The Golden Pig
1998 - 2002
The Golden Pig is the first recognized trophy of the NPPL. Purchased at a garden store and spray painted gold, this terracotta decoration quickly became the most sought after prize on the Western Coast.
It was a tradition to write the name of the winner on the bottom of the trophy. (see photo) The names that appear on the trophy are: Shane 1998; Sam-I-Am 1999; Champ Gary 2000; Sam-I-Am 2001; Joe 2002. Click here for more details about these champions.
This prized item wasn't, however, without controversy. In 2000, the night that Gary Williams won the championship, the Pig mysteriously disappeared. There was much debate and discussion as to who the actual thief of the pig was, or if it was all an elaborate hoax perpetrated by the new champion. Eventually, the pig turned up in Williams' hands although a clear explanation of exactly what transpired never came to the surface. It remains a highly debated subject to this day. Where was the pig for that month? What was done with it? The truth may one day be revealed. Until then, there is only myth and legend. As a result of this misfortune, the Golden Pig currently resides in a confidential location.
Another controversy erupted when the Pig was broken. If you examine the photograph, you'll clearly see the fracture line along the pigs rear left leg and tail. It is still under debate, but essentially the Pig was thrown to Perry Day by Gary Williams. It took place at a Halloween party where Perry was ironically dressed as legendary Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman, and Perry was either unable to catch the Pig or actually allowed the trophy to fall to the floor. This incident almost resulted in the total destruction of the NPPL! (See the History page) The terracotta pig just couldn't survive and was fractured. Joe Coia used his skill with a tube of glue to repair the damaged goods.
The trophy was retired after the damages occurred and has since been replaced by what is, today, the Western Division Trophy shown on the left...
THE FAMOUS 409: One historical side note with these pigs. Before it was realized that heavily used pigs can produce larger roll counts with fewer pig outs, Michael "Elvis" Greene and Gary Williams played one night where Greene managed to roll an unprecedented 409 points in a row without pigging out. Williams became violently ill at the sight of it and threw up in the sink.
Although it was later discovered that "old pigs", as they are called, will often produce this effect, that initial game was definitely one for the history books.
The First Pigs
The very first set of pigs was acquired by Michael "Elvis" Greene and was used extensively for the first several months of play.
At the time, no one realized how quickly pigs will wear down. Exactly how quickly is in dispute, and to date there have been no scientific tests run on the pigs. However, it is clear then when purchased new the pigs will have pink on their nose and feet. The eyes are painted black and the black dot on the right flank of the pig is pronounced and clearly visible.
Over time, the paint rubs off. Also, it is believed, that the actual pigs begin to deform and change shape slightly which will allow for more frequent razorbacks and less pig outs.
To the left are 3 photographs of the original pigs which now proudly reside in the museum. You will notice the heavy wear and tear on their feet and ears. Also, as a very unusual side note, these pigs are no longer soft rubber. They have turned to hard plastic. The shine on them gives this away. New pigs are dull and don't bounce light. These pigs have transformed into...almost a sort of petrified pigs!
THE NPPL MUSEUM
Just look at the photos - simply stunning! Made before the first NPPL tournament by a couple prop guys in Hollywood, the Rink is only used by the finalists of the tournaments. Some unlucky souls have never even had the pleasure of playing in it, as your status has to be earned before the Rink accepts your pigs to be thrown onto it. In fact, there still has not been a double-jowler rolled in it!
But take a long hard look at it - a thing of beauty! As if given to us straight from the heavens! Certainly a gift from the Pig Gods! The trilogy should've been made about this ring! Absolutely ideal for rolling the Pigs on... smooth, sturdy,...perfect.
If you look closely to the picture on the right, you'll notice some black smudge marks stained in the middle of the rink - unfortunately these are markings of grease from a pizza box as it layed in the middle of the rink. Very unfortunate... Word is, however, is that it was great fucking pizza though!
The Pig Rink
Pig Mania
Pig Mania was donated to the museum by longtime NPPL fan Leanna Darr. Copyrighted in 1972, these are 36-year-old Pigs complete with the "Pig Sty" cup used to roll the pigs!
It is one of the oldest versions of Pass the Pigs ever to surface, and given the condition and original pieces, it is surely worth thousands of dollars to many members of the NPPL and it's hardcore fans!
The original "Pass the Pigs"
Made of purple emeralds and 24 karat gold, this trophy was worth well into the millions. Well it was worth that much to whoever possessed it anyway. After running out of room for names on the front plate and after years of visual wear & tear and sun damage, the trophy had to ultimatly be replaced in 2010. It was perfect timing though as this change of the trophy symbolized a change in the NPPL, as the league wasn't just a cheesy form of gaming by bored immature adults, but a well-respected classy league that promoted lasting friendships and having a lot of fun for many years to come.
The Western Masters Division Trophy
2003 - 2009
Standing at 21 inches tall and 12 inches wide, The Pig Cup is undoubtedly the most prestigious and glamorous trophy for the Masters. Much like the Stanley Cup of the NHL, it has the names of all previous winners of the Masters tournaments, with the latest being Bill Vergos who played some amazing pigs back on February 28th, 2010.
In the years to come, the NPPL is confident the new trophy will be the most sought after prize on the west coast and beyond. It's one for the ages, a treasure to be glared at over time - through good times and bad. To be admired from all walks of life - young and old. The shine of the silver and gold reflections can only be compared to a handful of diamonds reflecting in the sun on a beach summer day. The PIG CUP - simply a thing a beauty.
2010 - Present
The Pig Cup
