Earl Anthony, American bowler and sportscaster (d. 2001)

Earl Roderick Anthony, born on April 27, 1938, and passing away on August 14, 2001, was an iconic figure in American professional bowling. During his illustrious career, he didn't just play the game; he fundamentally reshaped it, establishing records that would cement his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats. His prowess on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour saw him amass an astounding 43 career titles and secure an impressive six Player of the Year awards, a testament to his consistent excellence and dominance over more than two decades.

A Legacy Forged on the Lanes

Anthony’s impact on the PBA Tour was nothing short of monumental. His sustained success earned him the PBA Player of the Year title a remarkable six times, an achievement that speaks volumes about his consistency and peak performance during his active years. For many years, his career title count was widely recognized as 41, a figure that already placed him among the elite. However, his official record was re-evaluated and subsequently amended.

The Evolution of a Legend's Record

In 2008, seven years after his passing, the PBA made a significant decision to retroactively award PBA titles for championships won in the prestigious ABC Masters tournament, provided the winner was a PBA member at the time of their victory. This crucial reclassification added two more titles to Anthony's already impressive tally, officially raising his career PBA Tour title count to 43. This amendment underscored the profound impact of his wins, ensuring that his achievements in major tournaments like the ABC Masters were fully recognized within the PBA's official historical records.

Pioneer and Popularizer of Bowling

Beyond his individual accolades, Earl Anthony is widely credited, alongside fellow bowling legend Dick Weber, for significantly boosting the popularity of bowling across the United States. In an era when televised sports were gaining traction, these charismatic figures brought the excitement of professional bowling into American living rooms, inspiring countless individuals to take up the sport. Anthony also broke significant financial barriers within bowling. In 1975, he became the first bowler in history to earn over $100,000 in a single season, a remarkable feat at the time that highlighted the growing commercial viability of professional bowling. This was followed in 1982 when he once again set a new benchmark, becoming the first bowler to accumulate over $1,000,000 in lifetime PBA earnings, solidifying his status as a true pioneer of the modern game.

Master of the Majors and Elite Company

Anthony's brilliance shone brightest on bowling's biggest stages. He claimed ten professional major titles throughout his career, a tally that places him in an exclusive group of champions. This includes an impressive six PBA National Championships, two Firestone Tournament of Champions titles, and two ABC Masters titles, which are now recognized as USBC Masters championships. His ten major titles place him second all-time, tied with the formidable Pete Weber and trailing only the contemporary phenomenon Jason Belmonte, who has set a new standard in major victories. His name frequently appears in discussions of bowling's elite, as he is one of only three bowlers in PBA Tour history, alongside Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Norm Duke, to reach the extraordinary 40-title plateau. Furthermore, he stands as one of just three bowlers, with Williams Jr. and Pete Weber, to achieve at least 50 combined titles across the PBA Tour and the PBA Senior Tour (now known as the PBA50 Tour), demonstrating an unparalleled longevity and consistent performance at the highest levels of the sport.

Beyond the Scores: The Man Behind the Legend

Despite his unparalleled success, Earl Anthony was known for his understated demeanor. He was never one for brash displays or flashy theatrics, preferring to let his exceptional bowling do the talking. With his characteristic crew-cut and conservative plastic-frame "marshwood" style eyewear – which he later updated for more modern frames as his career progressed – he earned the affectionate nickname "Square Earl" from his fellow professional bowlers. This moniker was not a slight, but rather an acknowledgment of his grounded, no-nonsense approach to the game and his quiet confidence that belied his fierce competitiveness.

Remembering Earl Anthony

In October 2019, the legacy of Earl Anthony was further cemented with the publication of a new biography titled "Earl: The Greatest Bowler of All Time." Compiled by veteran sportswriter Barry Sparks and published by Luby Publishing, the book delves primarily into his legendary bowling career, offering a comprehensive look at his achievements, while also providing a few personal insights into the man behind the myth. This biography serves as a lasting tribute to a sportsman who not only dominated his chosen field but also left an indelible mark on the culture and history of bowling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Earl Anthony?

Earl Roderick Anthony was a legendary American professional bowler who achieved unprecedented success on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour from the late 1960s to the 1980s, becoming one of the sport's all-time greats.

What were Earl Anthony's main achievements?

He amassed a record 43 PBA Tour titles and won the prestigious PBA Player of the Year award six times. He was also the first bowler to earn over $100,000 in a season and the first to reach $1,000,000 in lifetime PBA earnings.

Why was Earl Anthony's title count changed?

For over two decades, his title count was listed as 41. In 2008, the PBA retroactively awarded titles for ABC Masters championships won by PBA members, adding two more titles to his record, bringing the total to 43.

How many major titles did Earl Anthony win?

Earl Anthony won ten professional major titles, including six PBA National Championships, two Firestone Tournament of Champions titles, and two ABC Masters (now USBC Masters) titles. This places him second all-time in major victories.

How did Earl Anthony influence bowling's popularity?

Along with Dick Weber, Earl Anthony is widely credited for significantly increasing bowling's popularity in the United States, especially during the rise of televised sports, making the game more accessible and exciting to a wider audience.

What does the nickname "Square Earl" refer to?

"Square Earl" was an affectionate nickname given to Anthony by his fellow pro bowlers. It referred to his unassuming, no-nonsense demeanor, conservative appearance (crew-cut and classic eyewear), and quiet professionalism, contrasting with a more flamboyant style sometimes seen in sports.

Is there a biography about Earl Anthony?

Yes, a biography titled "Earl: The Greatest Bowler of All Time," compiled by sportswriter Barry Sparks, was published in October 2019 by Luby Publishing. It primarily focuses on his remarkable bowling career.