2006 may have been the most entertaining tournament in the BarryBob’s 8-year history. We also had one of the best post-parties in recent memory.

What really separated this BarryBob from past years, was one match in the quarterfinals. To fully understand the dynamics of this match, you had to grow up in the Playa Del Rey area in the 1960s and 1970s with Jim Arico and Robert Chavez. These guys have been good friends and competitors since childhood.

The match started off with plenty of intensity, but with very few words. With pressure mounting and the score notched at 4-4, Marty McSorley made what Jim Arico thought was a very questionable set, even by drunk-draw standards. Said a heated Jim Arico "I've been playing volleyball for 29 years, Marty, and that's the worst set I've ever seen.”

At a score of 6 (Chavez) serving 10 (Arico), there was a long rally with several digs. Marty McSorley made a dig with his hands and Nick Palmer put the ball away making the score 7-10. Rico shouted, "That was worse than your last set Marty.  You picked the ball up, put it in a cab, took it to dinner, bought it a glass of wine, made love to it, drove it home and tucked it into bed and then set the ball.  For crying out loud, can I get any help from any one out there, Kid, Malo can you step in and preserve any integrity left in this game? My God!"

Marty then told Rico to shut up. Rico said, “Marty don't you ever tell me to shut up.” Marty immediately turned to Rico looked him in the eye and said “Shut up!”

Chavez then said to Rico, “Stop your bitchin’, go back to your corner and stay out of the way.” Chavez's team then scored another point making it 8-10. Rico’s team sided out, and Rico went back and served a ball that barely hit the bottom of the net. Chavez scored two more points making it 10-10. Rico eventually won the battle 12-10. 

After the game – Marty, Rico and Chavez continued to exchange words and entertain the crowd of onlookers. At one point, they had to be separated.