The 13th Frame | A Weekly Bowling Column by Joe Da Bolla Jr. II

THE MISSION

PRESERVING THE SOUL OF THE LANES

My name is Joe Da Bolla Jr. II, and I've spent fifty years sniffing oiled maple, listening to the thunder of hard rubber, and drinking bad coffee in neighborhood alleys across this country.

The 13th Frame is my weekly love letter to a sport that defined community. In each column, we blow the dust off forgotten trophies, chase down rumors of regional legends, and salute the people who gave this game its grit.

"No lane is too obscure, no bowler's tale too tall, and no historical frame too distant."

Joe Da Bolla Jr. II

Weekly Columnist & Alley Historian

WEEKLY TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS

ON THE LANES THIS MONTH

Click a topic to dive into our rich archival stories.

HISTORIC

1. BOWLING HISTORY

Diving deep into the ancient origins of the ten-pin game, from ancient Egyptian clay stones to the rowdy tavern leagues of 19th-century Manhattan.

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LEGENDS

2. PBA PERSONALITIES

Uncovering the larger-than-life characters of the professional bowling tour's golden age. The fierce rivalries, the big personalities, and the high stakes.

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GOLDEN ERA

3. THE GLORY DAYS

A nostalgic trip back to the 1950s and 60s when bowling lanes were the vibrant centers of neighborhood life, community leagues, and live evening television.

Includes rare 1961 tournament records.

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ARCHITECTURAL LOST SOULS

4. FORGOTTEN BOWLING CENTERS

Documenting the grand architectural marvels, the neon-lit mid-century lanes, and local small-town alley joints that have been lost to history.

Includes archival photo collections.

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PRESERVING THE SOUL OF THE LANES

Joe Da Bolla Jr. II

ON THE LANES THIS MONTH

1. BOWLING HISTORY

2. PBA PERSONALITIES

3. THE GLORY DAYS

4. FORGOTTEN BOWLING CENTERS

BEFORE THE TROPHY COMES THE DECISION

A 300 Game, a Rookie, and the Choice to Go Pro

LOCKER PASS

PRESERVING THE SOUL OF THE LANES

Joe Da Bolla Jr. II

ON THE LANES THIS MONTH

1. BOWLING HISTORY

2. PBA PERSONALITIES

3. THE GLORY DAYS

4. FORGOTTEN BOWLING CENTERS

BEFORE THE TROPHY COMES THE DECISION

A 300 Game, a Rookie, and the Choice to Go Pro

THE 13TH FRAME LOCKER ROOM

LOCKER PASS