Bowlers Journal International - November 2008 - (Page 18) Inside Line News, Notes And Perspective Jeff Carter This Record Should Be a Snap to Beat THE UNTOLD STORY of the new single-day linage record established on National Bowling Day (Aug. 30) is that there have been many, many, many (did we mention many?) days on which far more games were rolled than the nowrecognized record of 548,721. Just do the math: At one time, our sport had more than 9 million sanctioned league bowlers. That would mean that on any given day, at least 1.28 million bowlers were competing in leagues. Now let’s assume that those 1.28 million bowlers each rolled three games during their league sessions. That would mean that on any given day, 3.84 million games were rolled in America’s bowling centers. And that does not include even one game of open play, tournament play, or any other linage besides regularly scheduled league play. So, it’s difficult to look at that 548,721 figure as a record with any real meaning. On the other hand, it should be pretty easy to beat next year. PROFILE TOM BAKER PERSONAL: Born Sept. 12, 1954 in Buffalo, N.Y. Currently resides in King, N.C. Joined the PBA in 1976. Inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1999. All-time favorite bowler was Dick Weber. Favorite movie: “Scarface.” In his spare time, enjoys attending horse races. How old were you when you started bowling? I started when I was 8. I lived across the street from a bowling center, and I had two older brothers who were bowlers. My goal was to keep up with them. And now you’re the oldest exempt player on Tour. Do the guys give you grief about your age? and I ended up winning that week. I felt the same way in 2004, but I ended up winning the World Championship to earn my (multi-year) exemption. I guess I bowl better when my back is to the wall. That exemption expires this season Speaking of the Senior Tour, congratulations on being named Senior Player of the Year for the fourth consecutive season. cold Buffalo winters (laughs). But I like the lifestyle and seeing different places. Who have been your toughest opponents on the Tour through the years? Why, thank you. You won it this year without winning a title. Any thoughts on that? Yeah, they joke with me all the time, asking me if I took my Geritol and Flomax before a block. Was there ever a time when you thought about quitting? Yes, and my ball rep (Rick Benoit) tells me I have to start practicing. I’ll make sure that every ball counts this year, so I can remain an exempt member of the Tour. And what if that doesn’t work out — if you don’t retain an exemption for 2009-10? Well, I think one or two more hits at the Senior Masters or the Senior U.S. Open would have changed things. But overall I was pretty consistent, and it’s a great feeling to win (the award) for the fourth straight year. What’s the best part about bowling on the Tour? Amleto Monacelli was so mentally tough. If you made a mistake against him, he’d make you pay. Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Pete Weber were tough opponents, too. Once you’ve finally hung them up, how would you like to be remembered? I was ready to quit back in 1996. But I worked with Fred Borden before a tournament in Brentwood, Calif., I won’t stop bowling. I’ll continue to bowl on the Senior Tour and bowl in the majors. I love to travel. At one point, I liked bowling on Tour to avoid the As a guy who didn’t win as much as the bigger names, but lasted the longest. I think my physical fitness has been the key to my longevity. IT’S ALL SMILES AT DECATUR HALL OF FAME INDUCTION Juanita Weber (right), the widow of bowling legend Dick Weber, made a special appearance at 33rd annual Hall of Fame Banquet of the Decatur (Ill.) Bowling Association. Why did she make the two-hour trip from suburban St. Louis? To honor Janet Vincent (left), a friend of the Weber family who was inducted into the Decatur Hall along with Mike Patterson (both for superior performance); Gloria Williams and James (Ed) Hollis (in the veterans’ category); and Sandra Schaefer (for meritorious service). By The Numbers 92 Percentage of high school bowlers who consider bowling to be a sport. So why do only 33 percent of them watch PBA telecasts every week or almost every week? 18 Bowlers Journal International | November 2008 www.bowlersjournal.com http://www.bowlersjournal.com
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