Heres the story:

my league starts tomorrow, unexpectedly after i get a phone call yesterday.

I pick up the phone and dial the pro shop i go to for all of my needs.

He is an avid golfer, he can be sporadic at this time of year regarding being in the shop, it was rainy today, so i called to check if he was there.

Eric: Hi (Pro) I was just checking to see if you're in the shop today.
Pro: Yes <sigh> im here all day.
Eric: busy today (pro)?
Pro: yes, very busy.
Eric: ok, ill stop in.

so i grab my equipment (plastic that needs drilling & reslug/regrip ball)
i get in the car and stop by on my way to work.
hes outside talking to a customer, I waive, he doesnt waive back.
whatever, i go into the shop.

<shakes hand>
Pro: Hi Eric, how have you been?
Eric: im doing great, how are you?
Pro: eh...
Eric: I bet you're excited to get the season started
Pro: Not really
Eric: How come? Personally I'm thrilled to get back on the lanes.
Pro: too much work to do, too much crap for this stupid game.
Eric: <silence>
Pro: So, whatcha got?
Eric: Plastic and a regrip, a bigger slug should fix the 1/16" span difference.
Pro: OK.
Pro: Come back on thursday
Eric: OK, will do.
Pro: Say hi to dad for me.
Eric: I will, see you thursday.
<walks out>

what the hell was with the "stupid game" comment?

this guy was a pro for 18 years and the game has given him everything he has and all the people he knows, his pro shop, his knowledge, everything.

It just irritates me to hear comments like that, i have such a passion for the game, and to hear that from someone with great talent, just eats me alive inside.

I'd kill to have the talent that he does (or did).
To take the game for granted like that, to me shows disrespect.

Eric
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USBC Certified Bowler
Average: 197 (Non-THS)

Arsenal Details

Not everybody is going to make it big in bowling or golf or football and whatever sport you decide to compete in doesn't owe you a thing. The sad fact of life is a lot of bowlers think that they are better tan they are but if he carried the same attitude into bowling as he has in his business I can understand why he didn't make it big and if he keeps going like he is the pro shop isn't going to make it either
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Carl

Had to check your profile, thought you go to the same guy I used to have drill my equipment, lol.  Note I said used to drill my equipment, I completely see your side of it, I get excited about bowling, about competing, and new equipment, or any changes I'm looking at making in my game.  I just got so tired of the attitude I got when I went in his shop.  He has been in the game, and drilling business many many years, and if he doesn't want to work in a shop anymore, then he shouldn't be in there......and probably won't be....his business will begin to suffer too much.  I now go to a very competent driller, who will be making his debut on the fall PBA tour in October, so trying to get as much done with him, before he heads out on tour.  Good luck, you have to have a pro working with your equipment you feel good about, and you look forward to going into his shop to get work done, and that you feel good about giving your business to.  It may seem a little scary changing from someone you've gone to for a long time, but in the long run if you find the right person it's well worth it, good luck to you.