Technically I was right.
When I showed up for the Thursday Night Men’s League at Bowling Green in North Syracuse on Sunday Morning — and yes, you read that right — our squad was listed second on the standings sheet.
After seven weeks.
Much to my surprise, though, we had the same record as the team listed above us. After winning just one of three games and losing total pins Thursday night, I had posted here before I left for our makeup session that I was sure we’d fallen from the top spot after just one thrilling week at No. 1.
And because league rules call for total pinfall as the determining factor when win points are tied, indeed, we started Sunday behind The Lite Crew.
I was wrong on another count, though.
Our team
I had figured I’d raised my average from 157 to 160. Nope. I’d gone all the way up to 161.
And I had another good week, despite a sleepy 135 start in the 10 a.m. first game.
How we finished.
If not for a split that I almost converted in the 10th frame in game two, I would have been clean.
And I did go through the last game without an open frame to notch a 213. That’s my second set in a row with a 200 game. Nice. With the 533 series, I should be up to a 163 average, nudging past my final mark at the end of last season.
I know they’re mine.
Maybe it was because I chose to wear the special socks my dear wife Karen bought me on our July trip to Colorado for her family reunion, and knew which foot to put in front of the other.
Unfortunately for the squad, that stellar third game was the only one we won. It’s a close battle in the 12-team league. Tonight I think we’ll find ourselves down several slots.
Is 10 a.m. too early to bowl or just right? Did my socks have anything to do with my good last game? What do you predict my average will be at the end of this season?
Mark Bialczak 
That’s so one the socks doesn’t get lost in the dryer, silly. Lookin’ good there Mark.
LikeLike
Yes, Christy, one dare doesn’t abandon the other one now, Christy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t want to take credit from your skill and put it all in the socks….but…… maybe you shouldn’t roll without them. Just in case. 😉
LikeLike
You betcha, MBC.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I watched a movie once where the athlete refused to wash his lucky socks for fear of losing his winning streak? His teammates could hardly bare the smell but he kept to his belief. If his dirty socks made him win, I’d be willing to bet your clean ones gave you the good score!! So…I would keep everything as is and shoot for 170. So proud of you Mark!! 😉 xo
LikeLike
Thanks, you two! I will wash ’em and wear ’em. 😉
LikeLike
Since I have a brother who plays tennis in am and other who runs really early, it is NEVER too early for bowling, Mark! 🙂 Enjoy an a 161 is fantastic and every time uou improve is a positive forward move.
LikeLike
I will get up however early needed to bowl in my league, Robin! I’m glad this is the earliest, though. 😉
LikeLike
The youth league I bowled in as a kid used to start at 9AM. Of course, that would be “late” for me these days…
135 to 213… like me, you are consistently inconsistent! I don’t think I’ve had three good games in one series all year…
LikeLike
You and me, Bill, never boring. 🙂
LikeLike
My body doesn’t get totally upright until noonish, so bowling at 10am would be out of the question. Although I guess bowling really just requires hunching over, for the most part.
LikeLike
Some people never get past the Neanderthal haunch, no, Kerbey. I stand upright at my starting point, though, and don’t bend that low.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But you have to release it low, no?
LikeLike
Low. Knees doing the bending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on bringing up your average.
Bowling shoes look more comfortable than they used to be.
LikeLike
Bowling shoes are pretty different now, yupper, Rose. 🙂
LikeLike
well, there we have it…the socks get more attention than the great writing 🙂
LikeLike
My intention, Gradmama. 🙂
LikeLike
I got that… 🙂
LikeLike
Racking up the 200s and doing it style. Go Mark!
LikeLike
Thanks, Scott. 🙂
LikeLike
I think your socks are fabulous. I love them!!!! Great job on a fantabulous start to the bowling season!!!!! I have some cashmere polka doted socks I can let you borrow!!!!!! They will keep your toes scrumptiously cozy!!!!
LikeLike
Now that would make a bowling fashion statement I’m not quite ready to deliver, SD. 😮
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok – I will lend you the yellow sock with flowers on it that says “Kick this sunshiney day in it’s a**!”
LikeLike
Still too bright for me, SD.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, cuz, I burst out laughing when I saw your socks!!! Are you sure the drier phantom won’t eat up one of them? Is there now a guarantee somehow that one of your socks will not mysteriously disappear like so many others? Just sayin’ ….. Hehehehehehe Whatever …. keep on wearing those socks. They are getting you molded into a better bowler. Cool beans!!!! ❤
LikeLike
If the dryer Gods suck up one of these babies, I will be so mad, Amy Rose!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well we are just going to have to pray the dryer monster doesn’t find your socks. Either that or you wash them by hand and air dry. :)!
LikeLike
Yeah … nope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OK. So you are not into washing by hand, I gather. 😉
LikeLike
Me? Wash by hand? What does that mean exactly, Amy Rose?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know take socks, get wet, add soap, and wash, then rinse out, wring out, hang dry. You not familiar with said process? Hmmmmm….
LikeLike
Oh, that. Nope. Not me. Hahahaha, Amy Rose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t think so. 😉
LikeLike
Yep, gotta be the socks Mark.
LikeLike
Can’t be anything above the shins, Paul. 🙂
LikeLike
Those are the best socks ever! And no, 10 am on a Sunday morning is not to early to bowl. I’m sure plenty of people on those bowling teams were doing lots of praying that morning.
LikeLike
Yes, praying for no splits. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the socks, just make sure to handwash them rather than risk losing them to the washing machine!
As a spectator for years for someone who bowled in a league, I can appreciate the early morning games more than the stay up overly late ones 🙂
LikeLike
Two Sunday morning sessions out of 30, J. I can do it 🙂
LikeLike
Mr. Mark you crack me up!
Go Mark Go!
Let’s hit the 170’s!! And yes the socks are magic. I can hear the sizzle… You are on fire!!
LikeLike
Snap, crackle, pop go the pins, Nancy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still love those socks!
Maybe they’re lucky, or maybe10am is just right. Maybe you’ll get up into the 180s? I cheer you on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joey. Tonight it’s back to nighttime rolling. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow, you are on fire and i’m quite sure it’s all due to the socks.
LikeLike
Yup. Me, too, Beth. It’s the socks for sure.
LikeLike
I’m just loving the socks, Mark. ☺☺
LikeLike
And they’re comfy, too, Van. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person