Attended the final day of the PBA50 tournament today at Treasure Island Casino in Welch MN. Must say it was a nice day watching some very talented guys. Walter Ray Williams came into the day in 10th position and just plain put on a clinic barreling his way to the title. He used a ball Brunswick Blue Ringer his last 3 game to shoot almost 800. He said he'd drilled it up last April and never used in competition until today. He beat Tom Baker in the championship 268-224. Baker threw one bad shot, an 8 count, otherwise he was drilled the pocket with every shot. Left a solid 10, high flush ringing 9 and a stone 8. Jeff Richgels bowled well as he made it to the round of eight but had misfortune of having to face Walter Ray. Got to talk to many of the bowlers and found they were pretty nice guys. Walter Ray, Norm Duke and Tom Baker were very nice to anyone who came up to them. Did feel bad that Pete Weber fell ill and had to be hospitalized, since he was one of the guys I most, wanted to see bowl in person. It was very well run and was a great venue.

I also found it interesting that they were bowling on the short Dick Weber pattern and how many guys play up the boards on the outside of the lane. Tom Baker told me that he has never played that pattern on the outside before but he found that the best spot today. Don Breedon really surprised me by being firm with his speed, using a dull ball up the extreme outside of the lane!

Charlest,

 I would guess between 150-200 people were there. Anyone that was there last year, said this year was much bigger and the manager of the bowling center said participation in the pro-am and audience was much bigger and they only expect it to get better in the future.

From what John Weber told my wife and I, Pete had some throat issue the leading up to yesterday. He woke up on Wednesday and had tingling in his right hand. He got looked at and they found his throat was very infected. We heard from others it was sepsis and they immediately took him to the local hospital and put him on antibiotic IVs. Heard he had been released and was on his way home later in the day. John said that Pete had to see his doctor when he got home to make sure that he was okay.

Charlest,

 I would guess between 150-200 people were there. Anyone that was there last year, said this year was much bigger and the manager of the bowling center said participation in the pro-am and audience was much bigger and they only expect it to get better in the future.

From what John Weber told my wife and I, Pete had some throat issue the leading up to yesterday. He woke up on Wednesday and had tingling in his right hand. He got looked at and they found his throat was very infected. We heard from others it was sepsis and they immediately took him to the local hospital and put him on antibiotic IVs. Heard he had been released and was on his way home later in the day. John said that Pete had to see his doctor when he got home to make sure that he was okay.

Glad there were that many people. Nice to see the "old" guys appreciated.

Thanks for the info on PDW. Hope he's okay.

ImBackInTheGame,

I regretted not going last year, missing PDW winning the title, I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. I hope you go next year and I plan on being there again. It was a little less than a 2 hour drive, but well worth it. Tons of talent on display. Some I had never heard of, who were definitely the oldest guys there, who put on great displays of bowling prowess. One, named Ted Staikoff, who is 67, was really impressive. The only lefty Mike Dias, threw absolutely great in the round of 16. But had the bad luck of facing Randy Peterson in a best of 5 match. His low game was 224 and he never came close to winning a game. I wish my league was underway because there's so much to talk about and people who don't bowl, aren't as much fun to talk to about it!

Anyone know if this has made it to "YOUTUBE" yet?

There is a PBA 50 event in Howell, NJ on September 5-7. I have never been at these lanes, but the facility has a nice website at http://howelllanes.Wstemp02.com/

Howell is in Monmouth County but well off the ocean. The website provides directions.

I love watching the PBA50 stuff on Youtube.  I mean I absolutely dig it.  I watch matches over and over again.  It's not just because it's the guy I grew up watching.  I get a real sense of serious competition from it.  While being highly competitive they exude a sense of friendliness towards each other and the crowd.  Also, the Youtube videos I watch are laid back in their presentation.  No bunch of jumping around and made for TV junk.  IMO, PBA50 is where it's at right now.