Dick Weber was only four years old when Joe Norris organized the Stroh's Beer team in 1933. In 1934, Norris and the Stroh's team captured the ABC Tournament championship. Weber made his talent known in the 1950s with the fabled Budweisers.
Sixty-six years later, Norris, 92, and Weber, 70, are still going strong, and they delighted their fans at the Albuquerque Convention Center March 14 when they teamed in the doubles event of the ABC Tournament.
On the evening prior to that historical pairing, many of the bowlers participated in the Bowlers Journal Tournament at Sun Valley Lanes in Albuquerque. It was about eight o'clock in the evening, and the center already had its share of bowling's best. Walking through the center, you saw such greats as Fred Borden, Palmer Fallgren, Del Ballard Jr., Pete McCordic, and Dick Weber.
However, a few minutes later, in walked Joe Norris and suddenly everyone stopped what they were doing and huddled around this wonderful gentleman. It wasn't long and the stories were flowing, and Joe was the center of attraction. After kissing most of the women in the center and signing untold autographs, Joe rolled a few practice games and was ready for the ABC event.
Fans of bowling know of the records set by both Norris and Weber, so I won't waste a lot of space on what's been well-documented. But I want you to know that those two probably did more for bowling during the ABC Convention week than the best marketing agency in the world could have done. Weber and Norris have a genuine respect for each other, and as Weber put it, "Joe's my hero." Beyond the respect, you see two men who genuinely care for each other.
Prior to the doubles and singles events, Norris and Weber were warming up in the paddock area, and the bowlers scheduled for the 7:30 p.m. shift suddenly realized they were among two living legends.
It was time for the historic event, and the spectators had filled the seats behind lanes 23 and 24. Writers such as Chuck Pezzano, Dick Evans, and John Jowdy, photojournalists, ABC staffers, and fans were joined by such PBA greats as Bill Lillard, Les Zikes, and Pete McCordic. The greats of the Professional Womens Bowling Association, including Leanne Barrette, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Anne Marie Duggan, Cathy Dorin, Kim Terrell, Jan Schmidt, and Aleta Sill, watched and cheered as these two champions performed.
Norris, who has the ABC Tournament total pinfall record, and Weber, who has won titles in five decades, set out to have a good time. Both men wanted to have good scores, but scoring wasn't what this was all about. They hugged more than once, they shared a candy bar together, and they did their very best to please those of us watching.
At the end of the doubles event, Norris had games of 151-133-171 for a 455 series. Weber rolled 218-201-190 for 609. In the singles event, Weber rolled 192-249-211 for a 652, and Norris had 154-148-202 for a 504.
Norris struck out in the tenth frame of his final game, and it brought a roar from the crowd. The ever-gracious Norris smiled and waved to everyone.
The bowling was over, but Norris and Weber were still in demand, and crowds gathered to take any photograph they could and get their autographs. Ever obliging, always smiling, and finding time for everyone, they stayed, they signed, and they posed.
Bowling may not have the following of golf, baseball, football, basketball, or even tennis for that matter. But, it isn't because we don't have superstars and legends. We do. Unfortunately, we don't market them as well as we should. Maybe that's about to change.
All I can tell you is, if seeing Norris and Weber didn't make you puff up a little, you might want to check your pulse. If seeing the greats of both the men and the women of our sport cheering and supporting these two individuals didn't make you proud, then I don't know what in this game would.
The bottom line is that two wonderful professionals shared a period of time with each other that neither will forget. There have been many titles, trophies, prize money, and tournaments in their lives, but this is a lasting memory for both. They actually love each other, and we felt it.
It was wonderful.
Don Wright is a member of the Bowling Writers Association of America. Visit Don's web site.