thanks Shane, right now i'm at 0, but i've tried forward pitch and it didn't help at all. I do like a semi-loose thumbhole though, only because if it isn't i hang up REALLY bad. I might grip the ball a little on accident sometimes, but if i do won't having a little reverse not make a difference or maybe help some?

If you are gripping then forward pitch is the answer.  It will be more difficult at first because you are used to gripping it.

Using reverse pitch will only cover up your error because you can get your thumb out whilst gripping.

It would seem to me that you will first have to get a tighter thumbhole, get used to it, then start to add forward pitch.
--------------------
Am-1337-o

Anytime that you have a sore spot on the top of your thumb you have to be bending your knuckle in the thumbhole. You can only do this if the thumbhole is too big.

If  you tighten the thumbhole up and  stick then your fit is not correct. Your span and/or pitches in the thumb are not what you need. A correct grip should allow you to have a clean release with a fairly snug thumbhole.

The easiest thing to check is the span. Put your thumb fully into the ball and lay your fingers across the finger holes. Don’t stretch your hand just lay your palm on the ball. The first knuckle, using a finger tip grip, should be at least 1/3 the way across the hole.

If the span is ok then I would start trying reverse pitch in the thumb and probably some right pitch (no more than a ¼” to start).

If you can find a proshop with an adjustable measuring ball have the various pitch’s put in the ball and throw the measuring ball in the air to the proshop owner to get a feel for what pitch works.  Be sure an keep the thumb as snug as possible.

This is happening to me as we speak.  Went bowling last night with Brian (MichiganBowler, great guy too) and I have been having constant problems with a sore developing on the top of my thumb, just behind the joint.  I am visting my pro shop guy today or tomorrow to show him the evidence and see his thoughts, but I think it may be the thumbhole is too big.  Ive recently lost over 50 lbs the past year, and thats about when my problems started.  My thumb may have shrunk enough to where I am gripping the ball too much and gradually wearing on the skin.  

Anyways I will let you know what my proshop guy says.  Hopefully it will help
--------------------
"Here we go folks, he is working off the first 8, and looking good.  Looks good on the approach.... OH NO, its off his ankle and down the gutter!!  OHH THE HUMANITY!"