Columnist John McCarroon: Baker’s 238 average tops seniors

John McCarroon

Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998 | 7:42 a.m.

JOHN McCARRONis a former pro bowler, international coach and a member of the Massachusetts Bowling Hall of Fame. He can be reached via the internet at J300SUN@aol.com or by fax at 254-7330.

VETERAN DICK Baker averaged 238 to dominate the field at the Gold Coast Senior Scratch Bowlers Tour. Baker's 1194 ($280) total also topped second-place finisher Roy Meadows 1162 ($140).

Other top finishers included: 3. Hal Wilber 1154, $115; 4. Bud Lang 1137, $100, 5. Dennis Gustafson 1133, $80; 6. Ron De Groat 1131, $70; 7. Roger Johnson 1129, $60; 8. Jack Martin 1113, $55 and Ki Koy 1101, $45. Super Senior Division winners Vaughn Doody (1077) and Gerald Baird (1050( earned $40 each. Wilber and Meadows (2316, $120), took the doubles title over Baker and Martin (2307, $80). Koy and Jay Hardy had the tournament high game of 268.

The next SSBT event is set for Feb. 15 at Sam's Town with a 10 a.m. start. Call tournament director Gary Walters at 646-8466 for details.

* TRIVIA TIME: What is the new way the PBA will determine a winner if the two finalists tie on TV?

* KELLY'S A HERO: Bill Kelly's ($160) 249 earned him the Gold Coast Survival Shoot-Out title over Derreck Anderson ($100), who rolled a 200 in the championship match. Anderson had defeated Koy Baily ($80), Jay Godown ($54) and Kevin Wheeler. Wheeler had high game of 279 during qualifying. The Gold Coast Shoot-Out is held every Thursday at 11:30 p.m. with a $25 entry fee. Call tournament director Jason Gupton at 367-4700 for details

* COACH'S CORNER: If you missed the beginning of the fall season now is your chance to join a mid-season league. Most new leagues run until May. Before the first night of league plays, get your wardrobe ready. Wearing the right clothes will help tremendously. Comfortable pants are a big hit along with a short sleeve, loose-fitting shirt. Don' forget to bring a pair of freshly laundered socks to protect those precious feet. Bringing some lip balm in case your hand swells will help with your ball release. A clean towel to wipe the sweat from your hands and forehead will help, too. On the night of your league competition, it's better to eat light. A big meal will not only make you feel uncomfortable when bowling but will aid in making your hands swell. Good luck and have fun.

* TRIVIA ANSWER: The PBA has gone to a sudden death, best ball format to determine tie winners, as opposed to the traditional ninth and 10th roll total.