Bowling for Glory: Why 'Born to Bowl' Is the Anti-Sports Documentary We Need
When I first heard about Born to Bowl, HBO’s new docuseries about professional bowling, my initial reaction was, “Really? Bowling?” But here’s the thing: what makes this particularly fascinating is how the directors, Brian Lazarte and James Lee Hernandez, have managed to turn a seemingly mundane sport into a captivating exploration of grit, passion, and the human condition. Personally, I think this is the kind of storytelling that challenges our preconceptions about what sports documentaries can—and should—be.
The Unseen World of Professional Bowling
One thing that immediately stands out is how little most of us know about professional bowling. Sure, we’ve all been to a bowling alley for a birthday party or a casual night out, but the idea of it as a high-stakes, competitive sport? That’s a world most of us never consider. What many people don’t realize is that these athletes—yes, athletes—are often living on the financial edge, pouring their own money into travel, equipment, and training, all for a shot at glory. It’s the antithesis of the glitz and glamour we see in Drive to Survive or the NBA, where athletes are millionaires before they hit their prime.
From my perspective, this juxtaposition is what makes Born to Bowl so compelling. Take E.J. Tackett, one of the sport’s most decorated stars. Despite his success, he’s taken over his parents’ bowling center to make ends meet. Or Kyle Troup, who went back to his job at Wendy’s the day after winning a major tournament. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a sport where the line between professional athlete and everyday person is razor-thin. It’s a reminder that not all sports are created equal—and that’s okay.
The Directors’ Vision: A Left-of-Center Approach
What this really suggests is that Lazarte and Hernandez are masters of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Coming off projects like McMillions and The Big Conn, which exposed financial scams and scandals, their shift to bowling might seem odd. But in my opinion, it’s a natural evolution. Both projects share a common thread: they pull back the curtain on worlds we think we understand, revealing layers of complexity and humanity.
A detail that I find especially interesting is their decision to approach Born to Bowl as the “antithesis of Drive to Survive.” While Drive to Survive focuses on the high-octane, high-budget world of Formula 1, Born to Bowl is grounded in the gritty, underdog spirit of its subjects. It’s not about luxury or fame; it’s about perseverance and passion. This raises a deeper question: Why do we romanticize certain sports while overlooking others?
The Human Stories Behind the Lanes
What makes Born to Bowl truly shine is its focus on the personalities. Anthony Simonsen, the hothead prodigy. Cameron Crowe, the rookie navigating the pressures of professional bowling. These aren’t just bowlers; they’re characters in a larger narrative about ambition and sacrifice. Personally, I think the directors’ ability to humanize these athletes is what sets this series apart.
One thing that struck me is how the series avoids the trap of making fun of its subjects. As Lazarte and Hernandez point out, these bowlers take their craft deathly seriously, and the series respects that. It’s funny, but never at the expense of the athletes. This balance is rare in sports documentaries, and it’s a testament to the directors’ skill.
Bowling as a Metaphor for Life
If you take a step back and think about it, bowling is a perfect metaphor for life. It’s about precision, patience, and the occasional strike of luck. But what many people don’t realize is how much of the sport is mental. The oil patterns on the lanes, the pressure of competition, the constant grind—it’s a game that demands both physical and mental fortitude.
This raises a deeper question: Why do we dismiss certain sports as “less than”? Bowling may not have the flash of football or the prestige of golf, but it’s no less demanding. In fact, it’s a sport that’s accessible to anyone, yet its professional ranks are filled with athletes who’ve dedicated their lives to mastering it. That, to me, is the ultimate underdog story.
The Future of Sports Storytelling
Personally, I think Born to Bowl is a game-changer for sports documentaries. It proves that you don’t need multimillion-dollar contracts or global fame to tell a compelling story. What matters is the human element—the struggles, the triumphs, the sheer will to keep going.
As we move forward, I hope more filmmakers take this approach. There are countless sports and athletes out there whose stories deserve to be told, not because they’re famous, but because they’re human. Born to Bowl isn’t just a series about bowling; it’s a reminder that every sport, no matter how overlooked, has a story worth telling.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Born to Bowl is more than a docuseries—it’s a cultural statement. It challenges us to rethink what we value in sports and who we consider athletes. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it’s unapologetically real. If you’re looking for a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, this is it.
And if you’re wondering about my high score? Let’s just say I’m sticking to my day job. But after watching Born to Bowl, I have a newfound respect for anyone who steps up to the lane.
