I was just sitting the other day, thinking about the way the sport has changed in the last 25 years, and these were some of the thoughts I had. Feel free to add if you think of more.
1. In the old days, when we got a "good" ball, we held onto it for years before letting it go. Nowdays, we change balls quite often, sometimes several times in one season.
2. In the old days, a ball wasn't considered "broken in" until it had a defined ball track on it. Nowdays, we work hard to keep any sign of a track off the balls.
3. Back then, we used to spend countless hours practicing with the same ball, learning how to manipulate it to create different reactions on changing conditions. Nowdays, we practice with countless balls, learning how each one reacts to changing conditions, while maintaining a consistent release.
4. Back then, you went into competition KNOWING that nobody had an advatage in equipment. These days, you just hope you have the "right" piece at the "right" time because, no matter how much you practice, you can't outperform someone elses great reaction with the wrong ball in your hand.
5. 25 years ago, 600 was good, 700 was great, 800 was totally unreal, and 900 was an impossible legend that had only been heard of once in competition. Today, 600 is mediocre, 700 is a decent night, 800 is pretty common, and 900 is something that has been achived with disappointing regularity, and has become a real possibility.
6. Back then, we had heroes who could do what us mere mortals could not. Now we have, well, I'm not sure WHAT to call them, but they sure aren't heroes, and their abilities aren't really considered all that special.
7. In the old days, we usedto carry a towel with us to wipe away the excess oil from the surface of the ball before the next delivery. Now, theres no use for a towel, because all the oil has soaked into the ball before you see it again.
8. Back then, we hardly ever resurfaced a ball, fearing it would change the dependable, "broken in" reaction we had built over time by removing the track. Now, we resurface after every few sets, trying like crazy to keep the ball from getting a track on it, in an attempt to keep the consistent reaction from the "fresh" surface.
9. Bowling lanes used to be made of real wood. Now, real wooden lanes can be pretty hard to find.
10. A 190 average could get you a PBA card, and it was pretty hard to qualify. Now, a 200 average is needed, but is attainable even by first year bowlers.
Edited by The Bowling Pariah on 8/30/2011 at 10:38 AM
Edited by The Bowling Pariah on 8/30/2011 at 10:39 AM
