To not sound like the same dude saying the same stuff with different words, I give you the All-Time Movie Quote version of the final day of the 2026 Blade:
Start off with the easy one:
“People will come, Ray (Swa), people will most definitely come”
Terence Mann, Field of Dreams
The attendance for the 2026 Blade looked good. Friday night was full, Saturday was packed and Sunday kinda got washed out. People have made the decision that The Blade is a priority…and that is truly amazing.
“This guy threw at his own son in a father/son game”
Harry Doyle, Major League
As I mentioned before, the mid-20s to early 30-somethings with their growing families may be what I appreciated most. Some of the children will grow to understand the value of Steve Hess and the importance of this event.
“Pick me out a winner, Bobby (Swami)”
Roy Hobbs, The Natural
The Fundraising was once again strong. I never get involved in any of that end of the Blade but I know the sponsorships seemed strong, the raffles were great and well populated and well received, and the support will go to a loved one in need.
“You’re Killin’ Me Smalls”
Ham Porter, The Sandlot
That classic quote has been a staple of The Dons for decades and even more so for original Don Sweet Pete. Well, Wood_Don, Sweet and I had a bellyache laugh doing a Skol to Kool Kenny. Hardest I’ve laughed in a minute. We miss Kenny, we miss Cholak, we miss a lot of people. The Blade brings everyone together so we don’t have to try and think too hard about how long it has been since we’ve seen a friend.
“You’re not supposed to have open liquor in the car”
Mark Engelberg, The Bad News Bears
I DID NOT see any alcohol in any car but…what I did see on Sunday morning was totally fitting for the Sunday morning of the Blade. I pull up in the far SW corner of the Moose to park. As I shut my truck off, the door of the black little car in front of me opens. A 20-something young lady leans her head out the door….splashdown. Wipes her mouth with some napkins, shuts her door, and passes out. Can’t make that shit up.
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes….it rains”
Nuke LaLoosh, Bull Durham
You knew a big pissin rain would get to The Blade sooner or later. And reports are The Dons OG Chicks dudes were ready to take the field shirtless and become the 2026 version of The Unclean 12. But alas, it was not to be, and The Blade softball tournament came to an end, and the Blind Draw Bags Tourney never was able to get started. Blade probably got Mother Nature hammered Saturday night, and she sent in the water so she could have the day off.
Mad respect to those who put in the silly amount of time and effort and energy needed to pull off this massive undertaking. Thanks and love to all who attended and donated. And love and prayers to Ms Dee and the Smith family as you continue this journey. We’ll see you ALL in 2027!!
