Turkey Bowling, Your New Favorite Sport

Have you ever thought about taking your turkey day to the next level? Maybe with a bit more action than your usual post-feast nap? Well, get ready to embrace your new favorite sport—Turkey Bowling. It’s quirky, hilarious, and completely relatable to today’s audience. After all, who doesn’t love an unexpected twist on classic traditions?

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A Frozen Legend

It all started in the '80s at a Lucky's supermarket in Newport Beach, California. Derrick "DJ" Johnson, a night-shift stocker, noticed something amusing about the frozen turkeys being slid across the meat counter: they rolled. One thing led to another, and Johnson set up a few 2-liter soda bottles as pins and began sliding wrapped Butterball turkeys down the aisles. Just like that, Turkey Bowling was born. (According to a 1989 article in the LA Times)

As Johnson recalled, “The turkeys, they just glide so perfectly. I had to see where this could go.” And go it did. The sport quickly gained a cult following, thanks to Johnson’s creativity and a little help from the media. A turkey with a good roll earned a “gobbler” (that’s two strikes in a row), while a “wishbone” referred to the challenging 7-10 split. Johnson even coined “hen” as the term for a spare—talk about bringing the farm to the alley.

From Supermarket to Spotlight

The story didn’t stay local for long. A sports columnist from the Orange County Register discovered the story, and before long, Johnson found himself on national television. He appeared on Good Morning America and The Arsenio Hall Show, spreading the joys of Turkey Bowling far and wide. But fame isn’t always all gravy.

According to a 1989 Chicago Tribune article, Butterball wasn’t pleased with the free marketing. The company sent Johnson a cease and desist letter, claiming that his antics could damage their turkeys’ quality image. One spokesperson even stated it was “inappropriate” to use a Butterball turkey for bowling. Johnson, however, was undeterred, sticking with his love for the turkey brand, especially thanks to their “Turkey Lift” handle that made bowling a breeze.

The Game Lives On

Though Johnson's time in the spotlight was brief, the spirit of Turkey Bowling lives on, even if its history is mostly preserved through rumors and a humble Wikipedia page. His vision didn’t end with the turkey toss—he envisioned an entire "Grocery Games" to raise money for food charities, with events like cantaloupe basketball and live lobster races (someone get on that, seriously).

While Turkey Bowling’s official governing body, the Poultry Bowling Association, didn’t stick around long, there’s still a place for it. Whether it’s a quirky team-building event or a hilarious Thanksgiving tradition, Turkey Bowling is here for the fun and a bit of nostalgia.