GET A GRIP

Taking their name from a brand of vulcanized rubber, Ebonite International began as a manufacturer of rubber bowling balls and is now the parent company of several bowling ball brands. Ebonite was an early adopter of the Bates Grip, patented in 1933 by bowler Sully Bates. The Bates Grip added a third hole to bowling balls, while earlier balls only had two. The third hole allowed for easier handling as well as better control while rolling. The grip would ultimately become standard in all bowling balls.