Von’s Old Gameroom and Batting Cages

01/04/2025

Today is My Last Day

TL;DR - I am stepping away from Flippos to focus on my mental health

Let me start out by thanking everyone who has helped make Flippos what it is today. I have consistently said that Flippos is a community space, and without the community’s help I would never have been able to make this a success. I came into this project worried about not knowing anything about baseball (or sports in general for that matter), but it was only from talking with and listening to you that I was able to learn what it would take.

I did not make this choice voluntarily, and I fought walking away until I no longer could keep up the battle. I negotiated a deal 3 years ago that was able to allow me the opportunity to keep Flippos accessible to everyone (offering a lot of free stuff, since I didn’t want to be greedy). Unfortunately this 5-year deal was not upheld by both parties, and I have been dealing with the fallout for over 2 years (of the 3 years I owned it). Each holiday season things would get particularly hard for me, as this is when the other party seems to escalate.

This past year I lost my dad, house, mom, car, and have showed up to work 7 days a week attempting to put a smile on and to provide a fun environment for everyone who comes in. I have been growing increasingly depressed, and have not had a chance to deal with the immense loss I have experienced this year. When I received notice that the landlord was making moves to take the business from me yet again, it was almost too much for me to handle. After the last 2 months of fighting for the vision I helped build, I made the decision to give the landlord what he wants.

I will miss every one of the personal connections I built during my time owning Flippos. I am saddened that I no longer get to see these kids grow, but I’m encouraged by all the amazing parents I’ve met that these kids will be champions (in what ever they choose to do).

My vision for Flippos was a COMMUNITY space where EVERYONE could have FUN, to help people be ACTIVE, at an AFFORDABLE price, and to treat people with RESPECT. I hope you feel I achieved this goal.

If you have the chance to swing by, I’d love to shake your hand and thank you personally. However if you can’t make it today, this is a small fishbowl we swim in, so I’m sure we’ll bump into each other again.

Thank you!
Von Odermatt

Click here for an update from Flippos!

11/24/2024

Happy Thanksgiving

Kids are out of school this week, so I wanted to make it a little easier to bring them in to blow off steam. Starting today (11.24) until next Sunday (12.1) each time you visit and rent at least a 30-minute cage, you will get a larger discount. Your first visit will be normal price, second 25% off, third 50% off, fourth 75% off, and your 5th, 6th, and 7th visit will be FREE!

Don't let the kids drive you up the wall this week, drive them to Flippos!!

I will be closing on the 28th to spend time with my family. Every other day this week I will be open from 10am-7pm.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Von

Click here for an update from Flippos!

10/31/2024

I think I’m going to take today off to deal with the zombies, and will reopen as normal starting tomorrow.

Flippos is closed today, Thursday October 31st
Flippos reopens tomorrow Friday November 1st at 1:30

10/29/2024

Flippos Has a Maintenance Guy

I apologize for not sending an email in a while. Sometimes working 7 days per week, by yourself, isn't the easiest to pull off. Which brings me to my first announcement, I've got an intern helping out 4 days a week now! Julian attends Morro Bay High. He has been helping me out to keep Flippos clean, the cages maintained, and the 100s of other little things it takes to keep Flippos feeling like a place you want to hang out for a while. I am super stoked to have him. Next time you're in say "hi" to Julian, he's here to make your visit enjoyable!

Flippos is a very seasonal business. From February through late April I am rocking and rolling (this season I had over a week where it was "reservation only" due to demand for the cages). May and June we have the All-Star business, but it is significantly less than the busy season. The summer months bring tourists, and this year a lot more out-of-town folks have discovered the fun at Flippos. September through January I struggle to cover the cost to operate.

We are deep into that slow period, but with our steady growth we are doing better than the last 2 years. In an attempt to fill the place up at least 1 day a week, I'd like to offer HALF PRICE TUESDAY. Each and every Tuesday through the end of 2024 you can get a batting cage for 1/2 our normal price! In order to redeem this offer simply make a reservation prior to showing up, and when you arrive tell Von or Julian that you are here for the half price deal PRIOR TO PAYING.

I've also included a 1-time use coupon for 25% off for all the other days of the week!

Click here for a free 25% coupon at Flippos!

06/27/2024

It's time for our annual 4th of July celebration

Each year I make our parking lot available for those that want to celebrate together. The last two years, after our normal business hours (11-7 on weekdays during the summer), I've invited families to bring their Safe-and-Sane fireworks to our parking lot to light. I provide individual space for your group, so it helps to show up early to grab one of the 6 to 8 spots I set up for safety. I provide each family with a bucket of water for dousing your spent fireworks, seats for your observers, and a designated spot in the middle of the parking lot for you to set off your display. Limited parking is available in my firelane lot, and the skate park lot is closed this year, so this is another reason to show up well before sunset.

I do this as another service to the community, so I don't charge for spots. I do ask that if you're going to be lighting fireworks, please don't be intoxicated (simply because it greatly reduces risks), and only bring California legal fireworks. People who don't have fireworks to light end up setting their chairs along the road across the street to watch. When we all get together and light our little displays in the same place, it makes for a better experience for everyone!

Click here for a free 20% off coupon at Flippos. Get 20% off an item from the Batting Cages the next time you visit!

06/18/2024

Normally if someone came in asking to be hit in the chest with the baseballs, I’d laugh. However, when a professional bull rider wants to test his new gear…I stand by my motto of “I don’t discriminate when it comes to fun”. After hearing “can I happy Gilmore?”, it was great to see it done safely!

05/17/2024

Reminder: the city is closing the road in front of Flippos for the Iron Man Triathlon on Sunday, so I will be closed that day.

05/03/2024

May Announcements

This month I'll be giving out the biggest discounts I have ever done, and I'll be taking a day off.

I would love to be as busy as possible on May 12th (Mother's Day). Whether you're the type of mom that asks for "a day off", or one that wants to spend a little more time with the kids on her special day, Flippos has you covered. I am providing a 50% discount for Mother's Day as my way of saying "thanks" to all the moms that have made Flippos the place to play in Morro Bay! Simply ask for the "Mother"s Day Special" and I'll apply it at the register (you don't need to be a mom to take advantage, just mention the discount), no code needed.

The following week (May 19th) is the Iron Man Triathlon, which was a big bust for Flippos last year. I don't like repeating my mistakes, so I'm just going to close for that day. I apologize to anyone that wanted to come that Sunday, but I believe it's in everyone's best interest to avoid the area during that Sunday.

As we near the end of the season, I would ask that the community keep in mind Flippos is more than a place for practicing on rainy days. Flippos is where you grab you favorite friends and/or family, play some games (make up the rules), and HAVE FUN! From billiards, to darts, comic books to ping pong, and so much more... I'm always here to facilitate a good time!!! Plan your next event at Flippos, and you're sure to have everyone leave with smiles. -V

Click here for a free 25% off coupon at Flippos. Get 25% off for the month of May

04/22/2024

I’m touched by the outpouring of support I’ve received this week. Thank you Brayden and Renae, Dana, and all the Coast Little League teams who took some time to let me know you appreciate myself and Flippos! It truly has made a difference for me. It’s been too long since I’ve mentioned I HAVE THE BEST CUSTOMERS!!

04/19/2024

Did you know I take all forms of payment? Cash, card, crypto, silver/gold (at 100% of spot), and even a check (if you’re over 60 years old)! If you ask “do you take (X)?”, my answer is always “yes!”.

04/14/2024

I want to share a little bit of what’s going on in my life right now. This picture is a screenshot I took of my mom and I speaking about the good things I help facilitate, and awesome people I’ve been able to meet. I never really made my mom proud as an adult, until I had the opportunity to buy Flippos (long story, but IYKYK). She told me how proud she was of me all the time lately, FaceTimed me to show her friends the business, and was super excited I had this opportunity to become a better person.

She passed away a few days ago, and her funeral was yesterday. I wanted to thank everyone for supporting me in making her be at peace when the time came, knowing I had learned how to live in service of others. Thank you for being here and allowing me the opportunity to make her proud in the end. I truly appreciate each of you that has come in and made this place what it is.

So if I seem a little off in the coming days/weeks, please forgive me. Helping others is what gets me through the tough parts of life. Thank you. -V