When I lived and worked in Washington state, I had a job that required a lot of traveling to different parts of washington. I met a lot of interesting people who bowled at different houses - I would stop by an alley along my route and have lunch at these places and made many friends. I made friends with one guy whose nickname was "mountain" and kinda reminded me of Steve Cook, lefty 6'6" mini Shaq. He was a heavy equipment mechanic who had thumb issues while bowling.

Anyway, he said he didn't like using slide powder since he has dry hands. He had issues with his thumb being stuck or too tight. But what he used to solve this issue, was Chapstick. He would not show anyone what he did. He would apply chapstick on the side of his thumb while his hand was in his pocket.

I've never heard of anyone before or after meeting him using chapstick. but it worked for him. not so sure if it's legal though......

The guy that locks his same fingers to rub on his slide foot sole before every shot. Even if it is a 9 game block and he has walked the entire center 5 times

When people throw a bad shot and have to imitate a lefty (or righty) when the ball goes Brooklyn.

As far as the chapstick thing, they sell small canisters of chapstick like substance that can be used for sticking thumbs.  Personally I use a small bag of baby powder and I use it religiously. 

If your ball fits correctly you won't need ChapStick or powder.  The hole will be sized so you can use two or three pieces of tape when you start bowling and remove them as your thumb swells.  --  JohnP

Anyone mention miller?

Guy I know sucks his thumb wile bowling to keep it moist right before he puts it in the ball I don't bowl on his team but I never give him 5.  Not out of being mean, I don't want the sucked thumb!