Everyman’s Game
Last weekend, I bowled for the first time in a couple of years. I didn’t have great scores, but I had a great time and realized I missed it.
I started bowling when I was about 10. In high school, bowling at Rockaway Bowl was a weekly staple for some combination of Greg, Dave, Johnny, Keith and I. I had my own ball, and I bowled in a few leagues.
The high point was probably when my team tied for first place, only to lose the title on total pins (which seemed to be a rule made up on the spot). I still claim we were the uncrowned champs! Then again, I have been known to be petty in that way.
I know Fran Gallagher will argue that golf is the businessman’s game. He might be right; I rarely hear business discussed in a bowling alley. I doubt anyone will ever write about the beauty of any specific bowling alley. I admit, inside, they are all pretty much the same.
I will argue a few advantages bowling has over golf. Bowling is not affected by weather or seasons. Bowling can be a solo activity. You never have to worry about learning the course in bowling.
I have heard about (although never experienced) the high of hitting that perfect golf shot. However, I have experienced the high of the perfect bowling shot, followed by the unmistakable sound of a strike. Now that is a thing of beauty as well as being very stress-relieving.
I know the popularity of bowling has declined in recent years, and I think it is a shame. Bowling might not be the businessman’s game, but it can be a great time for everyone.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:40 am
Bowling unfairly gets labeled as too blue collar. I have bowled in leagues for years and I have raised a family of bowlers. I guess I am doing my part to keep bowling popular!
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:57 am
I think one of the problems is society has changed. Bowling isn’t exciting enough and ther really isn’t much you can do with it. You have a bowler and a bowling lane. It’s always the same. Less people watch it on tv, therefore less people want to go out and bowl.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:22 am
Actually, bowling has been slowly regaining popularity. Many of the high schools in my area offer bowling teams and it wasn’t uncool to bowl on a Saturday night. Of course, the light shows and such that alleys offer now may be part of the draw, but most of the kids I knew who bowled were very serious about it.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:23 am
Bowling was on the decline, but I think it is gaining popularity. It is still a reasonably cheap way for high schoolers to spend time.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:54 pm
I would love to see some celebrity bowling on tv. I think something like that could bring good exposure to bowling.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Bowling alleys need better food. Seriously. Is it too much to ask for some of the food to be edible?
February 5th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
I think bowling needs trading cards (although no gum necessary).