So what was the atmosphere like when bowler Rick Auerbach closed in on his perfect game Tuesday night at AMF Woodlake Lanes in Woodland Hills?
“All the lanes didn’t say anything,” said Shawn Azar, one of Auerbach’s teammates on Tuesday. “It was all hush.”
It was all quiet, that is, until Auerbach connected with a strike. Then it was an ear-deafening roar from teammates and opponents alike. All told, Auerbach put together 12 strikes to forge his fourth certified 300 game.
Auerbach, filling in as a substitute for one of the Viva Las Vegas league teams, smoked a 740 series with scores of 215, 300 and 225. He averaged 246.7 and had only four opens in the three games.
“It was exciting,” said Ron Greene, another of Auerbach’s teammates who carries a 176 average. “It was the second 300 I’ve seen.”
Greene has come close to a 300 himself, with a 276 personal best. “I lived vicariously through [Auerbach],” joked Greene, a Sherman Oaks resident.
For his part, Auerbach said he disdains too quiet of an atmosphere as he zeroes in on memorable games.
“I don’t like quiet,” said a smiling Auerbach, who socialized throughout his games with friends. “I like when people talk to me.”
The 63-year-old Auerbach, a former major leaguer, has always been outspoken whenever the subject of pressure comes up. “What I always tell everyone is that pressure is self-inflicted,” said Auerbach, a Woodland Hills resident who rolled a certified 818 series last year. “There’s no such thing as pressure. It’s what you put in your brain.”
Pressure or not, Auerbach was in a celebratory mood after the night had ended as he took home another certified 300 game. He’s also had eight practice 300 games and even though he’ll take them, it’s nothing like the sanctioned variety for Auerbach.
“It’s certified, baby,” exclaimed Auerbach when it was all over.
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