PBA Members

[Trex]

How many PBA members are there here other than myself? I have not been around here much because I was banned years ago for annoying one of the admin. I did not annoy him on purpose, nor did he know that I am a member of the PBA. (Note: I do not expect anyone to reveal their true identity).

With that being said, how many PBA members do we have here? Anyone Know?

[Phonetek]

I'm guessing none. The majority of us are just old school league/tournament bowlers. Unless someone has been pulling off a good Clark Kent act for a long time I don't think there are any closet pros here.

I'm also guessing that many of us including myself have annoyed the mods from time to time. None that I recall were blatantly jerks though. If the site was booming like it was back in the day perhaps enough to get the boot but maybe not.

Given that there is only a handful of us that are active, as long as we are posting, being useful and not causing any crazy commotion were safe. Still gotta play nice, being annoying and being profane and a jerk are two different things.

Being a pro wouldn't give anyone a free pass to be a jerk. If anything, held to a higher standard to be a role model. The content should be good for discussion, helpful to those who want to improve and positive to the sport. Perhaps draw in some new members.

[Ryster]

It is a lot easier these days to be a PBA member than it was back in the day. Today, you just need a 200+ average after 36 games in your current league season. Pay the $99 application fee and then $180/year and voila, you have a PBA card.

Back in the day it was much more selective, required community references, letters of recommendation, sponsors, etc. It actually meant something.

Having a PBA card doesn't make anyone any better than anyone else. I bowl with several people that have their PBA cards yet never bowl in any PBA events. They do not hesitate to casually mention they are PBA members if/when the opportunity presents itself. They then expect people to bow down to them as though they are somehow elite because they have their PBA card. It doesn't impress me.

[Trex]

I'm guessing none. The majority of us are just old school league/tournament bowlers. Unless someone has been pulling off a good Clark Kent act for a long time I don't think there are any closet pros here.

I'm also guessing that many of us including myself have annoyed the mods from time to time. None that I recall were blatantly jerks though. If the site was booming like it was back in the day perhaps enough to get the boot but maybe not.

Given that there is only a handful of us that are active, as long as we are posting, being useful and not causing any crazy commotion were safe. Still gotta play nice, being annoying and being profane and a jerk are two different things.

Being a pro wouldn't give anyone a free pass to be a jerk. If anything, held to a higher standard to be a role model. The content should be good for discussion, helpful to those who want to improve and positive to the sport. Perhaps draw in some new members.

Thank you Phonetek, I appreciate your reply. I should not be surprised about this, but Back in 2010 I thought at the time that this place was booming, or it seemed that way.
As for me I got locked out. Never could figure out why as I had the correct user name and password but could not get in. Waited quite some time and finally got back in only to get locked out again. Thanks for the info.

[Trex]

It is a lot easier these days to be a PBA member than it was back in the day. Today, you just need a 200+ average after 36 games in your current league season. Pay the $99 application fee and then $180/year and voila, you have a PBA card.

Back in the day it was much more selective, required community references, letters of recommendation, sponsors, etc. It actually meant something.

Having a PBA card doesn't make anyone any better than anyone else. I bowl with several people that have their PBA cards yet never bowl in any PBA events. They do not hesitate to casually mention they are PBA members if/when the opportunity presents itself. They then expect people to bow down to them as though they are somehow elite because they have their PBA card. It doesn't impress me.

Thank you Ryster for your honesty, I do appreciate it.

Even though I have been a member for over ten years, I find that bowling in PBA events to be far more rewarding for me than bowling in any other events due to what I learn each and every time I do bowl. But like you say... No one is impressed, nor do i expect them to be. I feel like anyone who can join should join just so they can get the experience that it gives you. Meaning...Bowling in an PBA experience league will never be the same as the real thing! Not in my humble opinion anyway.

Bowling in real PBA tournaments does not in anyway compare to the so called PBA Experience leagues. Simply put, Real PBA events are much better!! But since no one has any respect for those who have some real experience then I won't go into any details about anything I have learned. I would however recommend that anyone who has the desire to bowl in a Real PBA regional, please by all means do so as you can bowl as a non member and you will learn a lot if you do. The more you bowl these events the more you learn and the more you will improve.

I hope that everyone strives to improve, and the best way for me has been to simply ignore those naysayers who claim I am not good enough. The truth is anyone can do it who puts their mind to it, those who want it bad enough find success with in five or six years. But by all means if you are happy just bowling local league & tournaments, then at least you are enjoying bowling and that is all that matters!

I wish you the best!!

[boatman37]

The guy that drilled my Altered Reality is a PBA member. He complained that he can't enter any tournaments now cause he loses his handicap being a PBA member and his average isn't high enough to compete in handicap events and too low to bowl scratch events. We have a few PBA members that bowl in tournaments at our house. Not touring pros, just card holders with about 230 averages. For me, well my average is too low anyway but I think I would want to be at least 225-230 average before I joined. Unless I misunderstood the guy?

[J Anderson]

I agree that probably no one knows how many PBA members are also on this forum. All I know is that I am not a PBA member. My friend Jeff earned his PBA card the hard way back in the early 90s by cashing in two PBA regionals in one season. When he lived in the Chicago area he used to bowl a lot of regionals and just about broke even. Another friend got his card between 15 and 20 years ago, but I'm sure he never attempted a PBA regional.

I keep thinking that I would like to try a PBA regional. I have no delusion that I could win one, and the entry fee for non members seems rather high. so I keep putting it off.

[GrumpyCatFace]

I’m at a 170, and have no business anywhere near a PBA event. But I’d love to try it.

I just need a couple nights away from the kids every week. Trying to get gud.

[Ryster]

Thank you Ryster for your honesty, I do appreciate it.

Even though I have been a member for over ten years, I find that bowling in PBA events to be far more rewarding for me than bowling in any other events due to what I learn each and every time I do bowl. But like you say... No one is impressed, nor do i expect them to be. I feel like anyone who can join should join just so they can get the experience that it gives you. Meaning...Bowling in an PBA experience league will never be the same as the real thing! Not in my humble opinion anyway.

Bowling in real PBA tournaments does not in anyway compare to the so called PBA Experience leagues. Simply put, Real PBA events are much better!! But since no one has any respect for those who have some real experience then I won't go into any details about anything I have learned. I would however recommend that anyone who has the desire to bowl in a Real PBA regional, please by all means do so as you can bowl as a non member and you will learn a lot if you do. The more you bowl these events the more you learn and the more you will improve.

I hope that everyone strives to improve, and the best way for me has been to simply ignore those naysayers who claim I am not good enough. The truth is anyone can do it who puts their mind to it, those who want it bad enough find success with in five or six years. But by all means if you are happy just bowling local league & tournaments, then at least you are enjoying bowling and that is all that matters!

I wish you the best!!

The issue isn't a lack of respect and making that kind of statement and insinuating we don't want to hear your "real experience" kind of illustrates my point. The issue is the attitude that many PBA card holders have about being a card carrying "pro". These are the bowlers ruining it for the humble PBA members that don't act that way. It almost sounds like people who bowl only local leagues and tournaments are just settling for a lesser experience...but that's okay because at least we are bowling. Interesting take on things.

I have had the good fortune of being able to bowl in pro-ams with some of the greatest bowlers and ambassadors in the sport. The majority of them were very friendly and outgoing. If people asked for pointers, they would oblige. If people just wanted to talk about the weather, they would do that. Some were a bit snobbish and only wanted to talk to the other pros and not the amateurs.

I am sure that bowling in a PBA event is an entirely different experience compared to leagues and local tournaments. However I will never pay $350+ to enter a tournament just for the "experience". If that makes my bowling experience incomplete or lesser in some way, I can live with that.

[Phonetek]

Kinda makes it sound like people get the cards just to flaunt them for bragging rights. It's one thing to get the card, do your best, fail and go nowhere. At least they have it a shot. It's like the equivalent of a baseball player making it to triple A and never getting called up.

This sounds like some bowlers are not aspiring to be pros but to make a career out of being on triple A? I don't know if I'd be quick to brag about it every chance I get. That conversation would sound like "Hi, I'm Dick. I'm a PBA pro that aspires to finish last. Or. I'm a PBA pro that does nothing with it. Either way I'm better than you." 😝

Not exactly a role model to be looked up to or someone I'd be quick to have coach my kid. I'm certainly not asking for that autograph or selfy with them. LOL Funny thing is, by being a card holder there are some tournaments and events you'd be banned from bowling in because of it. They are actual pigeon holding themselves for bragging rights? Ooookay. It takes all types I guess.

Heck, I got my AARP card in the mail when I turned 41. I have yet to whip it out and say "Hey! I'm a senior citizen! I want a discount!" Then again, I don't think at 65 I'll be very quick to do that even once I'm not a poser.

[Phonetek]

Actually there is a young guy who came in a few months ago saying he was a PBA card holder. He showed me his card and asked if we give PBA discounts. No of course we don't. He acted arrogant and entitled. Apparently he was angry we didn't bow down roll out the red carpet. He wanted a pair of lanes by himself and requested nobody within 2 pairs of him on either side. Needles to say, he got none of that. LOL He was an unknown young kid but he acted like he was Walter Ray.

I watched him bowl and I can't say it was at all impressive. He wasn't particularly good. We have more impressive league bowlers than him. He had one 250's game and the others were all under 200. His form wasn't great and her threw a helicopter ball. Nothing about him screamed pro to anyone. I'm not sure he'd make it to qualify on Jr Gold.

My guess is either the card was fake, it was his uncle's or he had connections he didn't deserve to have. He's been in several times since and never did anything stellar. He's never mentioned being a pro since the first time. I'd bet my son or I could whoop him to be honest. As well as a plethora of other casual bowlers at my center.

[Trex]

The guy that drilled my Altered Reality is a PBA member. He complained that he can't enter any tournaments now cause he loses his handicap being a PBA member and his average isn't high enough to compete in handicap events and too low to bowl scratch events. We have a few PBA members that bowl in tournaments at our house. Not touring pros, just card holders with about 230 averages. For me, well my average is too low anyway but I think I would want to be at least 225-230 average before I joined. Unless I misunderstood the guy?


Thank you boatman for your input. I do not understand why your PSO would say that as there is no handicap on the PBA. That is why I myself like the PBA as you only get what you earn, you do not get free pins like you do in handicap league..etc. I wish I could find a scratch league.

[Trex]

I agree that probably no one knows how many PBA members are also on this forum. All I know is that I am not a PBA member. My friend Jeff earned his PBA card the hard way back in the early 90s by cashing in two PBA regionals in one season. When he lived in the Chicago area he used to bowl a lot of regionals and just about broke even. Another friend got his card between 15 and 20 years ago, but I'm sure he never attempted a PBA regional.

I keep thinking that I would like to try a PBA regional. I have no delusion that I could win one, and the entry fee for non members seems rather high. so I keep putting it off.

Thank you Mr Anderson, I appreciate you as I do remember you from being here long ago, and you seem to be a very stand up guy who knows his stuff. I have read the tips you have given others in the past, and I think it is awesome that you help others the way you do. I do not have any delusions either about the PBA, yet I do enjoy it so i can learn more. I do try to stay positive even though it is not always easy due to people being so negative be it here in a forum, or in a bowling center. I do have much respect for you sir. I truly do not understand those who are here who come off as very negative. It seems to me as though some here just want to start a fuss with anyone who comes here that they think is new.

Maybe I am wrong, but the negative comments here are harsh in my opinion...not from you J Anderson as you seem to be very kind and it is appreciated very much!!
Thank you J Anderson for all you do to help others.

[Trex]

I’m at a 170, and have no business anywhere near a PBA event. But I’d love to try it.

I just need a couple nights away from the kids every week. Trying to get gud.

Nothing wrong at all with that GrumpyCatFace. I think you would enjoy it if you ever do give it a try. I also need a couple nights away each week just to get out of the house...lol
Thank you sir for your input, I do appreciate it.

I wish you the best in your bowling adventure's :cool:

[boatman37]

Thank you boatman for your input. I do not understand why your PSO would say that as there is no handicap on the PBA. That is why I myself like the PBA as you only get what you earn, you do not get free pins like you do in handicap league..etc. I wish I could find a scratch league.

I had asked him if he would be bowling a tournament I was entering and he said 'he can't' because he was a PBA card holder. Not that he wasn't allowed to enter but that he would get no handicap because of his PBA card and he wasn't good enough to win it scratch

[J Anderson]

Thank you Mr Anderson, I appreciate you as I do remember you from being here long ago, and you seem to be a very stand up guy who knows his stuff. I have read the tips you have given others in the past, and I think it is awesome that you help others the way you do. I do not have any delusions either about the PBA, yet I do enjoy it so i can learn more. I do try to stay positive even though it is not always easy due to people being so negative be it here in a forum, or in a bowling center. I do have much respect for you sir. I truly do not understand those who are here who come off as very negative. It seems to me as though some here just want to start a fuss with anyone who comes here that they think is new.

Maybe I am wrong, but the negative comments here are harsh in my opinion...not from you J Anderson as you seem to be very kind and it is appreciated very much!!
Thank you J Anderson for all you do to help others.

I'm actually going to play hooky from coaching at the local youth bowling league tomorrow and will be bowling in a New England Bowlers Association tournament in Rhode Island. I'll probably see quite a few current and former PBA members. Rumor has it that John Gant now lives somewhere near Boston and has been bowling NEBA events.

[Phonetek]

I truly do not understand those who are here who come off as very negative. It seems to me as though some here just want to start a fuss with anyone who comes here that they think is new.

Maybe I am wrong, but the negative comments here are harsh in my opinion.

I assume I am one of the negative comments you're speaking of. I assure you they weren't directed at you Trex. In speaking about the PBA kid, he was really a jerk when he came in to our center. He has an attitude from the first word that came out of his mouth. He acted like we owed him something for having a card.

Then when he bowled he certainly didn't walk the walk. It's one thing to act entitled then dazzle with skills. He did not dazzle anyone. He was shouting profanities while bowling, in practice? He even hit the sweep twice? There is no way that he was a pro and if on the odd chance he was he didn't deserve the prestige and distinction of being one. He was very rude and off putting to not only myself but my employees and the customers.

Anyone who acts like that, making demands vs requests is not getting any special treatment. If he was friendly? I would have maybe done some magic to accommodate him. We probably would have chatted him up, got background and been very hospitable.

Hitting the sweep was a tell tale sign he was full of it. What pro EVER hits a sweep? LOL Let alone twice? No, it wasn't a lane malfunction it was a player malfunction. Shouting f'bombs also isn't a sign of a pro. Yeah they slip now and again but these weren't slips.

I call them like I see them and this guy was a disgrace to the sport if he was truly a pro. Yeah I have my own particular flavor of sarcasm that you're not used to Trex but I never try to offend anyone. I apologize of you took it that way. I also knew you weren't new. I've read many threads with you in them. Welcome back!

[Trex]

Thank you Phonetek for the explanation, and for the Welcome.. very much appreciated!!! I would have done the same as you in that case with that guy. Sounds like he was no pro in any form or fashion.

[RobLV1]

I was a PBA member for about 10 years, though, to be honest, I was never competitive at that level. Despite that, I would not trade the experiences that I had as a member for anything. I bowled in several Senior US Opens, a Senior Masters, several regular tour events back when they had Monday qualifying, and several Regional Events. It was great experience. At the Senior US Opens I crossed with Mark Roth, Mark Williams, and Ernie Schlegel among others. At the Senior Masters I shot 136 for the first game, tied with Parker Bohn. When I bowled a game with him on day three I introduced myself as the guy who was tied with him for last place after game one. I told him that being tied with him made being last a much easier pill to swallow. He then thanked me for having a last name that was further down the alphabet than his own, saving him the embarrassment of seeing his name at the bottom of the list! LOL

[boatman37]

I was a PBA member for about 10 years, though, to be honest, I was never competitive at that level. Despite that, I would not trade the experiences that I had as a member for anything. I bowled in several Senior US Opens, a Senior Masters, several regular tour events back when they had Monday qualifying, and several Regional Events. It was great experience. At the Senior US Opens I crossed with Mark Roth, Mark Williams, and Ernie Schlegel among others. At the Senior Masters I shot 136 for the first game, tied with Parker Bohn. When I bowled a game with him on day three I introduced myself as the guy who was tied with him for last place after game one. I told him that being tied with him made being last a much easier pill to swallow. He then thanked me for having a last name that was further down the alphabet than his own, saving him the embarrassment of seeing his name at the bottom of the list! LOL

Speaking of being in last...the last tournament I bowled was in January and on a 1.75 sport shot (2008 WTBA World Mens Championship 1843). Me and a buddy went. He is probably in his 70's and throws about 12 MPH and averages about 180 but used to be a very good bowler (I still consider him very good for his age and speed). But after the first round I was in last and he was next to last. This was my 3rd sport shot tournament and 1st time I didn't cash out. He cashed out at the one prior to this but for some reason we both struggled mightily at this one

[rv driver]

The guy that drilled my Altered Reality is a PBA member. He complained that he can't enter any tournaments now cause he loses his handicap being a PBA member and his average isn't high enough to compete in handicap events and too low to bowl scratch events. We have a few PBA members that bowl in tournaments at our house. Not touring pros, just card holders with about 230 averages. For me, well my average is too low anyway but I think I would want to be at least 225-230 average before I joined. Unless I misunderstood the guy?
Back in 1980 I was a league bowler. Mark Roth had recently become the rage, and the Columbia Yellow Dot was the ball to have. In those days, you had to carry a sanctioned 210 average to apply for the tour. I never could get my average quite there.

[Timmyb]

Back in 1980 I was a league bowler. Mark Roth had recently become the rage, and the Columbia Yellow Dot was the ball to have. In those days, you had to carry a sanctioned 210 average to apply for the tour. I never could get my average quite there.

I got my standing average (had to hold that average for 2 years) there back in 1988, and applied. I was denied, and was never told why. Just sent my check back.

[boatman37]

Mark was a great guy. I bowled with him around 2002. He was running the center near me (Mark Roth Hall of Fame Lanes) but was only there about 6 months (long story). I bowled league there and ran the Saturday morning youth league. I had no idea how much of an impact Mark had on the game until years later when the internet became more popular.