Herb Zost was an active participant in shaping the image of bowling in the Washington, D.C. area, and he has been an inspiration to many bowlers both young and old. As a member of the NCABA for many years, Herb has given countless amounts of time and energy to our great sport.
Herb has been involved in the sport of bowling in the Nation's Capital Area beginning in the 1940s. He, along with his father, NCABA Hall of Famer Carl Zost, opened the first bowling pro shop in the area in the late 50s. During that time, Herb also was editor and co-publisher of the area's first tenpin bowling magazine, Ten Pin Journal.
From the late 1950s to the early '60s, Herb was a member of the Bowling Writers Association of America and was heavily involved in the expansion of bowling in the D.C. metropolitan area, giving lessons and encouraging people of all ages to participate in the great game of bowling. He also sponsored and supported numerous people in the area so that they would have the opportunity to further the game of bowling. One such individual was his friend, Ricky Taylor, whom Herb sponsored for PBA membership. Ricky became one of PBA's earliest black members.
As a member of the Professional Bowlers Association, Herb participated in a number of national tournaments. Upon his resignation from the PBA, he sent a letter to the commissioner's office outlining a plan that was remarkably similar to what became the regional PBA program. Needless to say, this has contributed to the success of many of the area's top bowlers who have gone on to the national PBA Tour.
Until the early 1990s, Herb had the dubious honor of rolling the lowest score on national television, 129—an achievement he still talks about today. His highest place in a PBA event was seventh in doubles with fellow Hall of Famer Jim Robinette.
As an amateur, Herb bowled a 300 game. Since returning to the lanes in 1993, he has averaged in the 200 range in his leagues.
Herb was a member of the Bowl America traveling league and participated in local and national tournaments representing the company. In 1959, he won the Caribbean Armed Forces singles, doubles, and all events tournaments. He also has won several league and individual average championships over the years.
In addition, Herb proudly served as an association delegate to the 1961 ABC Convention.
Having been involved in bowling in the Nation's Capital Area as a professional and amateur for over 55 years, Herb Zost is a walking encyclopedia and historian on area bowling. He is a deserving addition to the Nation's Capital Area Bowling Association Hall of Fame.