Bowling Archives

Starting this week, we are going to be diving deep into our sport’s history for a once a week segment called “Bowling Archives.” We’ll be looking back at our past. All of it. From players, to tournaments, to bowling balls. We will be talking about and remembering it all.

Our sport’s history is a rich one. It is a powerful one. And we need to do our best not to lose it.

Don’t get me wrong, though, I am not saying to live in the past. On the contrary, in fact. What I am saying is to honor it, respect it, and learn from it; the closer we remain to our past, the greater we can grow our future.

I have noticed recently that today’s generation doesn’t know anything about yesteryear’s superstars. But, yet, they know all about Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice, Larry Bird, Jackie Robinson, Joe Montana and other historically important athletes from other sports.

Why is that? Well, in my opinion, part of that has to do with how well other sports honor their past. But, also, because of how poorly bowling recognizes theirs.

And this isn’t a knock on USBC or any one particular group. This is on all of us, me included.

Our past is so rich and so interesting. Our game has evolved so much and changed so drastically over the years, that it is practically — in many ways — a different game. But just because it is a different game doesn’t mean we shouldn’t honor and respect every evolution of the game.

During black history month, we did articles on historically important African American bowlers and the impact they had on bowling within and outside of their bowling communities. And it went over very, very well. Saying it was well-received would be an understatement.

And this is essentially what we want to do here with this new segment, but, instead of just honoring African American bowlers, we are going to honor ALL bowlers of ALL shapes, sizes, colors, and eras; we are going to honor our pioneers, because without them, we don’t have a game to play today. And I refuse to allow their efforts and their importance to be ignored or forgotten.

So keep on the lookout. If anyone has ideas on who or what they’d like covered, comment below or contact us directly. We want your input and feedback on this!