For anyone who has put a large number of stikes in a row, especially starting from the 1st frame, the goal is to reach the 12th strike for the perfect game.  This is quite a challenge and many of us may not make 12 strikes even in 3 games during the night.  There is recognition for those coming close.  We congradulate Allan for making 11 in a row.  Some may be disappointed getting so close and missing the perfect game.  It was wonderful to know that Allan was quite happy to have come so close and was very gratified with his new personal high score.

Achieving 11 strikes in a row may be accomplished 2 ways.  My own personal best started with a spare in frame 1 and it got a little tense as I rowed the final ball in the 10th frame to complete my new personal best.  Reaching a new high score is an achievement everyone can make even if you have completed a perfect game.  A 3 game series high score is quite an achievement and there are recognitions for different levels based on your average.  One of the special ways our league is fun is the enjoyment we all take in each of our accomplishments.  I believe all in our league appreciate the accomplishments, large or small, each of us can achieve each week.

Not so long ago the perfect game in this league was just a dream.  Not any more!  Congradulations to our newest member of the 300 honor, long time league member and past president - Greg.  The Dallas USBC BA association manager has said many times that awards for one honor score lead to another honor score bowled.  Greg received his 11 in a row from earlier this season just after completing his 300 game.  Close before, became right on target.

It is amazing to watch a 300 game completed.  It starts with the first 3 strikes posting the score of 30 in the first frame.  This means the bowler has successfully determined how each lane is reacting and has been able to repeat on one of the lanes.  Each frame continues to score a multiple of 30 and it becomes apparent to all observing that the bowler is approaching the perfect score.  All watch the 10th frame to see if the bowler can complete the 12th stike.  All rush to join in the joy of the bowler accomplishing the 300 game.  Way to go Greg!

Recongnition of Special Achievements in league bowling often seems reserved for the top bowlers reaching the perfect game score of 300.  Other achievements do not receive the same grand presentation and seem to go without notice.  There is recognition for each level of bowling with a scale of accomplishment for those moving up the average ladder.  Awards this year will come in the form of magnets shaped as bowling pins showing the game score level or 3 game series reached per the average scale determined by USBC.  It is an honor to recognize these achievements in our small quiet way for everyone reaching a major new high score.  Our league does have the rare opportunity to recognize individuals reaching the honor score levels.  Last year did see two bowlers reach the perfect 300 game.  This year one person has completed a game with 11 strikes in a row and this honor will be recognized soon.  Congratulations to all our bowlers who will make significant accomplishments during the season. 

Average is the number of pins knocked over divided by the number of games bowled, in its simplest form.  It is the score of your games each week all added together.  Some can confuse average and handicap.  Handicap is calculated from a specific score value, usually higher than the best average in the league, with a certain percentage applied to the difference between this number and your own average.  Handicap is the equalizer to assist lower average bowlers competing with those scoring consistently high.  Average is used when competing in tournaments to match like level bowlers.  The desired average beginning a new season is usually lower with the ability to increase this number during the season.  Teams with lower averages will appear to be winning in competition early, however the handicap will tend to run out by the end of a game.  Score sheets will usually show the actual "scratch" score and the higher "handicap" score for each bowler.  Regardless of the score, a primary objective of the bowling experience is to have FUN!  And if you happen to win, it is just that much more FUN.

Some points on what this league is...

There are 12 teams of 5 players each with a maximum of 10 players who might rotate on a schedule.  It is a full season league that will continue through the end of May 2010.  We have a wonderful mix (as our league name indicates) of people from older to younger.  You will find grandparents showing off their grandchildren.  We even have a brand new one (not bowling yet of course).  Our league is positoned on lanes 1-12 at PSB.  Some of us have been with this league for a long time and some are new to join.  Our standings, scores and team pairings are posted courtesy of PSB on LeagueSecretary.com under league ID 13735.  Several teams chose new names this year, so you may have to look through the team roster section to find your name.  Follow along as the defending champions try to repeat one more time.

See the next blog on About Averages to learn how repeating might be a little more difficult based on my own average starting this year (OOPS).

Welcome back to all our friends returning for the new 2009-2010 season.  Most of you know we call this league Mixed Nuts for very good reason!  We have a lot of fun and if we happen to bowl good scores, all the better.  It is always especially nice to welcome new teams and members.  We hope you enjoy this season with us and will join those of us who have made this league our "home" for a lot of years.  I hope you will find this new blog feature to be fun and informative.  With a name like Mixed Nuts, you may never know what might show up one of these days or weeks.

Come visit regularly and find out how much fun a bowling league can be!  Our thanks to PSB for making this feature available.