Calvin Heimburg is one goofy guy …
He wouldn’t have it any other way, either.
He’s got an afro, peach-fuzz mustache and throwback, candy apple-red Oakley sunglasses. His personality matches the look, too. His sense of humor is bone-dry. So much so, that if you’re not paying attention, the joke will go right over your head – it might’ve even been directed at you.
There’s nothing wrong with this. But when manufacturers look for players to become the “face” of their business, rarely does somebody of Heimburg’s disposition stand out as a frontrunner. At Innova Champion Discs, however, that’s the exact situation the company finds itself in …
Paul McBeth? Gone.
What about Ricky Wysocki? The same thing, man – keep up.
Respectively, both of them are now making $1 million a year with Discraft and Dynamic Discs. And while a number of other talented disc golfers have left Innova for “greener pastures,” Gregg Barsby, Nate Sexton, Jeremy Koling and Garrett Gurthie have decided to stick around for a bit.
They won’t cut it, though.
Heimburg is now Innova’s go-to guy, whether he likes it or not.
For starters, Heimburg’s got the talent for such a prestigious position. Of the 25 events “Vinny” played in during the 2021 season, he finished in the top five in 17 of them – that’s utter insanity.
He’s consistent, but of those 17 top-five finishes, he took home the top prize three times, only one of which was a National Tour event. Oddly enough, Innova might prefer things this way.
Rancho Cucamonga is losing top-tier talent to massive, jaw-dropping contract offers from other brands. But while McBeth and Wysocki have multiple Major and World Championship titles to their names, Heimburg doesn’t – his bargaining position is much less favorable than theirs.
He’s freakishly talented. He’s relevant. But he’s not commanding a million-dollar contract.
Next, from a product-pushing standpoint, the fifth-ranked MPO player in the world has had plenty of success with Innova. Though a complete meathook for mere mortals, Heimburg’s Star Halo Destroyer is a fan favorite. His signature Millennium Draco does incredibly well, too.
Remember: Innova produces 100% of Millennium’s disc runs …
Heimburg’s in way deep with these guys.
Lastly, I don’t know Calvin on a personal level, but from what I do know of him, he strikes me as the kind of guy who’s not big on change. He’s comfortable, so why not keep things that way?
Aviars, Rhynos, Rocs, Eagles and Destroyers – this bag has 1) done well for him, and 2) doesn’t require that he step outside of his comfort zone to move molds. These are old, well-established discs that will sell with or without Heimburg pushing them in an awkward selfie on Instagram.
Seeing as how his social media presence is non-existent, this is a (very) good thing.
No, I’m not saying Heimburg and Innova are destined to be together forever, but until he brings home a USDGC or World Championship title, he’ll stick with Innova as the team’s top dog.
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Loving your blog, good stuff!
Thanks, Donovan!
Calvin’s going to do so much good this season – the All-Star even was proof of that, as well.
There are a number of similarities between the courses played in Tucson and what the field will face in Vegas.
Calvin’s ready – can’t wait to see him take off!