In a recent poll conducted by Miami Herald columnist Dick Evans, Marion Ladewig was the near-unanimous choice as the greatest female bowler of the 20th century.
Evans solicited opinions from 20 of America’s leading bowling writers. Ladewig’s selection as the greatest was hardly a surprise. She was the most dominant player in the history of the game, including Earl Anthony, Don Carter, or any other bowler. She won an unprecedented eight National All-Star titles and further established her supremacy as the greatest by carting off five World’s Invitational tournaments.
While hardly any knowledgeable person in the bowling game disputes the selection of Ladewig, other choices, in my opinion, were subject to debate.
For example, I questioned the positions of Donna Adamek, Dotty Fothergill, and Millie Martorella Ignizio. Also, ladies who bowled prior to the birth of women’s professional organizations were at a distinct disadvantage because records were not available and legendary feats were merely conversation pieces.
She was the most dominant player
in the history of the game,
including Earl Anthony, Don Carter, or any other bowler.
For example, Floretta McCutcheon, a pre-World War II bowler, performed prior to Bowler of the Year selections. Although widely recognized for carrying a 206 league average, she was hailed as the woman who defeated ABC Hall of Famer Jimmy Smith in a money match.
Agnes Duffy, one of the most informed individuals on the women’s bowling scene, is one of McCutcheon’s greatest boosters. Ms. Duffy writes that Floretta McCutcheon was so successful at her game that she sent her grandson through college on her earnings.
My personal choice for the top performer of all-time was Marion Ladewig. Despite the fact that my observation of her game was rather limited, it was enough to convince me that she was something more than special. She had a flawless free armswing, the greatest rhythm (timing), and the most repetitious execution of any bowler I have ever seen. And although her ball lacked the destructive force of some of her contemporaries, she was rarely out of the pocket and clearly the most accurate player of her time.
There was a scramble for second place between Lisa Wagner and Donna Adamek. Wagner, a 32-time titlist, edged Adamek by a scant margin. With all due respect to Wagner, my personal choice had to be Adamek who, in my opinion, but for injuries, may have supplanted Ladewig as the greatest ever. The diminutive dynamo established herself as an outstanding clutch bowler and threw the strongest ball I ever saw among females—one that was envied by hordes of PBA stars.
To put things in perspective, she was Bowler of the Year for four consecutive years (1978-1981). Arm problems halted her at the top of her career, yet she won 19 titles. She also captured back-to-back WIBC Queens titles in 1979-80 and U.S. Open titles in 1978 and 1981.
It was difficult to assess the possibilities of two other outstanding women bowlers whose careers were shortened by health problems—Millie Martorella Ignizio and Dotty Fothergill. They were both left-handed and incredible in their prime. It also must be noted that these ladies bowled far less tournaments than the present professionals and were not recipients of the TV coverage afforded today’s stars.
Fothergill, even tinier than Adamek, was not a picture of perfection in her game. She had little knee bend and actually overexaggerated her follow- through—a flaw in her game that would later lead to injury. But, as in any sport, unorthodox execution is not detrimental as long as it is repetitious and successful—and Fothergill was very successful. Unfortunately, her strenuous style led to complications. She won six pro titles, two Queens titles, and a U.S. Open title. Ms. Fothergill’s career was cut short by, not too surprising, arm problems.
Millie Martorella Ignizio was well on her way to immortality before her was career was cut short by severe arthritic problems. Nevertheless, she etched her name among the greatest by winning the coveted Queens championship an unprecedented three times. Millie also captured the 1973 U.S. Open, annexed six pro titles, and was named Bowler of the Year in 1967.
Ladewig had a flawless free armswing, the greatest rhythm (timing), and the most repetitious execution of any bowler
I have ever seen.
Patty Costello, another outstanding left-hander, won 25 titles, including three PWBA National Championships and one U.S. Open title.
I have particularly cited the three aforementioned left-handed stars because they did not benefit from television, thereby denying them the publicity and exposure afforded today’s players. These ladies also were not accorded TV incentives that currently prevail and enhance players’ earnings.
It was difficult to contest the other choices—Aleta Sill, Betty Morris, Tish Johnson, Robin Romeo Mossonte, Nikki Gianulius, Leanne Barrette, Wendy Macpherson, Pat Costello, Anne Marie Duggan, Judy Soutar, Shirley Garms, and Carol Gianotti-Block.
The near-misses included LaVerne Carter, Cindy Coburn-Carroll, Dana Miller-Mackie, Sylvia Wene Martin, Vesma Grinfelds, Emma Jaeger, Val Mickiel, Cheryl Daniels, Paula Carter, Kim Adler, and Dorothy Miller.
Cindy, Dana, Cheryl, and Kim are currently active and still in their prime. Within time, they will undoubtedly take their place among the most elite players of all-time.
PBA Hall of Famer John Jowdy is a past president of the Bowling Writers Association of America.