Bowling, The Wright Way - February 25, 1996 by Don Wright
The Greatest Bowler Ever

I was reading an article about "Who is the best bowler, ever?" and of course the comparison was made between Earl Anthony and Dick Weber. I won't elaborate upon who won, or for that matter, how the comparisons were made, I just want to give my perspective.

There is no comparison between Anthony and Weber when it comes to prize money. The money just wasn't there in Weber's day and when the money got to Weber, he was on the Senior tour. Titles? Again, there were more opportunities for Anthony than Weber. But, Weber won 26 titles and Anthony 41. Who knows how many Weber could have won, given the opportunity. Conversely, Anthony had 43 second place finishes to go along with his 41 titles. Imagine if he had won only half of those second place finishes. What a remarkable career.

Comparing averages probably isn't a good criteria either since lane maintenance changes so much from Weber's day to Anthony's. But, Anthony was the average leader 1973-1975 and 1980 and 1983, averaging between 215 and 219. Weber was the average leader for 1965 with a 211.895 for 19 events. Anthony averaged 24 events.

Anthony captured the Triple Crown in 1973, 1974, 1975, 1981, 1982, and 1983. A feat no one has come close to.

Weber has the distinction of the most consecutive cashes, 72 from 1960-1964. He holds the record for consecutive top 5 finals with 5 in 1961. His consecutive top 24 finishes equal 23 in 1963 and he has the single season record of top 24 finishes at 28 in 1963.

I have never met Mr. Anthony, but I have met and spoke at length with Mr. Weber. I found him to be one of the nicest and most sincere individuals I have ever met. Others I have talked to feel as I do. He is a wonderful ambassador to the sport of bowling.

Anthony rates at the top of my list for bowling broadcasters. He is articulate, knowledgeable and he and Mike Durbin are the very best team in the sport.

So, who do I pick as the best ever? I don't. The two men, their records, their contributions to our great sport may never be equaled. But, their professionalism brings dignity to our sport and should serve as the standard for all bowlers to emulate.

PRO-SHOPS

I love pro-shops. I'm like Tim Taylor at a Craftsman convention. I travel a lot because my wife and I both bowl and we love tournaments. No matter where we bowl I always check out the pro-shops. I am always surprised when I am at a center that has no pro-shop, and believe me they do exist. I enjoy talking to the pro-shop owners and operators, comparing prices (nobody beats military pro-shop prices), and hearing what is popular and what isn't in different areas of the country.

Now, I am not one to give requested praise about anything, or anyone. But, when I am a satisfied customer and find a reputable business, there are only a few ways that you can thank them for their efforts and let the business community know that someone really does a good job. You can write a letter to the Chamber of Commerce, or the Better Business Bureau, or you can put it someplace you know they will see it and be appreciative. That's what I intend to do now.

In Austin, Texas there is a pro-shop in Showplace Lanes called Showplace Pro Stop. The owners are Jimmy Thompson and Robert Lawrence. For me to patronize that shop it's a 130 mile round trip. I wouldn't care if it were 130 miles one way.

Jimmy is one of the nicest young men I know. He treats his customers with professional service and a winning attitude. He's a great bowler in his own right as the three, 300 awards are proudly displayed in the shop. His 266-279-276/821 plaque and certificate is just one of the many awards displayed in the shop. Atop the shelf in the middle of the shop are the PBA awards of Robert Lawrence, including the 1992 BPAA US Open eagle.

Jimmy is an easy going guy that always greets you with a big smile and "how ya doin' buddy." He's a family man and he and his wife Lori just had their first child, a boy they named James Robert. "Being a father is exciting," he told me.

I watched him handle customers with the smoothness of Paul Harvey. He tells them if they are making a bad decision, but does what they ask if they insist. I watched him convince a lady with a low average that she really didn't need, nor want, the most expensive ball on the market.

I sat in the PBA director's chair and watched one of the busiest pro-shops I have ever seen do business professionally and with a smile.

Showplace Lanes should consider itself lucky to have the Pro Stop. I know that this satisfied customer will make the journey whenever I need the services of a PRO.