Bucky Bakalec.

We remember Freddie Deen and Ramon Sabalboro from the Philippines – beloved figures whose passion helped grow the sport in Southeast Asia. Their contributions reached far beyond the oche, strengthening the darting community across borders.

And most recently, we said goodbye to Linda Klamboroski Bender, a vibrant force in Virginia Beach and beyond – her smile and spirit will never fade.

These names – these people, many of them close friends (and so many not mentioned here) – were more than players, announcers, promoters, writers, or officials. They were family. Their lives remind us that the sport we love is about far more than what happens between the oche and the board. It’s about connection. It’s about joy. And yes, it’s also about grief. Because the deeper the love, the deeper the loss.

So yes, there’s more to life than darts. There are road trips and post-match beers. There are embraces in victory and consolation in defeat. There are stories, legends, and the shared journey that outlasts the last leg thrown.

To all who’ve gone before us – thank you.

You are missed.

You are remembered.

And your legacy lives on in every dart that flies, every story told, and every heart that still beats for this beautiful, maddening, magnificent sport.

From the Field,

Dartoid