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Carrington Mirrors Champion Dad
By Tom Vartabedian
Staff WriterFew
families have been more symbolic to candlepin bowling over the past 60 years than the Carringtons. First came Frank, who operated
alleys throughout the city. He retired from Pilgrim Lanes after serving as a utility worker there. Despite his advanced age
(mid-70s), he still throws a mean ball for high scores in a mixed league. His son Gary, known throughout bowling circles as
"Babe," was ranked "pro bowler of the year" twice in the past decade, won nine pro tours, seven world team titles against
Canada, and seven all-events state titles. His top average of 137 is complemented by a 196 single, 499 triple, 796 for five
strings and a top 10 Maine house record of 1,430. He made more than 100 television appearances. Now at 47, the Babe is still
averaging 132 and bowls three times a week in two leagues. Now there is Mike | Gary's son, who stretches the family tradition
over three generations. The 16-year-old upstart just won the all-events title in the 2004 Youth Candlepin Championship Tournament
in Portsmouth, N.H. Twelve of his 13 strings were over 100 and he finished with an incredible 127.5 average. Mike started
his quest with a 140 single, then a 162. After the pins settled, he had won singles, doubles and team play, which made the
title automatic. Along with it came the usual plethora of awards and a $500 scholarship to the college of his choice. "For
a kid that young, he's doing the unthinkable," said his Pilgrim Lanes coach Bart Maderios. "I see visions of his dad. He certainly
has similar intensity. Mike serves as a mentor for many of the younger bowlers. He's been with us 10 years and has really
come into his own." Over the past decade, Mike Carrington, called "little Babe," has rolled a 170 single, 399 triple, 672
for 5 strings and 1,313 for 10 strings, winning prizes in all those categories. His teammates at Portsmouth shared in the
success: Danny Walsh, Cameron Kelly, John Joyce and Dave Godwin. Carrington partnered with Godwin to take the doubles crown
with a 10-string total of 1,190 over a field of 110. "I heard father and son challenging one another as to who would hit that
200 single first," said the elder Carrington. "For my money, I'll go with Mike. He's a lot younger and has his best years
ahead of him." In contrast, Gary Carrington was averaging 112 when he was his son's age, but there's still much to learn.
"He's got to be more patient with himself," said Gary. "He'll listen to advice from his coaches and has done some pretty amazing
feats." Ever since he was a youngster, wherever you found Babe, Mike was sure to follow. If his dad was on 100-plus TV shows,
so was his son. That was him seated in the front row, cheering his father along and visualizing himself in that role some
day. With high jackpots and name players, the opportunities were endless. "I've seen the best and now I want to be the best,"
said Mike. "My dad's been my role model | my idol. He's been there for me every step of the way." Two TV appearances may soon
become a third for Mike. He'll be appearing on a Candlepin for Kids Show Dec. 12 in Woburn in a 5-string roll-off against
other state contenders. A year ago, he threw an 89 over the last five boxes to catch an opponent in Southbridge. "My goal
is to become a world champion and keep the Carrington name out there," said Mike. "Who'll hit 200 first, me or my dad? It
all depends on who has the right moment."
Published on Friday, December 3, 2004
Haverhill Gazette, Haverhill, MA.
Reprinted with permission.
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