It comes down to a simple fact on the lanes this season for Louisville’s Todd Dorosky.
When he is free of pain, he bowls well; otherwise, it can be a struggle.
The 54-year-old left-hander has been plagued by a bone spur in his right foot this season. In the past, he also had reconstructive surgery on his elbow and wrist problems.
On one November night in the Wednesday Eagles league at Eastbury, Dorosky was free of foot pain — and his scores showed it.
“The foot wasn’t bothering me that night, and I told the guys that it could be a bad night — and I meant bad in a good way,” said the 54-year-old left-hander who is employed by Hughes Glass in Akron.
“The shot was really nice and everything was really clicking in practice.”
Dorosky went on to shoot 300, 234 and 279 for an 813 series, his eighth 800 series to go along with 23 300 games — and his second this season.
Dorosky’s only regret is, the series could have been higher.
“After the 300, in the second game, to be honest, it was all me,” said Dorosky, who bowls in two leagues at Eastbury. “I had the front four (strikes) and then left a 2-4 when I pulled it.
“I got that spare, struck, and then went back to the same lane and left a 2-4-7 when I pulled it again. Then I strike into the 10th and leave a 2-4-7-8 and pick that up.”
“Every time I put the ball in the pocket, I struck. It was a simple as that.”
In the final game, Dorosky had the front eight strikes before pulling another shot and leaving a 2-pin. He covered that and struck out for the 800.
Dorosky used a 7-year-old Roto Grip Wreck-em for his honor score, a ball he purchased after it had been discontinued.
“This season has really been up and down. I really can’t hook the ball like I used to,” said Dorosky, who averages 226 and 214 in his two leagues. “If I feel good, I don’t bowl too badly. The foot has been bothering me.
“But that was a night were I felt good, and everything just went.”
It came after Dorosky shot just 586 the previous Monday.
“The funny thing is, I really didn’t miss the pocket, but my heel was hurting,” Dorosky added. “There’s a difference when it doesn’t”