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?
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Taking your lunch money, one strike at a time....

Edited on 2/16/2010 8:42 AM

The rule had to be changed after that tournament because I remember in that same season in 1996...last tournament at Forum in Grand Prarie, TX they had the finals at a convention center like the one in Erie and Ed Richardson missed a 10 pin (just needed a mark to win)in the 10th frame handing it to David Ozio and said he was interfered down lane when he missed it and was denied.