How strong of a bowling “fan†do you consider yourself? (I don’t mean how much you enjoy playing the sport. How much do you enjoy WATCHING the sport?) Why?
I'm a fan, but not to the point where I'll set aside time on Sunday to watch the PBA. If I have time and remember it's on, I'll watch if, if not - no big deal. I enjoy watching it, but I think a lot of the showmanship the guys display now is too contrived.
Do you actually consider yourself a fan of a particular person, or persons, more than others? (can be professional or league) Who? Why?
I am a fan of Rich Wolfe, because I have known him for years and he's a great guy. Beyond that, I don't root for anyone.
What made you a fan of the sport? (Elaborate as much as possible, please)
My father and grandfather owned the first pro shop in DC. My dad bowled on tour for a brief period in the 50's and 60's. He and my grandfather are also in the NCABA (National Capital Area Bowler's Assn.) hall of fame. So the game kinda runs in the family.
If you’re a fan of another sport, how high does your bowling fandom rank compared to the other sports you enjoy and why?
Been a Cincy Reds and Washington Redskins fan my entire life. Bowling is far down on the list compared to those two, especially the 'Skins.
In your mind, is the sport underappreciated by those who don’t consider themselves fans? Why?
I think it's underappreciated by most people who are fans, let alone those that aren't. Most people don't realize/understand how much work goes into being a good pro bowler. I have said for years that one of the reasons the sport has waned in popularity is that Joe Average league bowler thinks he is as good, or better, than a pro because he's averaging 220+ on a walled-up house shot. It's simply not the case. As anyone who posts on this site knows, the conditions the pros bowl on are infinitely more difficult than the stand left, chuck it right conditions we typically bowl on.
I also believe that the concept of sport bowling isn't doing the game any favors. It's not the idea of tougher conditions, it's the idea that you have to have a special pattern for a particular tournament or league. If the USBC had any sense, it would make these tougher conditions standard practice for tournaments and competitive leagues. Then you would see some merit to the higher scores. As it is now, you can almost put a blind fold on and "be the ball" and throw strikes. I enjoy the tougher conditions and don't have a lot of trouble scoring on them, but I would much prefer it if I faced them weekly in my league.
