Now heres an interesting character if there ever was one, gotta love the people that break with tradition and do something that really stands out…welcome to the Catshack Daniel “Barney” Alamo!
Barney is well known in the Northeast scenario community, based out of Bronx, 
New York. He picked up his nickname because of the color of his equipment, mostly purple. This fine gentleman has been playing our great sport since the early days of December 1985. He has played right alongside some of the best out there including Blues Crew, Greg Hastings and members of Smart Parts. If you attend a big game in the Northeast you may come across Barney, do not make a mistake or you may find his paint on your goggles. His current lists of sponsors are Smart Parts, Pinokio Hoppers, Engler Custom Markers, StrategyPlus Paintball and Paintball Sports Inc. A nice list of sponsors for any player.
Your first game was in 1985, how did you come to play paintball?
Heard about it when I was in the Marine Corps.
Here is a question I am sure you are asked a lot. Why purple? How did you start wearing that as your primary color?
I purchased a purple splash Millennium, and added a purple JT Jersey. Went to the field to play and the field manager RT came out and said “Who you think you are, Barney”? The next time I went up to the field I had added some JT 2001 purple premier gloves and the JT Purple Flex. Ever since then I’ve been adding Purple and black. It’s actually a longer story but that’s it in a nut shell.
In your 20 plus years in the sport what is your favorite moment playing?
A close 2nd is my first MVP that I won at a Westpoint game. Seemed like every move, decision and act was a perfect one and the right one. I’ve only felt that a couple of times. But my favorite was when I was General at the 2007 Viper Tippmann Extravaganza at EMR and won. It was against Josh of Delta and TB of Thunderstruck some of the very best in Scenario.
What has been the biggest change in the sport since you have been playing?
The Markers. They are lighter, shoot faster and more air efficient. The cost is amazing especially the Smart Parts Markers. My $500 Shocker is just as good as my $1,200 ego. The SP1 and ION are great for the price. Great marker for beginners.
If you could have one wish in life what would that be?
To have the knowledge and wisdom I have now when I was younger.
What do you drive and why?
I drive a Van (2007 Town and Country). It’s a family car, but for paintball it’s perfect. The seats drop into the floor and it becomes my tent, bed, work area and storage area.
Who has been your favorite person to play paintball with or against?
Richard Travis (RT). He was the captain of the Master Blasters back in the days and my mentor. Cancer claimed him from us and we started a tribute team called “RT’s Raiders”.
It is a Friday night, what are you doing?
At a game I’m usually making the rounds meeting paintballers and talking to them, holding and drinking my pod juice. I’m promoting a game on Oct. 24-25 at Paintball Sports Inc (PSI). RT old field he was the manager of formerly called Survival New York. They held the first 3 or 4 World Cup at that field when it was a woods ball game. The game is based from what players have told me of what they like and don’t like and from my 20 plus years of playing. If at home I’m on the net talking to people in various forums that I belong to (over 15 at the moment.)
What is your day job?
I work for a Major Law Firm. I’m the Supervisor of the Records Department.
What was your best toy when you were a kid?
Talking G I Joe with the fuzzy hair and beard (and yes he had the Kung Fu Grip).
You can find Barney at many of the scenario games held in the Northeast. He is a stand up player and he will be very easy to find. Real men wear purple.
Paul Forcier
