Hoots and hollers filled the Brunswick Zone Bowling Alley on August 1st as eager fathers and sons anticipated the start of the 5th annual Hitters and Splitters event put on by the Pujols Family Foundation. After a warm welcome from Deidre Pujols, the boys were free to begin their two hours of bowl time, bringing in high scores and building new friendships.

The night was filled with strikes and spares, music and impressive victory dance moves, and memories that will never be forgotten. “What a GREAT evening!” father of Jesse and relatively new to Pujols Family Foundation events, Gary Brooks says. “We enjoyed getting to know the other guys and their dads. Lots of laughter and fun! It was like we had known each other for a long time”.  Jesse and Gary joined David Kime and his brother, and Matt Smitherman along with his father in some friendly competition.

Kime and Smitherman are long-time friends from Albert’s All-Star team, but took no time at all to include Jesse as one of their own. High-fives were all around as the boys took the lead against their fathers and brother. When asked how bowling went, Kime answered that he bowled okay, but only left with a score of 116. Brooks laughs and responds “I barely broke 100. These guys are impressive.”

Although the bowling skills were something to be talked about, it was not the only form of entertainment available for the boys and their dads. With drinks provided by Brunswick Zone and food donated by McAllister’s Deli, ice cream by Cold Stone Creamery, balloon fun by Mike’s Balloon Creations, arcade games, a visit from Charlie the tortoise from Petropolis, pictures taken with Albert Pujols, and a silent auction, there was something for everyone!

The first games were complete and as the second hour began, the lights were dimmed and the cosmic bowling extravaganza started! The energy only increased as the night continued as fathers, sons, and volunteers came together for what turned to into a giant celebration. Scores were the least of these boys worries. They were there to have some fun!

With joyful spirits, too many strikes to count, and new friendships made, the boys, fathers and volunteers for this event were thankful for the opportunity to participate. Brooks leaves for the night and simply states, “As far as Jesse and I were concerned, it was a great success!” Gary and Jesse are not alone in their high views of this night. It will indeed be one bowling party that is talked about for quite some time.