Back in the Saddle Again

Greetings from the "Magic City".

November and October were very rough times on me due to my back problems but now I am happy to say not only am I back bowling but at least one center (Riverview) is back to putting oil on the lanes. I cannot say what any of the other centers are doing due to the fact I am only bowling one league this year. I spoke to one of the employees at Riverview and thanked them for putting down more oil, and at the same time heard a 160 average bowler who had been averaging 185 this year complain. I really felt sorry for the employee and of course it brought to mind a question: Who are the bowling centers trying to please? Is it the 160 average bowler who never practices, and goes to league with sole purpose of drinking beer, or is it the 200 + average bowler who is constantly trying to improve their performance? The fact is they are trying to please everyone, and that is a good thing but it is also a bad thing. It is good from standpoint of entertainment because no matter how competitive we are, we all bowl because we enjoy it. The problem is there is only one men’s league at Riverview that is what I would call very competitive, and that is the Taylor Telstar League on Monday Night. On Monday night if you put out a shot that is good for the 160 average bowler and they bowl 200 in a 90% of 220 handicap league the 200+ average bowler is at the huge disadvantage. Now I have read articles and heard people say "You need to adjust". That’s great, I need to adjust. Ok, I will go out in my garage find me an old urethane ball and throw it, and I will get beat like a drum by someone using a particle or reactive ball because of how hard it hits. I will be glad to adjust but make the playing field level.

I explained to an employee of Riverview the night I hurt my back: "If the shot remained the same, I would average 180". I am by no means a "pro" bowler but I am competitive and I do go to tournaments. Do you know how much chaos would start if I walked in with a 180 average? I would be called everything from a SOB to a sandbagger. I am not trying to down the lower average bowlers; but I want to make this point for everyone who believes all I have to do is "adjust."  I will use this illustration: If I am a 210 average bowler and I bought four balls for 200+ dollars on a ball and I have to use a $55.00 polyester ball to hit the 1-2 pocket (yes, I am left handed), and you are a 160 average bowler and you spent 200+ dollars and bought one that is reactive you are averaging 180 because the lanes are so dry you can "hook" the ball; is that fair? Why should I practice or buy new equipment when I can go get a house ball and make it hook? I watched a leadoff man on the opposing team bowl a 699 series with a 175 average while our leadoff man shot a 620 series off a 220 average and lost every game. Needless to say I was irritated, but not at the 160 average bowler, I was happy for him. But you cannot do that to your competitive leagues or tournament at ANY CENTER!!!  Like I said previously, the center has put more oil on the lane and my average has gone from 187 to 198 in 2 weeks. I, for one, am happier and so are most of the other bowlers.  But now some bowlers are saying there is too much oil, guess what I told them? I think you need to adjust.

I will update you on the outcome next article so stay tuned.

Congratulations to Rick Mayer and Kurry Crayton for being co- bowlers of the month for November. Since no has submitted any nominees and I can only go by the paper, I can not make a distinction between the two bowlers. Rick shot an outstanding 300 game at Vestavia, and Kurry shot his at Super Bowl. It being Thanksgiving, I am sure Rick and Kurry are thankful for carrying that 12^th ball and the 11^th and the 10^th. Well you get the point.

My Christmas Gift to you, my loyal readers, is a Christmas Carol following the theme of ‘this article, sung to the tune of Jingle Bells. Be sure to check back Christmas Eve for "Twas the The Day of the Tournament".

From me, my family and all of us @ AlabamaBowling.Com to you and your family Happy Holidays.

Where's the oil?
Where's the oil?
Where's the oil today?
I did not pay to bowl to throw my money away.

Where's the oil?
Where's the oil?
Where's the oil today?

Where's the oil?
Where's the oil?
Where's the oil today?

Walking in the house
I am anxious to play.
Seeing all friends
Saying Happy Holidays

I throw a practice ball.
It won't stay on the lane
If have to throw too hard
I am going to be in pain

Where's the oil?
Where's the oil?
Where's the oil today?
I did not pay to bowl to throw my money away.

Where's the oil?
Where's the oil?
Where's the oil today?
I did not pay to bowl to throw my money away.