The other day I called my grandfather to talk about some things, and he asked me about the bowling league I joined up here. Then the conversation of the 300 game came up.
When I was 15 I shot a sanctioned 300 game, and have since shot 2 others that are non sanctioned. Obviously my grandparents were proud of me and thought it was a HUGE accomplishment, which I, at the time did as well.
My grandfather said a funny thing, "how many of those guys you bowl with can say they have shot 300?" To which I responded, pretty much all of them. He couldn't believe it. I tried to explain technology, and new, much stronger, more angular bowling balls, and soft lane conditions.
He said well at least when you have the first 9 or so do people stop and watch? I said nope, the people next to you don't even stop bowling.
My grandfather is older now, in his late 80's, and he went on to tell me that many good bowlers from his time went their whole lives without shooting a 300 game, and if any of them did, it was something special, a really glorious achievement.
I just thought it was pretty cool to talk to him about the glory days of our sport, when shooting a big score truly was an honor.
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Ahhh Disco Biscuits!