Ragdoll: The Skateboarding Outsider Who Fell Into Legend
If skateboarding had a patron saint of chaos, it would be Anthony Daniel Scalamere III—better known to the world as Ragdoll. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ragdoll emerged in the early 2000s as one of the most unpredictable and fearless skaters of his generation. With a style that looked more like performance art than traditional skateboarding, he carved out a legacy defined by raw energy, brutal slams, and a creative approach that defied convention.
Before he ever stepped on a skateboard, Ragdoll was a standout soccer player. He played for ten years, but the rigid structure of team sports didn’t sit well with his rebellious spirit. The turning point came when he skated past soccer practice one day—and just kept going. That was the end of his soccer career and the beginning of something far more wild.
His entry into skateboarding was almost accidental. Influenced by his older sister Angel, who was immersed in punk music and dated skaters, Ragdoll found a board in her room and started experimenting. With no formal guidance and no local skate crew, he spent years skating solo, inventing his own tricks and style in the streets of Vegas.
The nickname “Ragdoll” wasn’t just a catchy alias—it was earned. Known for his spectacular wipeouts and fearless attempts at massive tricks, he once cartwheeled down a 10-stair rail in front of Chad Muska and Bill Weiss while trying a noseblunt he’d never landed before. Muska, hyped by the chaos, kept shouting “Ragdoll!” and the name stuck. It perfectly captured his approach: throw yourself at the trick, consequences be damned.
Ragdoll’s skating was a cocktail of creativity and carnage. He was known for:
Caveman Hippy Jumps off Hollywood High
Firecrackers down stair sets
Wallrides and tail drops from absurd heights
Big rail grinds and hubba tricks
Roof gaps and sketchy transitions
His style wasn’t polished—it was punk. He didn’t just skate spots; he attacked them. His ability to fall spectacularly and get back up made him a cult hero in the skate world.
Ragdoll’s most iconic sponsor was Black Label Skateboards, where he found a home after a brief stint trying out for Zero. Jamie Thomas, recognizing Ragdoll’s raw talent, passed his footage to John Lucero, who brought him onto the Label team. Ragdoll’s time with Black Label was marked by some of his most memorable video parts and deck graphics.
Later, he became a brand ambassador and team manager for Hurt Life Skateboards, helping shape the company’s identity and mentoring younger skaters. His pro model decks often reflected his gritty aesthetic and outsider persona—bold, unconventional, and unmistakably Ragdoll.
Ragdoll’s video sections are legendary for their intensity and unpredictability. His breakout part in Black Label’s Blackout showcased his daredevil approach and cemented his place in skateboarding history. Other notable appearances include:
Label Kills – where his raw energy was on full display
Walk on Water – filmed at age 42, proving he still had the fire
Various Digital and independent projects that captured his underground appeal
Each part was a visual rollercoaster—less about technical perfection and more about pushing boundaries.
Classics: Ragdoll's "Slaughterhouse" Part
Black Label 25 Years | Ragdoll | Blackout
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