READING Pa. – Here at Barry “The Hatchet” Vagnoni’s Eagles Locker Room, instead of wings and beer, Vagnoni is serving up pancakes and coffee for the Eagles’ early London game this Sunday.
“I’m calling it eggs and kegs, breakfast with a hatchet,” said Vagnoni.
His watch parties are invitation-only, and they’re the hottest tickets in town.
“I have a waiting list of about 150 people,” said Vagnoni.
The 2,000-square-foot locker room is filled with more Eagles’ memorabilia than he can count and has been around for 22 years.
“This is what keeps me going, this here on game day is what does it for me,” said Vagnoni.
He’s hosted thousands of Eagles’ fans for hundreds of games.
The walls are lined with photos of famous visitors, Eagles merchandise, and even a working scoreboard.
“I came out 27 signed jerseys, some of them game-worn from the early days up to the present,” said Vagnoni.
Despite the team’s long injured list, The Hatchet says he’s not worried.
“You got to roll with the punches. You get knocked down. It’s not about getting knocked down, it’s about how you’re going to get up,” said Vagnoni.
Even though the Eagles have lost a few more games than some fans expected, the Hatchet isn’t too bothered waking up early to watch his team win.
“I know it looks bleak now, don’t worry. These guys are coming back. They’re not all gone for the season. They’re not hurt that they’re going to be out the whole year. They will be coming back,” said Vagnoni.
“We’re going to win the division. Mark this down. We’re going to win the division,” he swore.