Pro Bowlers Tour - 1977 BPAA US Open highlights

Johnny Petraglia captures first place in the 1977 BPAA US Open, defeating Bill Spigner in the title match. Also seen in this video is left-hander Dave Davis, who won the first two matches of the stairstep finals, defeating George Pappas in Match 1 and Charlie Venable in Match 2 before falling to Bill Spigner in Match 3. Charlie Venable, who qualified in the #3 position, is noteworthy for two reasons. First, he became the first African-American in history to qualify for the TV finals in PBA history on this show. And second, he was a league bowler, who qualified in the top 5. Brunswick Friendly Lanes, Greensboro, NC. March 26, 1977. Chris Schenkel on play-by-play. Nelson Burton, Jr. on color.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• PBA
• Pro Bowlers Tour
• bowling
• Petraglia
• US Open
• Bill Spigner
• Dave Davis
• Charlie Venable
• Schenkel
• Nelson Burton
• classic tv

[rstp354]

Great shot by Davis at 1:21!

[BowlingOldies]

I love his reaction to it. Watch his eyes closely as he sits down after making that shot.

[adams6780]

I'm guessing that folks didn't leave too many 3-7-9/2-8-10 combinations back in the day, either...

What wonderful footage - absolutely fantastic!

[BowlingOldies]

Actually, those splits were pretty common back then, especially when they were on hooking lanes. Several examples are on the clips I've posted.  On one of them, Dick Weber, who was filling in for Bo Burton on color commentary, observed that the 2-10 (for righties) was a common leave that week. I think that was the '78 US Open.

[102705240717]

@JUST44MMER I wish I would've read your posts sooner. Yes, my brother and I are all grown up, now; 35 and 33. And that makes you --- ??? :-) Just kidding. I'd love to talk with some of my dad's old buddies. I'm writing a book and could use the insight. Please e-mail me if you're open to it. dawncolemanwalton@yahoo.com

[102705240717]

@irishpogi Sorry I'm just reading this post. He passed away in April of 1993.

[irishpogi]

@dawn10270524 Dawn, nice to read your note. When did your dad Charlie pass away? Was it 1991?

[irishpogi]

I didn't think people left modern washouts during this era. What do I know? Thanks for posting!

[gelecain]

sorry, I meant "He," not "We

[gelecain]

Dawn, I was Charlie's roommate when he bowled on tour in the late 70's. We had such a terrific time traveling around the country in his Celica! I really miss him, and I only wish I had heard about his death in time to attend the funeral. We was just a great guy - smart, funny, and ridiculously good-looking!

[gelecain]

terrific video, thanks

[JUST44MMER]

@dawn10270524 Hi Dawn this one of dad close bowling buddy love that guy miss him. Haven't seen you a long time you and your brother must be all grown up anyway hope you all keeping good.

[exitar1]

@dawn10270524 I was a good friend of your dad I miss him.

Brian

[dawn10270524]

Thanks for posting this. Charlie Venable was my dad. I don't have any video footage of him bowling, so this was a pleasure to watch. Now I have some images to show his grandchildren who he never had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you again!