My First Bowling Journal Entry

Today is practice day of arguably the most important tournament of my career. I got here early today because we are on an Air Force Base so you have to go through some security checks. You never know how long things like this can take so I try and give myself some extra time. We’re bowling on PBA Regional Pattern #1 this weekend. The pattern is 40’ and we are bowling on AMF HPL 9000s, which could equal high scores. So far this summer every time we’ve used this pattern the scores have been on the medium to high side so I expect the same. What I don’t know is how the pattern will play. On Brunswick Pro-Anvilane the pattern usually plays in, but on HPL’s it plays out. Go figure! I’ve been battling some leg injuries and a cold/flu so I didn’t plan on practicing the full 2 hours. I noticed right away that there was plenty of friction on the gutter and I jumped out there right away. I used several different balls looking at different angles trying to find what will strike the most. After about an hour I packed my stuff up and spent some time working with my buddy who was having some swing issues so I did my best to straighten him out. After practice was over it was time to grab some dinner before the pro-am. Several of us went to the Olive Garden to run them out of soup and salad. The pro-am was a blast tonight. It was all youth bowlers and they seemed to have a great time. I was lucky enough to do a couple of trick shots and pick up splits with 2 balls. That always gets the crowd going. Now it's time for bed - Big day tomorrow!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Baseball is on the brain for a lot of folks. Between Major League Baseball and the College World Series, there are a lot of games to watch! The College World Series will be over before we know it and some baseball fans may go through baseball withdrawals. To prevent withdrawals, be sure to check out the top five grossing baseball movies below:

1. “A League of Their Own” (1992) takes you through the development of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. The movie, starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Lori Petty grossed $107,533,928. 

2. “Moneyball” (2011) featuring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill earned $75,605,492. In “Moneyball” the Oakland A’s general manager attempts to create a successful baseball club. On a budget, the general manager recruits new players in a unique way.

3. “The Rookie” (2002) is based on the true story of Jim Morris, played by Dennis Quaid, a Texas high school chemistry teacher and baseball coach. Jim agrees to try out for the major league if his unmotivated high school team makes the playoffs. The film also starring Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez and Brian Cox made $75,600,072.

4. “Field of Dreams” (1989) is famous for the quote, “If you build it, he will come.” After hearing whispers of this famous quote and visions of a baseball diamond, Iowa farmer decides to turn his corn field into a baseball field. “Field of Dreams” earned $64,431,625 and starred Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan and James Earl Jones.

5. “The Benchwarmers” (2006) casts Rob Schneider, David Spade and Jon Heder as a three-player baseball team. Attempting to make up for neglected childhood opportunities, the three middle-aged guys compete against little league squads. This sports-comedy grossed $59,843,754.