Tired of sitting around the bar, Homer and Moe try getting a lane at the bowling alley. They are turned down, however, because they aren’t in a league. Determined to start a league of his own, but short of cash, Homer asks Mr. Burns for the required 500 dollar registration fee. Burns, under the influence of ether, mistakes Homer for the Pop ‘n Fresh Doughboy and writes him a check. Meanwhile, Bart “innocently” removes his sweater during Mrs. Krabappel’s class, revealing a Mad magazine iron-on word-by-word which reads: “Down With Homework.” His stunt prompts a student riot, embarrassing Skinner in front of Superintendant Chalmers.

Homer’s team, which includes Moe, Apu and Otto, starts out on shakey ground. But when Homer creates a chant so the members can support one another, the team wins game after game. Mr. Burns,now clearheaded, discovers the cancelled check he gave Homer. Rather than press charges, Burns announces his intention of joining the league. Meanwhile, outraged by the student uprising, Skinner decides to impliment a stringent dress code.

Mr. Burns replaces Otto as the team’s fourth member, but he is barely able to push a bowling ball onto the lane, let alone throw it. Homer’s dream of winning the championship trophy fades, but with some luck and determination, the team, dubbed The Pin Pals, makes it to the final game. Their opponents, The Holy Rollers, comprised of Reverend Lovejoy, Ned Flanders, and their wives, literally have God on their side. With victory hinged on Burns’ last frame, the Pin Pals hold their collective breath. Burns pushes the ball onto the lane. At that moment, Otto accidentally tips over a novelty machine, and the resulting vibration knocks down crucial pins. Homer’s team wins... but Mr. Burns keeps the trophy for himself. Meanwhile, Skinner’s bleak dress code demoralizes the students, erasing their rebelliousness. But as Skinner watches in horror, a rainstorm soaks the children’s cheap uniforms, creating psychidelic colors. The children, stimulated by the colors, go wild in front of a furious Chalmers.