Team USA to make head coach transition in 2010 (source: New York Times)

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Team USA to make head coach transition in 2010 (source: New York Times)

The History of Candlepin Bowling

Developing the game of Candlepin Bowling has been as challenging as the game itself and a look back at the history of this variation of 10-pin bowling will show that this popular game has taken the long road to become what we know it to be today.

It is generally accepted, although some would disagree, that the game of candlepin bowling was first introduced sometime between 1885 and 1890. The exact date is unknown but several references indicate that candlepin bowling has existed for more than 100 years and the candlepin bowling industry agrees that it was born in Worcester, Massachusetts.

There are three men credited with the creation of candlepin bowling; Justin P White, Jack Monsey and Jack Sheafe. Sources say that the original pins were 10 high and 1 in diameter, and the pins were set 11 apart. The pins were arranged in a triangular design 50 feet away from the player, and gave the appearance of candles, creating the name candlepin bowling.

It was soon discovered that pins with those specific dimensions were very difficult to knock over and a bowling ball that measured only three inches in diameter and weighed only two pounds was a frustrating combination for the players. Also the original pins and balls were made of hardwood, which made it impossible to create any kind of uniformity amongst them.

The first rules of the game also included the removal of the felled pins from the playing area, which was one of the rules taken from ten-pin bowling at the time. Although after many changes to the game by its creators it was decided that the felled pins which lie fairly in the playing area should remain there, thus giving the bowler an added advantage. It has since been proven that the felled pins do not always favor the player. The new pin size, which is still in effect today, was 15 inches in length, 1- inches at each end and 2 15/16 inches at the center. The creators were hoping that the problems that they recognized would be solved and that a new attitude amongst candlepin players would develop with these new standards.

The size of the ball was also adjusted to be increased from 3 inches to a maximum of 4 inches in diameter and its weight to a maximum of 2 pounds 7 ounces. These changes did greatly improve the scores of participants and made candlepin bowling more fun.

In those days any bowler who could maintain an average of 105-110 was an outstanding player, these days professionals at the sport carry averages close to 140.

There are many reasons for this drastic improvement in the players score. There are no longer pin boys now that his job has been replaced by machine. The machine can spot pins exactly each and every time. Since the arrangement of the pins is scientifically designed, the exact placement of each pin in crucial. Any pin that is slightly off the spot would have an enormous effect on the way the pins react upon contact with the ball.

Another drastic improvement in the sport is the development of the plastic pin, which improved scores notably. It is durable and maintains its original shape for far longer than the wooden pins, and is much more predictable when contacted by the ball.

Also, the bowling ball has gone through significant improvement now that it is made of a plastic synthetic composition. It is much truer in shape and weight than the earlier balls and is manufactured to be perfectly shaped.

The history of this fun and engaging sport has given us a game truly transformed throughout the years to become the game we know and love today.

Arizona boxing fan running Today’s Boxing News Blog

Phoenix, Arizona boxing fan, Daniel Fonza, is running the Today’s Boxing News Blog located at: http://www.247boxing.com. This blog posts a daily diet of interesting news and announcements about the Sweet Science.

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Arizona boxing fan running Today’s Boxing News Blog