Ok since the consensus is that people want to read it I will post it. But like it was mentioned this is just for fun and I dont want it to get out of had. So here it is
Robert Mushtare: Undeniably the Best Bowler in History
Move over Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Norm Duke, there is a new threat on the bowling scene and his name is Robert Mushtare. Mushtare is the latest bowling prodigy and looks to be the next Tiger Woods. His list of bowling accomplishments is a long one indeed, with countless 300 games and 800 series. Although his claim to fame is something that has only been done 11 times in the 111year history of sanctioned bowling. He shot a perfect 900 series, which is actually only the first part of his impressive feat. Reaching this pinnacle officially three times, with three others not counting, which had unfortunately been rejected by the United States Bowling Congress. Reasons for the rejection, USBC claims, that the league in which the scores were shot was not a sanctioned league and was therefore not eligible for awards. Almost all bowlers see this as a cop out by the dictatorial USBC who wants to keep honors scores to a minimum and strives to keep the integrity of bowling alive.
At the young age of 17, Robert Mushtare is not only the first bowler to accrue multiple 900’s but is also the youngest. His obvious prowess on the lanes is undeniable, yet some nay Sayers have come out of the woodworks to criticize this bowling phenom. Although critics are few and far between, they do voice their opinions quite boldly and try to use such trivial devices as logic to discredit him. Most cite the fact that all of his 900’s had been bowled during a pre-bowling session, which allows bowlers who will be missing a scheduled league match to bowl prior to the date. This is a common practice among many bowlers who cannot attend the regular match for various reasons as vacations, family affairs, or for those who just don’t feel like showing up. So to use this as an argument against Mushtare is absurd. So what if they were shot at 4 am, with no one in the alley to witness his bowling. That was just a matter that was out of his control. He could not have for seen an empty establishment at that time and I’m sure that if he had known that the USBC would question his scores he would have chosen another time.
Some of the doubters along with the previous claim also wonder what he could possibly be doing out at four in the morning. Well that answer is quite simple; his father owns the bowling alley. Some of the bowling community see this as a reason to question the legitimacy of his 900’s, that somehow his father owning the bowling alley and letting him pre-bowl at 4 am would put it his accomplishments into question. Mushtare’s father, like his son was just doing what he thought was best. Allowing him to bowl at such an early hour with no witnesses was the only option he had with such a booked schedule.
Some of the critics out there want to put this kid under a microscope. He is human, and not perfect, at least not when people can see. Especially when there are many people to watch. This minor fact should not dilute his trustabilty anymore than his refusal to take a lie detector test. So it is very understandable that while attending JOG, the premiere junior bowling championship that he might falter slightly. Finishing 263 out of 992 is nothing to frown upon, but for the man known as “Mr. Perfect†it was let down. Averaging a dismal 180, compared to his usual 300 was very disappointing for the accredited bowler. Now some would use this to argue that he doesn’t have the skill to bowl six 900’s, but these off days are not enough evidence to suggest this accusation. Even the fact that his honor scores were shot with no witnesses isn’t enough. Or the fact that his dad owns the alley and could possibly manipulate the scoring machines. All this evidence is not anywhere near enough to discredit his amazing accomplishments and I see no reason why he wont become a top pro by 18 years old, and holding the record for most PBA titles by 20. Oh and in case you didn’t hear, while I was writing this he shot his 7th 900. Mushtare… an inspiration to us all.
Edited on 3/28/2007 8:35 PM
