Finally got to catch it on ESPN Classic last night, it was as impressive last night as it was watching it when it originally aired. A couple of things stood out to me, one was what a day that must have been for Bob Learn Jr.

I have never seen anyone come close to that performance since then, not only did he run the ladder, but every match came down to the 10th frame. To bowl a 300 in an arena setting is one thing, but to not have a let down afterwards was even more impressive to me, shooting 270 then 280 for 850 and the three game scoring record, then shooting 279 to win the title against Parker Bohn.

And how about those lanes, the backends looked like they were screaming. I wonder how much lane management came into play to have a shot like that, or if that was just the nature of those lanes because of the installation?

I miss those Arena style formats, i wish they could at least go back to that for the Major tournaments, the atmosphere of having 5,000 people watching bowlings best cant be topped. Whether you like those old
ABC telecasts or not, the excitement in this one show, combined with an incredible display of talent and luck by Learn will probably never be topped. Here''s a link to vids of the tournament: http://www.mrbowling300.com/pba/flagship.htm

What are some of you guys thoughts and memories about that tournament? As a side note, does anyone know if Bob still bowls leagues or tournaments?
--------------------
Taking your lunch money, one strike at a time....

Edited on 2/16/2010 8:42 AM

this was basically a pba telecast contested on a house shot. no disrespect towards the players is intended......it's what they had to shoot on.

bob learn,jr. was inspired by competing in his hometown.....he had the whole crowd rooting for him. what a feeling that must have been !

bob learn, jr., used two balls that day.....both were amf's new rpm swirl. the ball he used in match one had the pin right next to the ring finger. the ball he used in the other matches had the pin over the fingers.

That was so much fun too watch again.  I remember watching the broadcast live that day.  Learn got every break, but he had the home crowd and his opponent pushing him in every game.  
Did anyone watch the next show that ESPN Classic had on?
The last ever broadcast of the PBA on ABC.  Came down to Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Pete Weber.  Looks like they were bowling on a Reverse Block.  I hated those.  Came down to the 9th and 10th where WRW makes 3 of the best shots I've ever seen him make.  Pete needs 2 in the 10th, but ball goes high leaving 3,6,10.  I was actually rooting for Pete, since his Dad won the first ever broadcast on ABC back in 1962, that would have been cool, but it wasn't meant to be.  It was kind of a sad day for the PBA.
--------------------
titletowncards

One interesting note between then, 1996, and today, 2010: first prize has been reduced from $30,000 to $20,000 for a regular tour stop. Normally inflation over 14 years would double such a fee/prize ($60,000) if only to keep up with inflation. That also reflects how much we've lost.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Everytime I see that match, its even better than watching it last time. I like the excitement of the announcer and fans , players too. Great Show!

That is, hands down, the best telecast I've ever seen.  Whenever I want to be inspired, whenever I want to get totally pumped up for bowling, I pull that DVD out and watch it.  

The only time Learn had it easy was the second ball in the 10th frame agains Randy Pedersen (not PB3) for the title.  He beat Randy 279-258 and so he really only needed the first one to win.  The first game, he was going for the 300.  The next two games he needed all three to win by 1.

Stunning, absolutely stunning.

SH

I was lucky enough to be able to rub elbows with Bob Learn Jr. when I was on staff with Track. He's a great guy, and this day meant very much to him, and still does. I loved to just sit and listen to him talk about his tour days.
--------------------
Rev-O



Check out www.springerrescue.org and help save the life of an English Springer Spaniel!