Bowling, The Wright Way - June 6, 2000 by Don Wright
Can A Dead Man Roll A 300 Game?

"Oh for crying out loud! This has got to stop." That's the opening to The Life of Reilly column in the May 22 issue of Sports Illustrated written by Rick Reilly who I think is one of the very best sports writers in the business. Reilly goes on in his column to say, "34,470 perfect games were rolled in the 1998-99 season. Thirty years earlier there were 905. I expect to read next week about a 300 being rolled by a dead man,"

When I started reading the column I knew I was not going to like it and was preparing myself for what I would write after reading it. But, in all honesty, Reilly hit it right on the head. Perfect games are no longer the goal of the bowler; consecutive perfect games are the goal. A 900 series such as the one rolled by Glenn Allison (who I believe is long overdue to receive the recognition from ABC) will be seen more and more. Reilly states, "Do you realize that one of the greatest bowlers who ever lived, Dick Weber, only had 14 perfect games in his pro career? A guy in Saginaw, Mich., Joe Jimenez has 59!"

Reilly states that money is the cause of this and I think anyone with a modicum of common sense will agree. It's always money. Reilly states that center owners want to keep their customers happy and returning and therefore put down what he calls "a glob of oil you could skid a Peterbuilt on. Urkel, flat drunk in heels, could bowl a 300 under today's conditions." I don't know about that. But, lane conditions certainly are easier and bowlers I have known over 30 years are bowling better now than they ever did.

However, I also believe there is a different caliber bowler now than there was thirty years ago. Back then bowling was a recreation except for a select few who opted for the professional tour. Leagues back then were just a reason for a bunch of guys to get together, have a few beers and friendly competition and camaraderie.

Today's bowler is more competitive and better schooled at the game. With collegiate bowling, Team USA, the FIQ, Young American Bowling Alliance and coaches the likes of Fred Borden we are seeing bowlers far more advanced in the sport than ever. Bowling ball manufacturers have drastically changed the game and probably have the biggest affect on the scoring and average inflation.

But, Reilly points out that bowling isn't the only sport going through this mania for offense that many of us find offensive. Do we really believe that Mark MaGwire hit all those home runs because he is seeing the ball better? Fans want offense. Pitchers have no control over the game anymore. If they brush a batter back there are usually ejected. Ballparks are being built that demean the sport and the past records of great ball players.

Here is a comparison of ballparks 1999 vs.2000 and the difference in home runs. I'll let you do the math:

Old Stadium	HRs per Game
Astrodome	1.44
Mile High Stadium	2.11
New Stadium	HRs per Game
Enron Field	3.61
Coors Field	3.35

Even Reilly has to admit that home runs are hit in the major leagues now every six seconds. Can you imagine what Bjorn Borg could have done in his prime if he had the type equipment that Pete Sampras has? How about Arnold Palmer at age 25 with Tiger Woods equipment. What would MaGwire do in Yankee Stadium with Mantel's equipment, that era pitching staff and rules that allowed pitchers to earn the batter's respect?

How many perfect games would Weber have if he had had today's equipment when he was in his prime? I agree with Reilly that bowling conditions are too easy and make league bowlers with inflated averages believe they can compete with the likes of Parker Bohn III, Walter Ray Williams, Jr., and Pete Weber. The truth of the matter is on their best day they couldn't ball caddy for the professionals.

But, realistically I have to accept this for fear of losing more and more of our bowlers. The true bowler who wants a competitive condition and compete at the top of his game will search out the tough conditions, practice the hundred games a week and polish his skills to earn the title of Professional Bowler." The inflated average bowler with a ring on every finger and a trailer full of bowling balls will never be weaned away from his security blanket. He'll always be a league bowler as long as he maintains that average. That's good for the proprietors, pro shop owners, local associations and the business of bowling. So even though I was fully prepared to take on Mr. Reilly I found his column well thought out, humorously done, and right on the mark.

Keep those cards and E-mail coming and I'll see you on the lanes.