The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-05
A BOWLING SERIES ENDS
WORK OF THE TEAMS IN THE TOUR
NAMENT THUS FAR.
Low Scores in New Independent Alleys
The Irishmen Form "A Team
The Averages.

The interest in the tournament Of the In
dianapolis Bowling League continued with
increased interest during the last week.
Friday nights games completed the series,
each team having met each of the other
teams of the eight clubs forming the
league. The champions of last season are
still indicated, having scored seven
straight victories, defeating each team.
The tournament is now one-third over. the
round being made three times before the
championship is determined and the tourna-
ment ended.
The players are warming up to the work
in great shape. Night after night there are
practice games on all the alleys. 1t is hard
for the players to accustom themselves to
the new Independent Turner alleys. They
are regulation size, sixty feet long, while
the German House alleys are but fifty-two
feet and the Lyra alleys but fifty-five feet.
1t makes quite a difference with a player
who calculates the speed of a bill carefully.
He has been accustomed to shorter alley
and cannot get used to adding the little
extra exertion required to send the bail
true over the longer course. And if he does
add the extra force, he does not know just
how much TO add. He is at great disad-
vantage. That is why the scores of games
on these alleys have been so low. After
awhile, however it is believed the scores
will be better on the new alleys than on
the others, for they are the best in the
city and a little more practice will make
the players perfect.
1t is now common sight to see players
carrying their individual balls about the
streets in cases made for the purpose.
Bowlers are getting as fastidious as bill
lard players. They must have their indi-
vidual balls, just as billardst must have
his own cue, a tennis player his own
racket or golf player his own golf sticks.
Joseph Siersdorfer has one Of the best balls
in the city. 1t is made of lignum vitae,
and Is said to be almost absolutely true.
Charles Off has sixteen-pounder, which
he leaves at the Independent Turner al
leys. 1t is much sought after by the bowl
ers and he is liberal enough to allow
others to use it, but it is a little too heavy
for the average bowler, and few make good
scores with it. Wilmer Critchlow, of the
Capital Citys, expected to work charm
with his new ball in the game Wednesday
night against the COMMUNICATIONS. but
when the game ended and his total amount
ed to only ninety pins, he concluded that
there was nothing in the individual ball
business. He would dispose of his at less
than cost
1t is not probable that the New York ex-
perts, who will make a trip through the
Middle and Western States shortly will
come to Indianapolis. Secretary w. c..
Manifold, of the league, wrote these gen.
tlemen that the bowlers of Indianapolis
were almost too busy with the tournament
to undertake to meet any outsiders. but he
asked that he be informed when the party
would come West, and if possible would ar
range a date The three experts want a
match with three local players. There is a
strong desire on the part of many mem
bers Of the bowling clubs that the attrac-
ton be brought here. They think it will be
a fine entertainment, will tend to increase
the interest in bowling, and will enable local
players to pick UP few points that will be
of value.