HAMMER NEWS

HAMMER VISITS SPLITSVILLE

Watch Jim Cripps on GMA here.

Jim Cripps is known to the world as ‘The Backward Bowler,’ but to us at Hammer, he’s a friend. This week, he was able to attend the Grand Opening bash at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a new part of the Downtown Disney complex in Orlando, FL.

Splitsville is an upscale 2-story, 50,000 square-foot bowling and dining complex which offers 20 lanes, 2 sushi bars, billiards tables, an outdoor dining area and live entertainment. Part of the upscale concept includes a bowling concierge who delivers your shoes to your lane, along with your food and beverages as well.

As part of the Downtown Disney complex, there was no way this place was going to open small. As a result, Cripps was asked to attend the Grand Opening and perform several trick shots in front of the crown.

“They called me a few days before and said they needed me, and there was no way I was going to say no,” explained Cripps. “I haven’t been practicing my trick shots a lot lately because I’ve been focusing on my day-job, so I was a little nervous, but it all worked out.”

Cripps works for Absolute Wireless, a Sprint phone dealer with locations all over the state of Tennessee.

When he found out Good Morning America was attending the event for a segment to air on their news show this morning, Cripps called Hammer Brand Manager Jeff Ussery for advice.

“Jim’s a good friend of ours, and a super-nice guy,” said Ussery. “When he said he was going to be on GMA, I offered to go with him. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get away, so I made sure he had a new Hammer shirt to wear for the show.”
Cripps used the Hammer Nail to show off to the crowd, and carried the front nine strikes – backwards.

It was on a dare several years ago that Cripps began bowling backwards. With a lot of practice, he’s earned the Guinness World Record of 278 and carries an average of 204. His skill has gotten him around the world, as far as Tokyo, to share the fun of bowling.

“I love the sport of bowling,” explained Cripps. “Turning around has changed my life and given me the opportunity to make friends all over the world. Hammer’s been a part of that all along, and I appreciate their support. It’s truly been humbling and awesome at the same time.”

—  Ebonite Bowling Balls & Bowling Equipment - Ebonite is a brand of Ebonite International, Inc. Based in Hopkinsville, Ky., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets domestically and internationally. In addition to Ebonite, the company’s consumer product brands include Hammer,Columbia 300,Track, Robby’s and Powerhouse™; its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.

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• 12/07/2012
  HAMMER VISITS SPLITSVILLE

  Watch Jim Cripps on GMA here.

  
  

  Jim Cripps is known to the world as ‘The Backward Bowler,’ but