Joe Lyou, an award-winning bowling writer from Los Angeles, was excited when talking on the phone about the Track Doubles Championships at Sam's Town in Las Vegas.
Hearing my friend sounding excited and elated made me excited. This 80-year-old writing phenom doesn't get this excited except about once every century.
After listening to him on the phone, I realized he had already used up his excitement quota for the 21st century—and it was only May 12, 2000.
"It was the greatest and most emotional telecast I have ever witnessed," said Lyou, who has witnessed a lot of pro tournaments in his lifetime, especially Professional Women's Bowling Association telecasts.
"Everyone was crying, even Joyce Deitch (president of the Women's International Bowling Congress). You've got to watch it on ESPN2 Monday night," he said, sounding like he still was in the Army and giving orders while fighting Germans in Europe during World War II.
I follow orders when they are given by a man who tells everyone he learns more by listening than talking.
Joe Lyou was right on the money, which is a good thing to be when you are in Las Vegas and playing the ponies in the sports book at Sam's Town.
It was an emotional doubles telecast from start to finish.
Robin Romeo Mossontte wanted to win for her father, Ray, who died in March. Ray had been a devoted dad who knew the agony of defeat and the joy of victory while living vicariously through his daughter's Hall of Fame career.
Jeanne Naccarato also wanted to win for her recently deceased parents.
The veterans, who had been going through a victory drought, put on an emotional display en route to the championship during the telecast.
They played the game of tenpins the way it should be played, with raw emotion and abundant exuberance, items that are missing too often during telecasts.
And when it was over, the tears flowed.
As the PWBA press release stated, there didn't appear to be a dry eye in the bowling center. Hats off to the announcing crew of Jan Schmidt and Lisa Wagner for doing a great job of describing the tearful emotions on display and to the ESPN2 crew for bringing the special moment into our homes.
Thankfully, Robin's mom, Joan Romeo, was there to enjoy the victory and be caught with tears rolling down her eyes.
I'm sure that Ray Romeo was there, too. He loved Sam's Town, where I met him about 15 years ago.
In case you didn't know him, Ray Romeo was a good friend for all the right reasons and for all seasons—a lifetime.
Joe Lyou had been distressed about the lost of his close L.A. friend until this telecast. I think Robin's and Jeanne's victory did wonders for his soul.
Thanks for the memories, Ray Romeo.
Dick Evans is a member of the ABC and PBA Halls of Fame.