What is expected when four old-time bowling junkies get together for a gab session? The principals involved in this joyful gathering? Joe Norris, Andy Marzich, Joe Lyou, and myself.
The initial meeting was the brainchild of PBA Hall of Famer Andy Marzich, a genuine bowling buff and a great admirer of bowling's greatest ambassador, Joe Norris, a San Diego resident.
It all began with a phone call from Joe Lyou, former publisher of the Pacific Bowler. Lyou, for umpteen years, has extolled the feats and accomplishments of California bowling stars. He informed me that he and Marzich were driving to San Diego to have Andy's car checked at his personal mechanic. Andy suggested we get together with Joe Norris for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
The idea was a no-brainer. Why not? Four bowling fanatics exchanging views and opinions of the game covering an era from the glorious 40s and 50s to the present day scoring madness.
Inasmuch as we agreed to meet in San Diego's famed Little Italy area, it was appropriate that we partake in Italian food. We chose Felippe's, a quaint family-owned eatery that served great food, provided ample parking space, and afforded us privacy.
The star of the show, of course, was the venerable and ageless wonder, Joe Norris—unquestionably one of the great sports figures of our lifetime. At age 90, Joe possesses the most remarkable memory one can imagine. While hundreds of thousands of American citizens 25 to 30 years younger than Joe suffer from Alzheimer's Disease or other related ailments, Norris is a picture of health.
Although he no longer drives a car, I was honored to chauffer him back and forth to our session. Joe is alert, bowls three leagues a week, attends functions all over the country, and can recall some of the greatest and most interesting stories in the history of the game. An unassuming legend, he is ever ready to mingle with bowlers. Never one to dwell on his deeds, he is complimentary towards great bowling stars, past and present.
Despite his fabled feats, his only goal left in bowling is breaking Bill Doehrman's 71-year participation in ABC Tournament competition. Joe recorded his 69th year in 1998. His record pinfall of over 120,000 will last forever.
Andy Marzich, a former member of the world famous Falstaff team and a six-time PBA champion, was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1990. His Falstaff team included ABC Hall of Famers Billy Welu, Harry Smith, and Dick Hoover. Marzich never comes up short for contributing stories to the get-together.
Joe Lyou, affectionately dubbed "The Cunning Oriental," is the greatest Korean bowling writer in the United States. Since Joe is the only known Korean bowling writer in America, he is fairly secure in exercising this reputation.
Whereas Joe assumes his role as a great listener, his coverage of bowling for over 50 years contains a world of interesting tales. Although retired, Lyou continues to pen articles for Bowling World, a northern California publication.
Recently, two new bowling junkies joined the group—Barry Asher, a member of both the ABC and PBA Halls of Fame, and Chick Romano, an old-time bowler from the New York-New Jersey area.
Glenn Allison, scheduled to accompany Asher and Romano, had to cancel due to surgery. However, he assured us that he would attend future gatherings.
Asher, who recently joined the PBA Senior Tour, related numerous tales of interest. At age 11, at the request of ABC Hall of Famer Sarge Easter, Barry teamed with the legendary star in a doubles league in Burbank, Calif.
A 10-time PBA champion, Asher won the 1985 ABC All Events crown with a 2,033 total. In 1972, he paired with Carmen Salvino to capture the ABC Classic Doubles, toppling 719 pins.
Chick Romano, a member of the PBA and a very close associate of Teata Semiz, engaged in bowling contests with some of the greatest players in the East. A number of years ago, he relocated in southern California and took a job at the Del Mar Race Track. Although nagging leg problems forced his retirement from the game, Chick attended all PBA tournaments within the California, including Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, his wife, Rose Marie, one of the most admired ladies on the PBA Senior Tour, passed away on December 22, 1997.
The next session has not been scheduled, but one thing is sure: There will be additional attendees. Dick Evans, a veteran bowling writer for the Miami Herald and a member of both the ABC and PBA Halls of Fame, requested an invitation to join us on his future visit to San Diego in late July.
This crew includes several Hall of Famers. The food is great. The setting is perfect. Bowleze is spoken, and the conversations are exhilarating, stimulating, and invigorating—and at times, shrilling.
One thing is certain: It is never dull.
Anyone else interested? We welcome all bowling nuts!
PBA Hall of Famer John Jowdy is a past president of the Bowling Writers Association of America.