1970 PBA Firestone TOC: Final: Dick Ritger vs Don Johnson-2

[300ClayMan]

ah, the good ol' days where pros didn't shoot 100 on tv, haha.

[mrgameshow01]

This is the first time i saw it, and when he threw the 9 on the part of the 10th Frame I said "Daaaammmmnnnn" lol

[20alphabet]

Honestly, you have consistently posted footage that captures the soul of both bowling and the elite bowler. To try to articulate what bowling at its absolute peak is to anyone today is futile. However, most who watch these artists at work in your posts seem to instantly get it. Thanks a million.

[startover942]

This was one of the greatest matches: Johnson and Ritger in one of the first Firestone Tournament of Champions' final rounds I saw.

Thank you SO much for posting this; I love this!

[startover942]

The great Billy Welu commenting with Chris Schenkel if I'm not mistaken...

[buffalorobbie]

Thank you for the information about pro bowler the late great Don Johnson.

At the time, I didn't hear, or know that he passed away.

[buffalorobbie]

like to find out on when Don Johnson passed away

[themrfreeze07]

@buffalorobbie Don passed away in 2003.

[champbowler299]

I love to watch Don bowl, but I haft to say that it is fair he dident bowled 300, he had a lot of high hits and trip 4s

[jjstorm8]

Thanks for posting! I miss my dad everyday and to hear his voice just broke me up. Great match!

[irishpogi]

It was my pleasure Jim. Now if only I had taped your PBA win from 19.5 years ago, I could have posted that match here as well.

[ilovesteelydan]

@jjstorm8 Your father is an inspiration to all of us who love bowling. He will live on forever in our hearts. Thank you.

[Mshomebuilder]

Don Johnson was a great person. He was also one of the greatest bowlers and instructors ever. He gave so much to the game of bowling. He just left us too soon. R.I.P. Koko.

[rstp354]

Two of the best bowlers and best bowling teachers ever...

[maxwarren1]

*Wolf Whistle* Love those pants! ;)

[dcbandnerd]

Geez, it sounds like Johnson sucked up some helium before the interview.

[generalbullmoose]

Wow...that's Pete Fountain sitting next to his wife!

[Rugga81]

Wow, what a great match.

[mikedamian2]

He gave the check to his wife :-)lol.

Times have change......

[dcbandnerd]

So many amazing breaks for Johnson...until the last shot. Ain't that a bitch?

[irishpogi]

Ritger actually outbowled Don Johnson but this demonstrates clearly that bowling is not always fair.

[dcbandnerd]

Oh yeah! I mean, did you notice all those high hits Johnson made? Looking at the whole match, I'm surprised he even got that far.

Would have been pretty sweet for him to get the whole thing, though.

As I've said before: Bowling is the sport that defines and defies logic.

[NYDanno85]

If I counted right, Johnson tripped the 4-pin twice and the 4-7 twice. He easily could have thrown a game 50 or 60 pins lower. But, the good breaks held out... until the 12th ball.

[parkit56]

True. Ritger leaves a flat 8 and Don carries the 8 in the 11th because the head of the 5 pin bounces off the deck taps the 8 pin. Go figure.

[Majorbowler]

If I found my tape I wouldve uploaded it as well :D

[moenemdown15]

I was about to upload this. :-P Great finish though.