Jamie McDonald wins Bartolini’s meatballs

update The Southtown Star has an article.

Bartolini’s faceboook page has the top four in the meatball eating contest held today in Midlothian, IL: 1) Jamie McDonald 45 meatballs
2) Tom Gilbert 43 (defending champion)
3) Bob Kuhns 32.5 meatballs
4) Frank Wach 22

Yesterday, Bob Kuhns broke Jamie McDonald’s record for the 10 pound meatball sandwich challenge. Jamie McDonald later reclaimed the record with a time of 33:26.

Comments (52)

52 Comments »

  1. anonymous said

    July 22, 2012 @ 9:40 pm

    http://www.facebook.com/jamie.C.mcdonald

    one of the group pics looks like Don Lerman with his arm around a hot looking woman

  2. TheTruth said

    July 22, 2012 @ 9:52 pm

    So is Jamie MLE or Indy??

  3. anonymous said

    July 22, 2012 @ 10:42 pm

    So long as MLE has a meatball eating contest, Jamie just cut his own throat””

  4. Ooo said

    July 22, 2012 @ 11:52 pm

    He’s indy.Let him do his own shiiet.he’s no longer able to participate in MLE contests till he signs

  5. BigD said

    July 23, 2012 @ 3:20 am

    Jaime should really think about MLE at the rate he’s going . Hell if he can beat out Goose that’s more than an accomplishment!

  6. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    July 23, 2012 @ 7:00 am

    Congratulations on the win Jamie.

    Well, I guess that’s the way to do it. Compete in both MLE and independent events until you’re forced to sign a contract. I don’t blame the eaters on this; this is something MLE needs to control.

    When a good eater (like Jamie) comes along and finishes in the money in more than one IFOCE contest, it is not fair to IFOCE members to allow that same nonmember to participate, and, hence, obtain money that should go to an MLE member who has signed the contract. After one instance, the outsider who finished in the money in an MLE event needs to be offered and needs to sign a contract to participate in future MLE events.

    Allowing non-MLE members to participate and win money in more than one MLE event does not bode well for forcing MLE members to abide by the selectively enforced “rules.”

  7. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 7:48 am

    “The 2012 meatball eating grand champion came all the way from Granby, Conn. Jamie McDonald, a body builder, ate 45 meatballs and walked out with $2,500.” That is a hefty chunk of change and more than many MLE eaters will ever make in their career. I am not sure who I respect less, Jamie or MLE, perhaps both. If MLE eaters could have done this all along, they would have had many more opportunities, not just for money but actually to help charities even. If the charity event did not provide an EMT, then it could not happen. If Jamie thought he was testing himself before signing with MLE by competing with indies after doing so with MLE, well he did test himself and won. But if I were MLE, given what Jamie himself wrote here, I would be very wary of signing him. There are lots of good eaters out there, why court one who might in coming years be able to match up in the top ten, there are actually many of those, but who presses the boundaries. Stonie did it right, I say support those eaters who are upstanding and forthright and follow proper rules.

  8. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 9:20 am

    Does anyone think JM is digesting his food naturally? Why do CE’s deny that they stick their finger down their throats? Its just a fact of CE… so why lie about it? Does anyone…. anyone really believe they shite out these mass quantities in enough time to do it again hours later?

  9. Dang! said

    July 23, 2012 @ 9:56 am

    Jamie mcdonald is possibly the “NEW” furious pete. I think we can all agree that he is currently the #1 independent CE. Would be nice to see him go up against more MLE eaters. Definitely would be ranked somewhere between 5-7

  10. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 10:55 am

    He is NO furious Pete. Just cause he’s a “body builder” and competing in CE? Spare us the comparisons. Pete is the shiiiit! Jamie just got here. We’ll see how good he is when he takes down Kobi on Indy circuit and Joey on MLE.

  11. This is BS said

    July 23, 2012 @ 11:09 am

    Tell him to pick a fucking team. You can’t be both. Sure as hell aren’t going to do our contests, pull the trigger, then do Indy shit. Selfish fucking asshole.

  12. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 11:12 am

    There are WAY too many eaters just trying to steamroll others while making a name for themselves: Kobi, Pat, Pete, now Jamie. What happened to rules? Respect? Honor amongst eaters? The sport is really starting to shut the bed. It’s never going to really “take off” if this keeps happening.

  13. Speedy said

    July 23, 2012 @ 11:35 am

    Jamie is doing great. Can’t wait to see more!

  14. hmmm said

    July 23, 2012 @ 12:24 pm

    how are they trying to “steamroll other eaters?”

  15. Speedy said

    July 23, 2012 @ 12:29 pm

    To ‘This is BS’, why don’t you try beating him? Are you capable of that?

  16. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 12:42 pm

    MLE needs to put their foot down now. He monied in 4 MLE contests and was offered a contract. He now continues to do more Indy contests and is advertised for another in Sept. Shut the door for good on this guy. It’s disrespectful to all the other eaters that have chosen a “side” and abide by it. If they allow him in MLE now, this is one top tier eater that will walk away from MLE. Enough is enough!

  17. wowzers said

    July 23, 2012 @ 12:59 pm

    Interesting topic. it may possibly come down to one simple thing. and thats MONEY.If he cares about the popularity and about becoming another face on the MLE rankings, then he’ll choose to sign the contract. Or hes more about “GETTING THAT MONEY”, and honestly, i dont blame him. He seems to enjoy it, so why not. See it like this, does he want to be a “bob shoudt” or a “crazy legs” on the rankings?

  18. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:04 pm

    Top tier eater, give some of us fans who are really appalled by this the address to send a note to MLE. Really, this makes everything terrible about being a follower not to mention all of the eaters!!

  19. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:11 pm

    Dang, I can’t agree with that. As far as the non MLE eaters, I’d rank them:

    1. Koby (Like Secretariat in the 1973 Belmont)
    2. Pete
    3. Jamie
    4. Stephanie
    5. Goose
    6. Brunelli
    7. GJoe
    8. Dale Boone (Maybe?)

  20. wowzer said

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:13 pm

    Rhonda,you honestly think Pete can beat McDonald? Goose has beat Furious numerous times and McDonald just beat Goose

  21. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:26 pm

    There is not one single eater who is irreplaceable, MLE, independent, not a single one. If Joey retired today MLE would be excellent. Same goes for other organizations. The rest of placing is really just opinion and may be fun for people to project but it is all opinion. What is not opinion is that MLE is supposed to have eaters loyal to their contracts and is supposed to monitor those who enter said contests. It is rather outrageous if MLE does not do something and quickly about Jamie McDonald no matter what potential he has.

  22. Top Tier Eater said

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:38 pm

    sbarclay@ifoce.com

    Feel free to email Sam to express your displeasure regarding this situation.

  23. Top Tier Eater said

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:42 pm

    gshea@sheacommunications.com or rshea@sheacommunications.com

  24. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:43 pm

    I honestly do … as long as Pete doesn’t do two contests within 24 hours.

  25. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:49 pm

    You are right 1:26. Not one person in this world at any sport or endeavor is irreplaceable. I’d go as far as saying that if each of the IFOCE top 10 retired today, within 2 years that void would be completely filled and no one would really be missed, unless someone had some weird fixation on an eater.

  26. Speedy said

    July 23, 2012 @ 1:57 pm

    Anyone complaining is taking this way too seriously. Lighten up.

  27. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 2:10 pm

    Jamie don’t sign…. Please! Many of us are watching this play out and having a good laugh at the whiners who are stuck in a one sided contract and now are crying the blues. It is not your fault they are not good enough to beat you. The posers from IFOCE that can’t eat are the ones bitchin. Most likely the types filled with jealousy and low self esteems who blame others for their lack of success. You are getting the same type of heat they are giving Kobi so you are in good company. Some people just have it and it looks like you are real. Take all the money from them you can its totally hilarious.
    Jamie is better looking, stronger, nicer, than the Furious one. I bet Jamie can take him in eating and arm wrestling contest!

  28. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 2:13 pm

    Pete’s numbers have been down for over a year. He’s lost his drive for contests. Jamie is a great guy and he hasn’t been competing very long at all. I don’t blame him for putting off signing with MLE to figure out what he wants to do.

  29. What about said

    July 23, 2012 @ 2:14 pm

    @ Rhonda Evans

    You forgot Eric Dahl on that list.

    I think Jamie, Stephanie and Goose are very close, Pete when he’s on his “A” game is right there with them. Dahl, Brunelli, Philbin and GJoe are close but maybe a touch below.

    Boone simply doesn’t belong in the same breath as the above mentioned.

  30. anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 2:15 pm

    If seiken left I doubt they could find someone to replace him

  31. KevinRoss said

    July 23, 2012 @ 2:21 pm

    What a bunch of jealous little tattle tales. Mcdonald seems like a nice guy who happens to be really good at speed eating. What’s wrong with him trying to feel out the different opportunities before making a decision whether he’d be better suited for MLE or indy world. The whole premise of having to even make a decision is ridiculous. I had a great time with MLE and am glad I did their contests for several years, but they take things way too seriously with limiting eaters from having other fun and opportunities. Narcing and boo hoo hooing is only encouraging things to never change. This is speed eating people. It is supposed to be fun. Chill out.

  32. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 3:46 pm

    Rhonda, I have fixation on Joey’s hot girlfriend Neslie, does that count, haha

  33. Anonymous said

    July 23, 2012 @ 4:41 pm

    If Seiken bolted I think the league would fold.

  34. Anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 2:25 am

    I just lost all respect for anything Rhonda has EVER typed. Did you seriously list Boone on here? Over Super Squibb, US Male, Manchetti, … ? There are a lot of eaters who could fill that spot. Jesus why not add BB or Wingador to it while your at it? That’s a great top 10. Unbelievable. You have completely disappointed me and my years of appreciating your CE knowledge.

  35. Anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 2:32 am

    I have a question. Seriously. Who is funding this guys travel expenses? Did he hit the lotto or just have rich parents up in Conn.?

  36. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    July 24, 2012 @ 7:48 am

    Actually, What About. I forgot Super Squibb and Dahl. I’d have them in the second five. I think Steph and Goose are better than both of them, overall.

    2:25, Sorry to keep you up all hours of the night. Oh, and dumbass, GJoe IS MENchetti, not MANchetti. Get some sleep. You’ve lost it. (And, yes, Boone could actually top a few of the folks listed above him in some foods. If you don’t think so, you’re dreaming. Get some sleep so you CAN dream.

  37. anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 10:16 am

    232 i think you should ask the same question to LA Beast

  38. anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 10:24 am

    Speaking of Wingador anyone check out this video of him humbling himself to Kobayashi? At the very end he has to hurry out so he can make his daily delivery of smack
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM3AC45KeBg&feature=plcp

  39. Unrelated question?? said

    July 24, 2012 @ 11:35 am

    So let me ask this- on an unrelated note.. Who is Rhonda? Never seen you eat on any circuit. People seem to bow to your every word and suggestion like you’re some kind of expert. What gives you the right to put up your own rankings, decide who is better than who, and what’s the best for each persons eating career on here. Why does your opinion seem to hold so much weight over others? All due respect- I’m newer to this site and I’m not really understanding who you are or the attitude you take with some of the comments. You get defensive as if you are an eater. I read on some other posts that people think you are an eater posing as a female fan, that you’re OJ, and that you’re the gf/bf of an eater. So which one is it? Just trying to understand how you developed your point of view on every single eater and contest. Where did you come from? How is it that you know do much?

  40. Anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 11:37 am

    Dahl and Squibb are beasts for sure! I wish they competed more. Not denying Jamie’s talent. I think at the rate he’s going he could crush Kobi! Go get em Jamie!

  41. Long hard thoughts said

    July 24, 2012 @ 11:48 am

    Dahl and Squibb are real good. I’d have them higher on that list. I’d like to see them and a few other eaters out there more often. I’m not arguing Jamie’s talent. I think he should def pick a side soon. If he keeps up the rate he’s going he could take down Kobi’s records in no time! If he has himself a team of people working for him itd be smart to stay Indy. Otherwise he’d be going up against Kobi in events tailored for Kobi to win with Kobi as the headliner. He’s odds of winning those are slim. I think even though he’d be limited to sanctioned events the Shea’s would take care of him. Who knows, they could have him lined up to take down the elite squad. Especially if he was that close to beating Janus. They may want him to be the guy who kicks Chestnut off his Nathan’s throne. If they stand behind him he could go far. I’m not sure the Indy events pay out as much as this guys talents prove he deserves to get paid. I say go MLE. It could just take his career to a new level.

  42. Anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 11:54 am

    If you are new to the site be assured that you will not find out any more than any of us know, Rhonda is a frequent contributor to the site and has managed to conceal her identity fully just as has OJ. Just go with it or not, everyone can write an opinion though often some of those opinions and comments are very disrespectful. Rhonda is not one of those comments, she is funny and opinionated, can change her mind, throws out zingers, and she forgives some people who actually have really gone beyond being worthy of forgiveness, in my opinion to which I am fully entitled.

  43. Anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 11:56 am

    He may not have that choice, going MLE that is. He has already proven to be a push the envelope. Why has he not come on here to comment? Likely things are “in the works”. The wheels at MLE do move slowly, and who knows, perhaps he isn’t high on their radar. Remember this is eatfeats and has nothing to do with MLE.

  44. Might have burned a bridge said

    July 24, 2012 @ 11:58 am

    MLE is fickle when it comes to certain things. Jamie could really excel in the MLE, but he’s been offered a contract and he’s pretty much told them “Thanks, but no thanks for now”… I see that he is now registered for an All Pro event, if he competes in that event, and if history serves correctly MLE will probably pull their offer to him. MLE has an ego and a rep to uphold, they don’t like to be rejected and they usually don’t take those who eat for another orginization.

  45. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    July 24, 2012 @ 1:28 pm

    Thank you 11:54. I appreciate your explanation, as well as your thoughtfulness and courage in saying it. You sound very intelligent, and I can tell you are, by the way you write, not by what you say.

    Unrelated Question: I am flattered by your comments. I have nothing against someone questioning someone else’s identity. But, it’s a real riot when the pondering is done by an anonymous poster.

    I would never (and never do) try to figure out who this or that anonymous person is. I really could not care any less. Answering such mysteries would not make me feel any smarter, or less dumb.

  46. Unrelated question?? said

    July 24, 2012 @ 2:02 pm

    As I said before, no disrespect. I was just curious what made you “an authority”. I haven’t yet registered, as I said- I’m new to the site. I like how my being anonymous is somehow laughable, yet the person who posted previously in your defense is also anonymous. I guess this is just a site for people to trash talk and hide behind others who are openly stating that even their registered names are most likely fake. Maybe the best approach will be to follow on twitter and stay out of these “middle school lunch room” style discussions. Good luck to Jamie and all the others in your future endevors. To the rest of you, have fun gossiping like school girls while the others are actually out living your dreams and aspirations. See you at the CE table.

  47. Anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 2:05 pm

    I agree with LongHardThought for the most part. Valid points.
    @Unrelated question Rhonda is smoke and mirrors. Every one knows that. “She” doesn’t really exsist. Looking for truth and REAL CE updates/info? Go to Seikens pg.

  48. Anonymous said

    July 24, 2012 @ 2:10 pm

    Rhonda avoids the ? totally
    Never answers it
    ‘It wont make me smarter, or less dumb’
    Thats the same thing

  49. DaxtheGinger said (Registered April 23, 2011)

    July 24, 2012 @ 2:39 pm

    You can follow me on twitter @DaxtheGinger

  50. anonymous said

    July 25, 2012 @ 7:33 pm

    Jamie,Stick to your guns, unless your in the top 20 you dont mean anything to MLE. You will be just a number begging to be aloud to enter a contest..Be inde and you’ll do just as good..
    How many of the bottom 20 can enter a MLE contest?

  51. Anonymous said

    July 25, 2012 @ 9:28 pm

    U can count on the Jamie staying indy. Like it’s his choice now. LOL. 🙂

  52. Chet Pryszcz said

    July 28, 2012 @ 5:01 pm

    I saw Jamie at the Bartolini’s meatball Challenge. He is a nice guy. I may be mistaken, but I would put him as #3 overall if they had such a ranking, behind Chestnut and Kobayashi. He will only get better if he does not ‘burn out’. I gained a respect for the ‘trade’ when I went from 12 meatballs in 1:23 to 14.5 in 7 minutes in the competition. I felt like crap 3 meatballs in, and could not push through it, stopping with 2 minutes left….. more power to the ‘professionals’ who can do this.

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