- November 27, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
When Mike Barker first started the Florida Cornhole League in 2005, people would cringe when he mentioned it.
“You mention the word cornhole and people really used to look at you funny,” Barker said. “But the word has spread. Everybody knows what it is now, and everybody has at least seen it or played it once.”
As the founder of the Florida Cornhole League, Barker makes custom boards, bags and accessories while holding tournaments all around Florida in honor of the tailgating classic that involves tossing a bean bag onto a wooden board and trying to get it to stay on without sliding off.
On the first Saturday of every month, the league comes to The First Turn in Port Orange for a tournament that includes cash prizes and good times.
“When you get down to it, it’s really just throwing a bag,” said Barker’s father Al.
As a day job, Barker works for traffic operations in Brevard County. He loves the craftsmanship of building the boards in his free time, and he likes to spend his nights designing and constructing them.
One of his proudest achievements as a craftsman was a custom-made cornhole board that was designed for NASCAR driver Joey Logano.
“I’ve always liked to tinker with wood and stuff like that,” Barker said. “It’s always been one of my better qualities, and I didn’t get it from my father because he can’t build anything. I went in and I started to make my own way that I’m going to make them, and I think I make a pretty good product. Some people might complain about something, and I’ll make an adjustment for the good. If it’s going to benefit just them, then no, but if it benefits everyone, I’m all for it.”
For more information on the Florida Cornhole League, visit www.floridacornholeleague.com.
