We are soooo back!

Throwback article that inspired this piece: https://sites.google.com/view/bowlingshoesleaguess6/articles/opening-night

“Poki. 3KD. Bumpers. XLB.

Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the pins attacked. Only the league, master of the elements, could stop them, but when the world needed it the most, it vanished. 10 years have passed and my brother, cousin, and I discovered the new league, BSL, and although their oil bending skills are great, They have a lot to learn before they’re ready to save anyone. But I believe BSL can save the world.” - Avatar, The Last Airbender

I’ve been asked by my peers to post some articles this season and I must confess… I’m lost.. Life has been pulling me every which way, and being some visionary wordsmith just isn't on the menu right now. The parents of the league understand you pour all your time and energy into trying to foster your kids' potential. Who has time to contemplate their own?

Look, it’s not like I was ever some professional writer coming up with original ideas. So, what’s the move for a burnt-out, uncreative scribe? We yoink and twist baby. I’ll just read the old stuff, change a few things, and call it a day! Let's be real, we’re in the AI era now. ChatGPT will handle most of the effort anyway.

As I was reading through some of the old pieces, I couldn’t help but feel something awaken inside. Honestly, getting hyped on your own supply is peak narcissism lmao. The truth is, these pieces served as somewhat of a diary. An account of past events. A history book of eras gone by. And if I'm being completely vulnerable, I choked up a bit.

The linked article above was me trying to put everything into perspective. It was a moment where I thought I had everything figured out. I was a shepherd who was to show the flock the way. I firmly believe life’s greatest travesty is wasted potential and I just want the world and everything in it to be the best versions we can be.

And we were fucking beautiful. We fostered a competitive league that allowed us to experience heroic bowling moments. We generated world class content in the form of writing, audio podcasts, youtube videos, IG updates, etc. Sandbags, fans, cardboard cutouts, team uniforms, giant mule cups, rounding errors, Bryant rule, haha dx, keys… iykyk.

I get it… It’s a lot to live up to. If you’re a freshman in the league, you’re trying to find your way. You’re thrusted into interaction with 39 other people and you’re thinking they all know each other. How do I fit in? How will I contribute to the vibes?

If you’re a sophomore, junior, or senior, you’re still hungry, but worried. Your focus is still on the ultimate prize, but the grind is started to wear on you. The handicap isn’t as big as it was. The other players keep getting better. How do I be a different animal, but the same beast? What the fuck does that mean?

Old heads slowly create more and more space for others. Life gets in the way and they don’t have as much investment as they once did. They think their best days are behind them and it’s time for someone else to lead the charge. We don’t write as much. We don’t podcast as much. We don’t youtube as much. We don’t bowl as much…

But as I was reading BSL’s history books, I couldn’t help but feel inspired as I relived our beautiful game all over again. I can’t wait to see what everyone brings to the table this season! Ultimately I just wanted this to be a reminder that our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

Welcome back BSL. Lets get it.