It was a "once in a lifetime chance to relive history," taking a step back in time when bowling centers were called "alleys" and made of wood, bowlers used only one ball, and pins were set by pinboys.
Hundreds of proprietors, exhibitors, media, and bowling fans packed the indoor arena grandstands for the Professional Bowlers Association Legends Tour held June 15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The event, which starred some of the greatest bowlers in history, occurred during the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America 1999 Bowl Expo.
It was a special evening of fun and nostalgia, "A Return To Glory" 90-minute, one game "Skins" format competition between two legendary Hall of Fame teams. The Don Carter oldtimers, with Dick Weber, Ray Bluth, and Bill Lillard, competed against Earl Anthony's younger threesome of Carmen Salvino, Nelson Burton Jr., and Johnny Petraglia. Carter and Anthony, who did not bowl due to injuries, were selected as team captains.
A regulation-size lane was used with PBA/Brunswick Gold Pins that were hand set by three pinboys. The three-pound, 10-ounce, pins were placed under a black-painted box simulating a pindeck and was slid back to re-set the pins after each frame by two men.
During the show, old-time tapes of past championship tournaments and events, courtesy of the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Louis, were shown on a giant TV set over the lanes. The PBA Legends wore mikes and had fun teasing and heckling each other. Their stories of past events and experiences had the spectators laughing while enjoying the entertaining competition.
Anthony's team won most of the cash prizes, collecting $2,800, while Carter's team was happy with $800. After the game, a raffle-drawing was held, with several lucky fans winning PBA Legends-autographed Gold Pins and an opportunity to have their picture taken with the Hall of Famers.
An interesting fact about the three pinboys who volunteered their services: They all bowl and love the game and none of them had ever set pins before. Jarrod Reece, 13, of Omaha, Neb., has a 160 average; his brother, Pat Stevens, 16, has a 178 average; and Andrew Wantland, 13, of Natrona Heights, Pa., carries a 190 average and has rolled a YABA-sanctioned perfect game.
The "Return To Glory" PBA Legends show was presented by Paradign Communications & Marketing, Inc. For more information, contact Martin D. Gould at 419/224-9888 or 419/224-1280 (fax).
Former President George Bush will deliver the keynote address at the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America's International Bowl Expo ’98 to be held June 22-25 at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Bush's appearance marks the first time in BPAA history that an international figure of this stature has addressed BPAA's annual event and its membership.
A generous contribution from Brunswick Indoor Recreation Group has enabled BPAA to acquire the world leader as this year's keynote speaker.
"The BPAA is working hard to bring dynamic, value added programs to its membership, and we will always support efforts that provide a direct benefit to our customers," said Fred Florjancic, president of Brunswick Indoor Recreation Group.
Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the 65-year-old BPAA represents the business interests of bowling center owners worldwide.