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nOVA sCOTIA

tired of hearing the word "Heavy Hitter" !! Can someone please give a meaning to the word heavy hitter???

7/31/2015 1:27:19 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

A coat with lots of patches on it...year after year after year... ItZ not enough just to have a coat... One year of great weightZ does not a heavy hitter make...nor an expert on growing.... especially if they grow in a NON challenged state just my HWO.... plus a HH gives out info for FREE, answers lotZ of grower questions accurately based on sound growing knowledge and gives back more than one takeZ in....Ron Wallace comeZ to mind....Dave SteltZ, Don Young, Phil Hunt, The Northrups, Beni...... I cant name them ALL here, but look in the Hall of Fame...you can start there!

7/31/2015 1:39:53 PM

Langley, British Columbia

I am new to growing giant pumpkins so I have only herd of Ron Wallace, Gary Miller, Beni Meier and the world renowned Glenn Dixon.

Besides that I personally think that anyone who can consistently grow pumpkins in the top 50 year after year is a big hitter. I would totally agree with SkyWiZzzy that if someone got lucky one year then next year or following years they follow it up with a pile of excuses then you’re a one hit wonder.

Unless your pumpkin patch gets destroyed by hail, Hurricane winds or a freak below freezing day, I would say a true Heavy Hitter can make due and still reach top 50 with a great story on how they made it work by reading the plant correctly.


If you have a Greenhouse there should be no excuses besides lack of experience growing inside as everything in your environment is controllable. From Heat, Moisture, Wind, Bugs, Additional Sun, Sun Shade or Heat units. (Assuming you have the funds)

7/31/2015 2:43:44 PM

Freedom Is Just Another Word For Noting Left To Lose

When I hear the term "heavy hitter" I always think of that splash of water that gets my butt wet. That's what I call a heavy hitter.

7/31/2015 5:05:43 PM

Central NY

Lol

7/31/2015 7:20:55 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

ahahaaaaa Spambie!! lol

7/31/2015 9:58:28 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

are you a Heavy Hitter ...Skyzzzy??

7/31/2015 9:59:26 PM

Johnston, Iowa

This:

http://greatpumpkincommonwealth.com/index.php/heavy-hitter-club

7/31/2015 10:05:57 PM

Johnston, Iowa

Wow, according to the link, some of our "Heavy Hitters" have grown pumpkins as large as 5,700 pounds!

7/31/2015 10:07:55 PM

Muddy Waters

Jimbo I think your on the wrong website.Is Heavy Hitter not Heavy $hi^^er.

7/31/2015 10:18:54 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

well at least we have 2 HH from Canada according to skyyizzey!1

7/31/2015 10:43:36 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

are you a heavy hitter skywhizzeyyy??

7/31/2015 10:45:13 PM

Muddy Waters

I wouldnt define my world by just any old grower from just any old mountain top.

I would say someone who grows a watermelon one year 260lbs(new site record) and is in the top 3 in the (GPC)world,Then another year grows # 8 in the world pumpkin.BuTT still has time to feed & nurture a Long Gourd that is the GPC winner of the season 1,000$ and the cool Joe Jutras wooden plaque.Holds 3 state records & 1 U.S record., just might qualify as a Heavy Hitter.Butt I prefer to be called a heavy $hi^^er.Thanks any ways Wizzy Love the publicity you always give me.Cant wait to see you in England!!Bloody right!!!We will have a ball!!

7/31/2015 11:05:04 PM

Muddy Waters

lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!rofl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7/31/2015 11:06:23 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Oh Lordy here we go again. Look, Gary is a heavy hitter because he is a major contributer of the GPG. He is a heavy hitter because he has taken the initiative and responsibility of forming a club of Colorado and Midwest growers that did not exist prior. He organizes weighoffs. He is active in building this global community of pumpkin growing enthusiasts. To attack him is not acceptable. Donkin, what have you accomplished? Will people remember your 1811 in a few years from now? No lol only in the sense that if they do a site search for 811 they mistakenly find you. Your pumpkin is not significant, and your remarks are not significant. Other than to irritate the long standing growers and members of this site.

8/1/2015 12:37:32 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

On the main board this time, and you are going to waste people's brains with this? Join my world and start a pumpkin growers club if you have so much enthusiasm. Do something constructive please!!!!

8/1/2015 12:42:48 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Jesus.

8/1/2015 1:15:11 AM

Minnesota

For example, the Wallace's, if they are not breaking the world record there right up there close to it! Babe Ruth, he was a little heavy and he could really hit the ball! :)

8/1/2015 2:13:11 AM

Muddy Waters

Orangeneck.If you put Gary on a pedestal as a highly respected GPC rep and all.Shouldnt he be held to a standard of not attacking others.He has accused me of all sorts of wrongs.He has called me a ponzi schemer and several other things.Yet 1 year ago he was a member of my club.I handed him a check for 50$ at Wilkes Barre.We were all good till I had a good season.LOL You might want to rethink his motives??He couldnt hold a candle to the real thing.A GPC rep with class & dignity .

8/1/2015 6:44:21 AM

Muddy Waters

Now dont feel bad for Gary folks.He drew first blood.Carl does have my respect for growing a 1811.He must be a good grower to have done so.Politics does not make a heavy hitter.Poor politics at that.

8/1/2015 6:50:59 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

A. You can not define yourself a heavy hitter
It is something that is given to you, from other growers, it may be from your ability to grow a large fruit consistently, it may be that you are a veteran pumpkin grower who encourages new growers, and volunteers to help promote their weigh off and pumpkin growing organization. You also represent the pumpkin growing community in a professional manner.

8/1/2015 10:32:24 AM

Marion, Wisconsin

You guys are all really awesome, super growers,with unbelievable skills!!!!
Feel better now?

8/1/2015 1:30:47 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Anyone who grows over 1600 and actually produces results, not just talk about them. Just cause you don't like someone doesn't mean they can't grow big pkns. ESPN analyst know the game of baseball in and out... doesn't mean they could ever play the game.

8/1/2015 2:52:38 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Thanks Mr. Engels...Been away for a while always thought these were winter posts...names change, but after all this time it's still the same. Some people teach, some people help some people watch some people just preach. Yikes! GrowEmBIg! Chuck

8/1/2015 2:56:42 PM

Ely Mn

Lol Jesus is definitely a heavy hitter so cal!

8/1/2015 3:20:09 PM

Torrance, Ca.

;)

8/1/2015 6:02:21 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

and how many growers have a coat with lots of patches on it?? and how many growers have a coat?How many years of great weights does it take? What type of climate do you grow in? Surely that must count for something? How many Heavy Hitters do you see on this site answering questions ??? and don't tell me that people are too negative!! People are not that soft Skywizzy!! Just a few questions i would like you to answer...Thank you

8/1/2015 7:35:05 PM

Western NY

I think that many growers quit posting because of BS like this! I think the answer is in this post but you must not be able to comprehend it. DOH

8/1/2015 9:27:54 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Drama 2.0 Why don't you just e-mail Gary with your concerns Carl. Everyone knows who most of the heavy hitters are and I can tell you that pretty much most of them are more than willing to share their methods, their secrets and their seeds during auction time. All you have to do is ask them, not post rhetoric here for shock value. I am definitely a light weight, however, I have had the privilege of getting to know many of the top growers through club interactions and believe me, they will answer all of your questions. I will admit that IMHO Gary was hitting below the belt with Mark,but going back to your original post " explain heavy hitter " if you have to ask then you have some growing to do.

8/1/2015 9:30:50 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

Ok Andy! I have some growing to do? What is your PB? How many seeds do you need? I'm pretty positive you have a basement full now!! What is your tallest sunflower?

8/1/2015 9:44:06 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

Why doesn't Skywhizzy just answer my questions? You don't need seeds Andy? You already have enough to make a bird feeder as big as a pear gourd.....

8/1/2015 9:48:48 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

and that is fact!

8/1/2015 9:51:39 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Wait for it.....I'm a really nice guy ask my neighbors. Anyone who has been on this site years before me and made connections with some of the icons of this sport are....what did he say..oh yeah pieces of crap, that's it. You really don' get it Carl. Growing a big pumpkin is an accomplishment and worthy of recognition. Establishing relationships within this community is priceless and everlasting. Good luck! I am moving to Yarmouth and not growing this year but hope to be back in the game soon.

8/1/2015 9:57:43 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

The only seeds I have Carl are my own, all the rest have been sent out to the clubs, thanks for asking.

8/1/2015 10:01:46 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

bullshit!

8/1/2015 10:07:51 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

you want to be smart? answer my question...what is your PB? since i am the one who has to do some growing?? I/m waiting to hear from the 2 of you

8/1/2015 10:12:05 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

waiting???????????????????????????????????????????????????????

8/1/2015 10:14:59 PM

Central NY

I'm sure he can't see yer posts donkin ...pretty sure you made his ingnore list....geez... Even bubba didn't make that...

8/1/2015 10:32:18 PM

Torrance, Ca.

What did I miss porkchop?

8/1/2015 10:48:04 PM

Central NY

Nuttin

8/1/2015 10:58:14 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Thanks Spambie, just being mentioned in the same sentence as Ron Wallace, Gary Miller and Benni Meier is enough to make any grower feel special even if not considered a true heavy hitter to others.

For a new grower, I can already see that heavy hitter will be attached to the name Scott Carley very soon.

Have you all seen Spambie's diary updates lately?. Multiple 700 lb pumpkins on the vine in British Columbia at the end of June...wow.

8/1/2015 11:31:58 PM

British Columbia, Canada

Holy cow, thank goodness for the ignore button.

8/2/2015 12:34:17 AM

Johnston, R.I.

Is it December already ? Did I miss the summer ??

8/2/2015 5:57:25 AM

Goodwood, Ontario, Canada

I always turn to the urban dictionary to get the straight facts on a words meaning. Check this out my fellow growers:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=heavy+hitter

8/2/2015 6:15:44 AM

Western NY

LMAO! maybe donkin is a heavy hitter.

8/2/2015 9:24:06 AM

Bethlehem CT

The first time I ever heard the term heavy hitter was in Don Langevin's book, 'How to Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins' Here is a quote from the book;

"There are many growers who are deserving of the distinction of Heavy Hitter, and therefore, it was not easy choosing those who are presented here. About a hundred growers were considered for the distinction and in the final analysis, it came down to sheer weight as the most important factor----after all this is not a beauty contest. In my first book How to grow world class giant pumpkins, a great deal of attention was paid to the people who contribute to the well being of the sport. Very little of that occurs here, but it is nice to report, that all of the heavy hitters in this edition are role models for the new growers based on their willingness to help anyone sincerely interested in growing a giant."

8/2/2015 9:49:31 AM

Bethlehem CT

That quote was from Don's second book. There is lot's of good stuff in there, sometimes I think we all would benefit by re-reading it. It really laid the groundwork for this hobby. Things like sportsmanship, sharing, and working together are all big themes in the book. Without the generosity and sharing of seeds and knowledge. Today, we would have just a handful of growers hoarding their own seed stock, with weights stagnating. That is not the situation at all.
In his foreword Don says; "You see there are no real limitations for mankind; if we can put our best effort forth in a formula for competitive gardening success (and life for that matter) which involves;
1. Gain expeerience with the variety and understand it
2. Deter any negative influences.
3. Enhance positive conditions and situationsl
4. Set goals. and 5. Achieve.
Using this formula combined with a few prayers, you can be a great grower as well."

8/2/2015 10:01:07 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I'm reconsidering my original statement of 1600. I think anyone who can consistently maximize the potential of a given area\region to produce fruits would be a HH. A Heavy Hitter in Arizona can't be expected to yield the results a Heavy Hitter in the Northeast would. What about people who don't grow for size, but for a consistent orange like Orangeneck or Linus? I think they are Heavy Hitters as well, but a different class.

8/2/2015 11:11:18 AM

Saint Marys, PA

I think "what is your personal best?" Is the most ignorant comment one could post. I've been surprised how many people use it. Even the real heavy hitters use it from time to time.

PS mine is 781.....you're all better than me. Haha. Congrats

8/2/2015 12:45:17 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Wow...cmon fellas.

Carl = heavy hitter
Bubba = heavy hitter
Gary (wiz) = heavy hitter

In our climate and growing conditions, anyone that can consistently grow pumpkins over 1000 lbs = heavy hitter. I'm rooting for Richmond Dave to grow his 3rd year in a row and then proudly declare my buddy a heavy hitter.

Good luck and good growing to everyone.

8/2/2015 5:09:10 PM

Wixom MI.

Being the weights increase every year my view of a heavy hitter is someone that can get in the top 50 pumpkins year after year !

8/2/2015 5:59:55 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Nope Nope Nope... WiZZzy is not a heavy hitter...I hold that up in high esteem...to the likeZ of growers.....like Quinn Werner, Joe Pukos, Jutras, The GlaZiers....there are many.... Hell Ill even add Joe Scherber to that heavy hitter list... Where we grow...itZ difficult.. top weight in the state...1478....Come here and grow..See if you still hit your 1917 poundZ...Dodge the hail, grow thru the snow... 55 degree Cool nights...high windZ..... Don't be so myopic to judge all growing environments with one stroke of a brush...WhatZ you PB...? Heavy Hitters know better and act that way out of intelligence and passion for the grow. I started up our club 10 years ago...that year Larry Checkon..a HEAVY HITTER >

8/3/2015 10:40:41 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Took the World Record...with his 1446..Only one pumpkin was ever grown in Colorado up to then that was over a 1000 pounds...that was Master Scherber.. Today...many Colorado Growers have grown a 1000 pounder in our climate... WE have 5 weigh offs in Colorado.... I take pride in assisting otherZ to Grow Pumpkins... Spend my countless hours making sure the word getZ out, HourZ putting together photos, SLide Show Video extravaganZas, making sure otherZ get noted for their great grows....Helping put together the GPC BIG SHOW...Volunteer hours...Teaching classes.... Sending out seedZ...growing Internationally..Growing Young Growers...the future of our hobby.... I hopefully making others laugh...with a funny diary.... NO DORKIN. Your not a heavy hitter, or will ever be...unless you change your tude.... ThatZ up to you, not us.

8/3/2015 10:50:33 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Spambie iZ right on... Thanks Andy H...Glenn... and otherZ.... I Choose to stay here and grow what I can, when I can...while I can... for this year.... BubZ... Thanks for the check..I used it to send stuff to New Zealand...for Gracey who has a school for young growers.......teaching them the methods of growing organically, getting their fingerZ in the dirt...growing their future....

Just like our club mantra... If you are Growing OUTSIDE.... then you are Growing INSIDE....For what we grow today... we shall grow bigger tomorrow..... That'Z my focus... Oh and I love my NEW RTI Shirt and Hat...

8/3/2015 11:22:05 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

But most of all...I love the ability to call most you on thiZ site...My FriendZ...and cherish that the most...More than a coat...

8/3/2015 11:38:36 AM

West Paris Me.

Well said Wiz

8/3/2015 8:30:57 PM