Turn your volume down - The Fans Speak Out

Bowling Digest, Dec, 2003 by Frank Houston

I'm sick of reading letters that put down Pete Weber for his verbal expressions on TV. None of these people see what Weber is like off camera during qualifying and match play. I've seen Pete bowl an eight-game block, come off of the lanes dead tired and carrying a double ball bag on each shoulder, dragging one behind him and one in front of him. A massive crowd of children is usually waiting for him because they want to say "hi" and get an autograph. He stops and says "give me a couple of minutes to put this stuff away and I'll be back," and sure enough he returns and spends as much time as is needed to sign balls, a PBA book, or just a piece of paper.

I have even seen Weber go back and get a new shirt and autograph it for a person he considered very special. On that occasion, Pete's gratitude brought tears to this person's eyes. Weber has a heart of gold, he just seldom shows it anymore due to not being able to be himself for fear of someone running to the PBA commissioner and filing another complaint and possibly facing another suspension. Fans need to realize that when one of the pros has had a bad block, he needs to be left alone. He may say something out of sheer frustration and not mean it. That can happen.

As for poor language during the telecasts, these guys are professionals and whether they lose money for that week, break even, or manage to take that first-place check depends on where they place. To them, it is a job more than a sport. If you're watching a show and fear you may hear someone let slip a foul word, I suggest that you turn the volume down.

Frank Houston

Daytona Beach