The small town of Bluffton turned out big on Sunday afternoon. Locals packed into The Bourbon MD—not for drinks, but for a hometown hero. And not just any hero, but one with 27 professional bowling titles under his belt.

They called it EJ Tackett Day, and honestly? It felt like a festival more than a formal tribute. Laughter, applause, selfies, trophies, and even a few tears from longtime fans. This was personal.

From Bluffton to Bowling Royalty

EJ Tackett may live in the world of bright lights and strike lanes now, but to the people of 21Country, he’s still that Bluffton kid with the wicked curveball and a heart for home.

Born and raised in the northeast Indiana town, Tackett grew up surrounded by the hum of pin machines and the scent of rental shoes. It wasn’t fancy. But it worked.

Now? He’s racked up 27 PBA Tour titles—putting him in the top 10 all-time. He’s been named PBA Player of the Year three times—2016, 2023, and again in 2024. A modern-day legend, no doubt.

But here’s the thing: he never left.

He still lives locally. Shops locally. Shows up at high school games. And that, more than anything, is why people came out on Sunday.

“This Is What Small Town America Is About”

Standing by a display of glittering trophies, Susan Marks teared up. She taught Tackett in fourth grade.

“I’m just proud. That’s it. Proud,” she said, adjusting her glasses. “He never forgot where he came from.”

Kids clutched printouts of Tackett’s PBA stats, hoping to snag an autograph. Some brought actual bowling pins to sign. Others just wanted a hug.

The event at The Bourbon MD was a mix of meet-and-greet and museum. Tackett’s jerseys, medals, tournament posters, and signed bowling balls filled the room. A slideshow of his career highlights looped on a nearby screen.

He moved through the crowd with ease. Grinning. Laughing. Listening more than talking.

You could tell—this meant a lot to him too.

Career Highlights That Stun Even Non-Fans

Even if you’ve never watched a full game of professional bowling, EJ Tackett’s stats are hard to ignore.

Quick glance at his achievements:

• 27 PBA Tour titles, placing him 10th all-time.

• 3-time PBA Player of the Year (2016, 2023, 2024).

• 2 major championships in 2023, including the U.S. Open.

• Youngest bowler to win both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year in the same decade.

• Perfect 300 games? Too many to count.

His versatility on multiple oil patterns and steely nerves in match play have made him one of the most respected players in the PBA.

Still, his favorite lanes? The ones back in Indiana.

Giving Back: More Than Just Bowling

Tackett didn’t just show up on Sunday to shake hands and pose for pictures.

He talked about the future.

“This is where I’m from, and this is where I’ll always be rooted,” he told the crowd. “I want to build up the sport here. I want kids to believe they can do something big—even if it starts in a small bowling alley in a town like Bluffton.”

Tackett hinted at plans to host junior tournaments locally. He also spoke about expanding youth league sponsorships and offering coaching clinics.

“There’s so much raw talent here,” he said. “They just need a little push.”

One parent, overhearing him, whispered to another, “He’s the real deal.”

A Humble Celebration for a Hometown Giant

The event wrapped up with a toast—nonalcoholic for the younger crowd, of course—and a standing ovation that lasted nearly a full minute.

No red carpets. No giant stage. Just folding chairs and people who cared.

Mayor Ted Ellis, who helped coordinate the celebration, summed it up best: “EJ represents the best of Bluffton. Not just in what he’s achieved, but in how he carries himself. He gives back. He lifts others. He stays grounded.”

And that’s the kind of champion small towns don’t forget.