I think you're missing the point here No Fear.  The point is that we need to change the conditions from stand left throw right (or vice versa for lefties) to something that will actually challenge bowlers. This will indeed have consequences... some of which will force bowlers to make a choice. But how do we justify people having 17 300's and 13 800's in a single season.  Im sorry, but where is the gratification with that?

I had the opportunity last year to witness something i never thought i would. Steve Kryvy was bowling in a local sport league, and while steve had a decent amount of 300's before (if i recall right about 12). But when he got lined up and shot his 300 on sport... It was like the first one all over again. Isnt that what we all strive for anyways? To have that feeling all over again, that immense sense of accomplishment? How can we achieve this if we are shooting 17 300's in a single season.  They tend to lose their effect. I can relate to this and i only have 5 in my youth career.

Furthermore, The conditions are more difficult than you think. Granted, those who know how to play them will score.  Good for them, they deserve to score if they paid attention to events past. And the shots dont get easier the more you bowl on them, YOU GET BETTER!  And this is the main point im trying to drive home here... its not that they are smarter, its that they're so much better than you think. Tom Baker shot 521 for his two games at the Worlds this year, and i was there to watch him do it.  It wasnt that he knew how to play them, he was just that much better at that point in time. However, my heart will always be with Mika.  He throws Ebonite.

So in retrospect... why wouldnt you want to get better? I would love to average 220 on the PBA conditions. I think at that point in time, i would consider myself an accomplished bowler. Afterall, thats what we should all strive for; personal greatness.
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I Bowl to win...

I'm not convinced that bowling high in leagues means nothing.

It is a particular skill.

Just like if they opened up the pro tour fairways in golf (they average about 35 yards, move them to 50 yards!.  John daly would win everything.  He's long somewhat wild and has a great short game.  He is a lot like the powerful house bowler.  

I have talked a couple of times about the guy in our house who has had quite a few 800s and 300s this year.  His speed and revs is a talent and his ability to carry is a talent and his speed also creates hold area for him on this highly reactive wet dry pattern all a certain set of talents.

In the same league we have a bowler averaging about 10 lower just under 220.
He has the perfect game for all the patterns(maybe a tougher time on pattern B).  Think Dave Davis on the right!
He can stretch the ball to the breakpoint with real good speed and extension, can use particles on patterns where the heads are dryer than when other bowlers have to put them up  and then get the advantage of less overunder at the back!

This guy in his second regional showed up unprepared, (unapproved wrist brace) and had to bowl without one for first time in several years.  Still hung around in 6th place for a while.  He will be a very effective senior regional player an maybe compete well on the senior national tour.

Will he outaverage the above bowler Mr. 800 - 300 on the house shot above, no!
Will Mr. 800 300 on our league shots outaverage him on a PBA pattern,(I don't think so).
Who's better?  Where?

Why do we demean the power bowler today!  (ps, I'm not one).

In golf it would be that we would only admire golfers who are good at the US open or on 20 yard fairways.  Right now in pro bowling the only game in town is total accuracy and breakpoint control.  Power in general is out!

Good for the game???  ?

I know many an observer of bowling that misses some of the more powerful releases!

I love to watch the guy in my league throw an 800!

REgards,

Luckylefty
PS there seems to be a disdain by high power bowlers for themselves any more.
Ie who wants to have 17 300s in a season!?  I would!  Just like Blondes want to be Brunettes and Brunettes want to be blond.  I notice the league stars are all complaining about there accomplishments.  Now everyone wants to be Mika or Walter Ray.
PPS Thank god Golf is smart enough to put out different patterns(courses).
Courses for the bomber and courses tighter for the straighty!  Of course just like Bowling the courses are becoming both tighter AND Longer.


Edited on 5/7/2004 5:36 AM