Most had bumpers (gutter guards) installed already so that little kids would enjoy the game more.
Most centers allowed them to be used by the handicapped as well. Then most came up with
"ramps" that the handicapped could set the ball on, give it a push and then watch it roll straight
down the lanes. These are great alternatives for the disabled who simply want to have fun. But
these centers don't know "Pappy" Eisenbach.
Roger "Pappy" Eisenbach is 21 years old and has cerebral palsy. Some might use the word
"suffers" but Pappy doesn't suffer from anything other than the intolerance of some fools. Pappy
doesn't want to bowl with bumpers or ramps. As you can see from the above pictures, he
crawls out on the lanes with his bowling ball and gives it a mighty push. And this isn't on
"practice" bowling either, but rather a cut throat men's league. He bowls next to some of the best
bowlers in our area and gives it his all. That might be enough of a story for some, but they really
need to meet and watch Pappy in action.
Pappy accepts his lot in life, with a smile and a laugh. While many I have met with his
circumstances are bitter and angry, Pappy is one of a kind.
One night on the league the lane approaches were very sticky. A bowling alley porter came
down and cleaned the approach and got all of the sticky spots up. While the porter was cleaning
the appraoches Pappy (sporting his trademark sly grin)told him, "If I slip and fall I am going to
sue you!" That's Pappy.
My team consists of Thad Bewley (my caddy and gadfly), Jerry Douglas and myself. Over
the weeks of this league we have developed a kind of tradition that keeps us lighthearted and
enjoying the game. When we have a frame in which all three of us strike we do a "River Dance,"
locking arms and doing a really bad jig. One night we were bowling against Pappy's team and
having a grand old time; bowling well and doing our "River Dances." Well, Pappy got a strike in
the second game and his dad, Roger Eisenbach Sr. told Pappy that he had to do a "River Dance"
since he got a strike. Pappy was crawling back from the foul line and said, "Okay." He was on
all fours and throwing his hands up and down like his hands were River Dancing. That's Pappy.
Many use wheelchair ramps to get down into the bowling area, not Pappy. He parks his chair
behind the lanes and crawls down into the "pit" on his own. When it is his turn he crawls out on
the lanes on all fours, dragging his ball with him. When he gets to the foul line he gives the ball a
mighty shove and watches the ball with the same hunger and suspense that regular bowlers do.
Pappy doesn't just want to bowl, he wants to bowl well. Considering all he is up against, Pappy
manages to average in the 120-140 range. Like others he gets angry when he has a bad bowling
night. That's Pappy.
Years ago when I returned to bowling I would see him doing these things. I had doubts over
and over again through the last few years wondering if I had the stuff. I wondered if I could find
the strength to bowl game after game. Then one night I watched Pappy bowl with his family.
This put it all in perspective for me. Whether I win or lose, succeed or fail I will give it my all,
because of Pappy and others like him.
There are only a few people in the world that I truly look up to, and Pappy is one of them.
Whether he is pushing the ball down the lane or shooting pool from his wheelchair, Roger
"Pappy" Eisenbach will always be one that I look to for inspiration. On league nights that I feel
weak, tired or run down, I just look to the lanes Pappy is bowling on and remember the power
of "I can!"
Be well,
Dwain "Sponge Daddy" Koch
10/25/2004
