It all depends on the yard stick used to measure with. Picking those two guys was easy as there PBA records speaks for themselves. Having bowled and competed during both "eras" its difficult to say because Earl made his accomplishments before the advent of flaring balls. And of course, WRW made his accomplishment because of flaring balls. Would Earl have exploited todays balls? Or would WRW have been as successfull with his release in days prior to flairing balls? Who knows. These two bowlers of different eras is like comparing apples and oranges.

But if I had to guess, with Earl's ability to control ball speed, control rev rate and his incrediable analytical perspective of  his and the game, I contend he would have won alot more frequently today. In the 1980 greater Miami Sunshine Open I worked as a mechanic which earl won (and pete weber won the PTQ which eliminated the PTQ for him the next year). What I will always remember about that tournament was not that Earl won, was that the powers that be decided that the left side was not going to be tougher. I remember distinctly the use of a presatured towel on a push bar (days prior to the use of lane machines) being used and oil completely saturated to the gutter on the left side but not on the right. And a oil spray can used with exactly 5.5 pumps per lanes and being sprayed more on the left side than the right. And despite this Earl won. It was completely an example of how Earl was the master of his game and completely understood the game enough to somehow compensate and slap those powers. It was awesome indeed.

I suppose that the only question that lingers as to Earl's greatness is the enivetable lefty / righty issue. Would Earl have dominated if he been right handed? I know this will spark alot of debate but I contend yes he would which in my opinion would have settled this debate clearly.
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