On the Lanes
Lindsey, Hardy, Floyd and Show turn in explosive performances There were some fireworks on the lanes the last couple of weeks. Here are a few guys who lit the fuse. DON LINDSEY: A few years back, I was privileged to watch Don roll 11-in-a-row during the Manor Majors. It was the closest he had ever been to the coveted perfect game. Probably because of that, he was a bit tentative on ball number 12 and left it way wide right. It stuck him with the nasty “washout”, a six count, and 296 game. Now, that was a great game by most standards, but not as far as reaching a 300 score. I remember Don saying then that he would probably never ever get that close again.
Well, guess what? Last Monday he once again rolled off a string of 11 straight strikes, and was again poised for the perfect game. But, much to his regret, and our disbelief, history repeated itself. One more time he tossed the ball too wide and left a six count. The end result was the same: 296!
I have never heard of someone having two 296 games in their only two opportunities for the perfect game. But, before we feel sorry for him, let’s assess the fact that he had a 190 average and his 296 was 106 pins above his average. That should warrant a nice watch from the USBC. In addition, his games of 296, 210, and 254 gave him a great series total of 760, which is a Herculean 190 pins over his series average. That represents another USBC award.
Then to round out the whole affair, Don’s eleven-in-a-row earns him the beautifully engraved plaque from the USBC. What a night.
Of course, he told me the next day that he will probably never get that close again to a perfect game. I don’t agree. I calculate that he will have 11-in-a-row again on April 4, 2011. What he does on that last ball is anyone’s guess.
JOHN HARDY: Big John turned in an impressive night during the Trio League at Manor back on April 13. That was when he torched the lanes in his first game with a 299. He has a number of sanctioned 300 games over the years, so he didn’t appear to be too upset by the almost perfect game. It never dawned on me at the time, but he might have had another goal in mind when the second game started. That would be to toss his first ever, sanctioned 800 series. The 800 is of course the most envied of all bowling achievements.
I recall that John had an unsanctioned 800 during a qualifier for the TV show a few years back. But being unsanctioned sort of leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
I am happy to report that he took care of business after that 299 game with scores of 266 and 255 for an awesome total of 820. Outstanding!
The game was exactly 75 pins over his 224 average earning him the USBC “Game Over Average” award. It also secures him the right to the 299 ring or the fine 11-in-a-row plaque.
Those are just the potatoes though. The real meat is that gorgeous 800 ring. A man has a right to crow for a while after getting one of those.
Congratulations, JC. It was a tremendous night.
DOUBLE WHAMMY: The Trio League and the Manor Majors bowl back-to-back on Monday nights at Manor Lanes. Both leagues contain some of the best bowlers in the area. So, it is not unusual to see some pretty big games or series get rolled first in one league and then in the other.
But, it is highly unusual to see a fellow roll a 300 game in the Trio and then see another fellow toss one in the Majors. Yet, that is what happened this past Monday when Ed Floyd finally got untracked after starting with a paltry 191, and unleashed a rock solid 300 game to close out his night in the Trio. It was his second 300 of the season.
Not only were all his shots buried in the pocket (I was bowling against him-so I ought to know), but also he had to stop during the 10th frame when the pinsetter broke down. The thing is, you can’t “ice” Ed. Just doesn’t happen.
Then, about an hour later, Dave Show got locked in and tossed his umpteenth perfect game during the Majors League. He always makes it look so effortless.
But, honestly, I think he pays the lane man.
Congratulation to both fellows for their perfect games.
SUMMER LEAGUE SIGNUPS: Don’t forget to check your favorite bowling house for their Summer Signup sheets. The new summer leagues are starting to form and you don’t want to be left out.
BOWLING NEWS: Uniontown resident Gary George writes a weekly bowling column for the Herald-Standard. If you have any bowling news, contact George, a member of the Professional Bowlers Association since 1997, via email at probowler48@aol.com or fax at 724-438-7290. Information is welcome from all area bowling establishments.