All of the Hall of Fame members under Competitive
Ability are listed below,
click on their names to read about their accomplishments.
| Marcelle Aiken The ideal combination of personality and performance makes Marcelle Aiken the best know woman candlepin bowler internationally. For almost 35 years, the Belchertown Mass., resident has been giving exhibitions from Canada to South Dakota as a member of the Bowl-Mor Advisory Staff. Lending weight to her informative lectures and demonstrations is a sparkling record. Competitive credits include All Events and World champion three years, world doubles title team member in 1961, '62 and '65, mixed doubles team member in '62, and singles champion. She's also placed second or third individually seven times. Marcelle has been Massachusetts champion nine times, and ten times finished either second or third. She twice was WCBC Bowler of the year, and graced the Massachusetts TV bowling shows 20 times. A tremendous competitor, she's particularly adept at converting the spare opportunity. That unique ability kept her in the forefront of title contenders. Teaching the game has been a natural offshoot. Her courteous manner and simple instruction style has made the game easier to understand and fun for countless converts. |
 Belchertown, MA |
1984 |
| Leo Alford The late Leo Joseph Alford, one of three 1989 Hall of Fame choices for Competitive Ability, demonstrated that rare talent in the most pressure-packed night of his career. The Allston, Massachusetts, native and South Boston partner Dan Michielutti, the last of 146 teams in the 1954 Record-American-Advertiser's $10,000 National Candlepin championships, closed with a rush for the title. Their rousing 1213 total at the Huntington Alleys topped Maine's Herb McBride and Ed (Bucka) Beaumier by 62 pins. Alford was partial to the Huntington lanes. He captured the R.A.A. world championships there in 1949, and two years earlier took the single pin event title by toppling 27 of the 30 pins in a supreme test of accuracy. Such pin-picking accomplishments enabled him to make an easy if brief transition to the ten-pin field. In his maiden effort at Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1961, after only a 16-week experiment with the big balls, Alford crayoned a winning ten-string 1946 that included high Atlas tournament single of 234. That same year, he had high Traveler's single of 166 at Wal-lex Lanes, Waltham, Massachusetts. Candlepin remain his first bowling love. One of 14 children, he was introduced to the sport as a pin setter at Poisior's Lanes, Allston. He was proprietor of Alford's Lanes, Boston from 1953 to 1955, and of Alford's Fenway Lanes, Mass. Av., Boston, from 1955 to 1965. Alford married Barbara Crook in 1938. Children are Leo Jr. (Skip); Carol, Sandra (Chickie); Gail and Lauri. Deceased |
 Rockland, MA |
1989 |
| Alie Amnott Mrs. Alie Amnott of West Buxton, born in Montreal in 1905, has resided in Rumford, Springvale and Portland. The 35-year employee of Portland's Holmes, Stickney and Walker Company will feel as comfortable and at home in the Candlepin Hall of Fame as she did while sticking to her shoe job last. She'll be among longtime lane friends and peers. Mrs. Amnott, 1955 world champion, a year earlier paired with fellow Portlander Al St. Clair for a record total in capturing national mixed doubles title honors in Boston. Their 1,170 shattered by 12 pins a 12-year-old mark. Bowling success came somewhat late in life for Mrs. Amnott. Bud Cornish, then Portland Sunday Telegram-Express sports editor and a posthumous Hall member for extraordinary game service, labeled her the "Bowling Grandmother" as she wrested the Maine championship from future Hall of Famer Florence McMullen, Skowhegan. Aptly-named Alie had what might be termed bowling's grand slam in 1955. In addition to world and state titles, she dethroned city champion Miss Hendrickson, and was with St.Clair state mixed doubles champion. She also finished first in a Maine State Bowling Association Classic. Mrs. Amnott's successful city title defense string reached a remarkable 11 matches. Mrs. Amnott and Priscilla Stevens also were city doubles pin queens. The first president of the Cumberland-York Bowling League several times was its average leader while a member of the Portland Monument Square team, crayoned 144 for a women's lane record at the Portland YWCA as a member of the Industrial League's Holmes, Stickney and Walker combine, and anchored a Cathedral team in the Greater Portland Catholic Church's Women's League. She has 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. |
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1974 |
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Hugh "Skip"
Ayles, Jr. The bowling resume of Hugh "Skip" Ayles, Jr. of St. John, New Brunswick speaks volumes on the worthiness of his induction into the International Candlepin Bowling Association Hall of Fame. For starters, take the record 214 single he rolled in April of 1970. Back then, anything over 150 was considered a masterpiece. Same can be said for his 457 triple. Or his 117.3 average in 1969. Ayles was a bowler of note when lane conditions and wooden pins played a key role in every ball that was rolled. Seven times, 1966, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1984, and 1990 – Ayles was a member of New Brunswick championship teams. And eight times, including six in a row as a member of the Nashwaaksis Red Lanterns, he was a member of Maritime championship teams. Most recently, in 1999 and 2000, he was a member of the Nashwaaksis Red Lanterns teams that won the Maritime Senior Championships. Throw in countless high average, high single, high triples in league and tournament competition and you understand why he is considered one of the best bowlers in New Brunswick and Maritime history. One of his greatest triumphs came in 1971 when he posted a record 1359 to win the Charles H. Milan, Sr. Memorial Sweepstakes ant Bangor-Brewer Lanes. That topped the field of 210 competitors and broke the record of 1353 set the year before by the late and fellow ICBA Hall of Famer Fran Onorato. But it was his 214, still a Maritime record, that he rolled in 1970 that was his greatest individual achievement. On that day, he started with a triple strike, and then added a spare/strike/strike. He closed out the string with four straight spares and a final ball seven fill. He won that particular string in a head-to-head competition by a very comfortable 110 pins. One of the things that impressed those bowling with Ayles during championship play was not only his competitive ability, but his sportsmanship. Win or lose, he was always among the first to congratulate his opponent. Now retired, Ayles, soon to be 59, and his wife, Lovina, have three children, Angela, Michael and Kevin. The ICBA tonight proudly welcomes Hugh "Skip" Ayles into its Hall of Fame. |
St. John, NB |
2002 |
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Anthony "Tony" Baldinelli An extremely smooth delivery virtually unchanged in more than three decades carried Tony Baldinelli to the top tier of candlepin competition. Baldinelli, a resident of Amesbury, Mass., captured world championships at Waltham, Mass., in 1954, Bangor, Me., in 1965, Salem, N.H., in 1972 and Haverhill, Mass., in 1973. He also won world elimination events in 1957 at Waltham, and 1959 at Lynn, Mass. Baldinelli paired with Hall of Famer Joe Cawlina for the world doubles crown in 1959 and 1960, and spearheaded four straight world team championships. At the state level, he combined with Marion Maroncelli for the Massachusetts mixed doubles title in 1956, and paired with wife Marge for that honor in 1963. He was a Bay State singles king in 1957, and that year took the New Hampshire Open. He teamed with Cawlina for state doubles titles in 1958 and 1959, and with Bruce Champoux in 1962. A winner of many sweepstakes and tournaments, and a frequent Massachusetts TV show competitor, Baldinelli annexed the Ross Memorial (New England Classic) in Lawrence Mass., in 1959, 1966 and 1967. Exhibitions as a Bowl-Mor advisory staff member took him to Japan, Canada, Arizona, New York and Washington. Baldinelli was WCBC "Bowler of the Year" in 1966 and 1973. Baldinelli was instrumental in organization of the Pro Bowler Tour. |
 Amesbury, MA |
1984 |
| Jim Barber Although Jim's talents became apparent in 1964 and 1965 when he won the All Events in the Lynn Item Tournament, Jim's professional career was officially launched with his first appearance on Channel Five's Candlepin Bowling 1970. Jim defeated Norm Whipple, before becoming the first victim in fellow inductee Tony Karem's 14 week winning streak. Through the years, Jim's Channel Five accomplishments were many. He sported and overall record of 13-4, had a 125 overall average, bowled a 466 high triple, threw four consecutive strikes, won a $900 hi-lo jackpot, tossed a 191 high single and lost with a 415 triple! He also threw several other 400 triples on the show and once reigned victorious for eight consecutive weeks. Apart from Channel Five heroics, Jim hit a 206 in the Friday Night Pro League along with a 460 triple, notched a 1993 State Mixed Team title and emerged as Bowler of the Year in the inaugural season of the Senior Pro Tour in 1995. Jim started a Cable TV show in Lynn called "King of the Hill" the 100 percent handicap scoring which allowed average bowlers to shine under the lights. |
Lynn, MA |
1999 |
| Minnie Barden Miss Minnie Barden, the dean of Western New England women bowlers, has brightened the candlepin world for 62 years. The still-active Agawam, Mass., resident, 82, a game pioneer, organizer and sparkling competitor, first made candlepin history in 1910. She and Blanche Bazata, Westfield, Mass., in 1910 rolled the first public exhibition between women. The ten-string match began at the Brunswick lanes, Springfield, and was completed at the Bazata lanes, Westfield. The event won by Minnie, 855-840 had a festive note. About 400 backers of Miss Marden traveled by trolley car to Westfield. The year 1915 was special for Minnie and bowling. She helped organize the first Western Massachusetts Inter-City League, competed in challenge team matches against Bill Monsey's group in Worcester, Mass., and in such bowling hotbeds as Boston and Fitchburg. That year she also became manager of the women's department (affairs) at Stearns Park Bowling Alleys, Springfield. Miss Minnie was the star attraction at several singles match exhibitions high-lighting opening of many lanes in the early 1900's. Prizes were either flowers or jewelry. Fame was not without drawback. A 1916 news item announced that women who bowl the best three strings each day at Smith's alleys would receive a box of chocolates. Pointedly added was, "Miss Minnie Barden is barred." Discriminatory tribute to her pin prowess didn't bother Miss Minnie. That was her home base in the 1920's. She bowled at least one string daily there and sometimes stretched this to 20 or 30 strings. Her average as high as 86 before World War I, with the original "skinnier" pins, climbed to the low 90s in the 1920-1940 period, then soared to 100. Personal highs are 139 single, in 1923, and 350 triple, in 1943. She bowls cross alley. She's seen much improvement in the game and its surroundings since the sex-separating "iron curtains" were tossed on the lanes' scrap heaps. The price for three strings when Miss Barden began bowling was $.25. More than most, Minnie is aware of the dollar dilemma. She was Agawam post-master from 1934 to 1939, and assistant town clerk there from 1941 to 1961. |
 Agawam, MA |
1971 |
| Art Bazata Like the Chiminiellos of Quincy, the Bazatas of Westfield, Mass., brought competitive class to candlepins. The late Art Bazata, first of his family to enter the Bowling Hall of Fame for game proficiency, rolled countless purse matches with top New England bowlers in the '20s and '30s. Willingness to put both money and reputation on the line were then accepted standards of stardom. Forged under intense financial fire, Bazata's match mettle merited the "King of the Bowlers" title in Westfield and other Bay State bases. Unfortunately , Bazata's dominion didn't include all of Maine. In 1937, Ralph Pearson of Portland and Bazata met at the Professional Alleys, Westfield, for the New England championship AND a $4,000 purse. Bazata led until the last two strings, when Pearson threw a sparkling 169, Bazata a disastrous 90. Pearson repeated his triumph in Maine for a more modest $2,500 prize pot. Under the "If You Can't Lick 'Em, Join 'Em" philosophy, Bazata moved to Maine in 1941. He owned and operated lanes in Old Town, and in 1943 won the Maine candlepin crown. Bazata's cross-alley ball produced a 459 record on maple pins and, in 1928, an amazing 113 first half average en route to a standout 110 seasonal average. Purse victims of the Western New England champion included Hall of Famers Joe Bonigli, Boston, Dom (Musky) Muscolo, Springfield, and Johnny Tagg, Worcester. Bazata and partner John (Lefty) Mitchell were New England doubles kings. Victims from the Boston alley arena included Hall of Famers Arch Walsh and Jim Olindy, and peerless Paul Poehler and Red Mitchell. Bazata was for many years president of the premier Western Mass. Pro Bowling League, and many times was the league's average leader. Bazata's father, Oldrich, Sr., in 1896 established Massachusetts first Pro League with bottlepins. The league was converted to candlepins in 1900. Oldrich, Sr. was a few years ahead of ladies' liberation. He promoted women's bowling at the turn of the century, and a mixed Bazata combine (Oldrich Sr. and children Oldrich Jr., Charles, Art, Ann and Blanche) bowled in men's leagues from the early 1900s to the Roaring Twenties. In 1910 Blanche bowled an exhibition match with Hall immortal Minnie Barden, Agawam, to mark opening of the senior Bazata's lanes. The gals have come a long way, baby, since that rare distaff duel. |
Westfield, MA |
1973 |
| William Beatty |
Boston, MA | 1965 |
| Donald Beaupre Don Beaupre, Manchester, is the ideal New Hampshire "leadoff" entry into the Candlepin Hall of Fame. "Bowler of the Year" in 1965 and 1967, and world tournament all-events champion in 1965 and 1966, Beaupre in 1968 at the Big 20 Lanes, Scarborough, Maine, boosted the world ten-string tourney record to 1,367 for his second world singles title. His first came in 1963 at Hall of Famer Ted Jones' Lawrence, Mass. Recreation Center. His title prominence hasn't been confined to world lane action. Beaupre three times was New Hampshire champion, five times Manchester city kingpin, and N.H. doubles champion with both Vic Tetreault and Ben Grenon. Beaupre has appeared on Channel 5's Championship Bowling Show five times, has been on the Maine - New Hampshire TV network show three times, and competed on a show originating in Worcester, Mass. During Beaupre's great candlepin years, he was always considered the man to beat in whatever event he entered. He won World Championships at every level. Besides his single crown, Don also was a member of Championship doubles teams, and mixed doubles. Competition breeds courage and that Beaupre has plenty of. |
Manchester, NH |
1974 |
| Herb Berman Herb Berman's 24 tournament victories from 1959 through 1965 ended on a high note. In that final year, the Dorchester, Mass. resident notched 8 wins. All 10-string totals topped 1300... an incredible feat in that era. Small wonder that his standing challenge in Candlepin Bowlers Magazine to meet anyone, anywhere went unanswered for 2 years. Berman exhausted match competition for 3 years. Game resurgence in the mid-60's gave him opportunities to match strike and spares with Massachusetts stars Charlie Jutras and Fran Onorato and Bangor, Maine ace Charlie Milan III. Berman is one of three men to win the Record American national tournament twice. He triumphed in 1960 and again in 1962 with a record 1248. He captured the Bay State singles crown at Natick with a record 1334 enroute to all-events honors. Other titles included Boston Globe with 1324 (94 pins better than runner-up), and doubles wins in Pepsi-Cola, Lynn, and Huntington, State and Fenway Lanes, all Boston. His 1318 in the 1965 Fenway test marked the first 1300-plus there. Berman annexed the Inter-City elimination championship at Beverly, Mass. and Jack Cowans, Concord and Green Ridge, New Hampshire Farms tournaments. In the 1961-65 period, Berman paired with Al Crayton, Bill Murphy and Jerry Diveechia for state doubles laurels. He was also a member of 2 state title teams. Twenty years after crashing the game's top tier, Berman burst back into the elite with a second in the 1985 worlds singles. The certified bowling instructor based at Dorchester's Lucky Strike Lanes admits some less-than-glittering moments in an otherwise sparkling career. Call it camera jitters or stage fright, but Berman dropped 11 of 17 matches on Greater Boston bowling shows. He still rolls 40 strings weekly, averaging 122. Widower Berman's children range in age from 26 to 39. |
 Dorchester, MA |
1987 |
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Roland J. Blondin "Roland Blondin was one of the greatest money match bowlers ever to play the game". The authority for that statment was Bob Fouracre, host of "Bay State Bowling" from 1970 through 1981. On Worcester's Channel 27 TV show, Blondin set a two string record of 318 that stood for nine years. Added Fouracre: " Not only was Rollie a superlative bowler, but he was always a gentleman and a credit to the sport. Blondin made 16 appearances on Candlepin Bowling, Channel 5, Boston, had a 12-4 record on the Candlepin Bowling Show, and was 1960-1961 ruler in the Champion of Champion Show. Blondin notched a world record 1,370 ten strings during a 1961 sweepstakes at East Brookfield, and the next year tallied a lane record 1,300 while winning the Naylor Sweepstakes at Thunderbird Bowl, Auburn Massachusetts. One year, Blondin rolled in five leagues. League accomplishments included a 475 triple record in 1969, high single and high triple in 1962, and individual high averages in 1959 and 1960. Blondin was especially effective in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Classics. At 16, he was the youngest ever to qualify for this event, and triumphed in 1960, 1961 and 1963. He placed second in 1962, and made the finals 10 of 12 years. He was the only bowler to win successive titles, and the only roller to win three titles. He has the most wins in this tournament. |
 Worcester, MA |
1993 |
| Joseph Bonigli Bonigli could have been tossing the caber or curling instead of blazing a remarkable bowling record. The Glasgow, Scotland native was introduced to candlepins at age 16 as a pinsetter in Boston two years after arriving in the U.S. Bonigli was world champion 13 years and unbeaten in 34 sweepstakes matches. His personal pin marks included 189 high single, 458 high triple, 115-plus high average and 1,243 high ten game. |
Milton, MA |
1966 |
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Charles "Charlie" Burns Portland, Maine - Charlie Burns was launched down the lane road in 1917 by the late Archie Walsh, Mattapan, Mass. The charter Hall of Famer, who summered in Saint John, N.B., in 1917 started the Canadian youngster on the strikes-and-spares path. Burns moved to Portland, a bowling hotbed, in 1923, captured the Maine title in 1936, added the city crown, and in 1939 bumped the ten string record to 1,301. Burns was active in Massachusetts candlepin circles from 1941 to 1969. Now retired he resides in Lake Worth, Fla. The 1,301 stood until 1960. The advent of plastic pins triggered a strong scoring breakthrough. First to eclipse Burns' total was 12-time Maine champion Charles Milan III. The Brewer resident boosted his 1,380 high in 1960 to the game's current mark 1,467 in 1963. From 1923 to 1941, Burns was associated with Portland's Bowlodrome. Burns transferred his bowling base to Salem, Mass., in 1941, and for more than a decade starred with Mike Gangi's Twentieth Century team. That quintet, which included Hall of Famer Emil Chiminello of Quincy, boosted the Greater Boston Intercity League team record total to 1,725. Burns set the scoring pace with a 396 triple. Burns, who captured a 185 single string at Portland's Arcade Alleys in 1939, equaled that figure in a match at his Salem Recreation Alleys. That Bay State record, made in the early '40s, stood until Emil Chiminiello crashed 202 many years later. Burns also anchored a North Shore team which made its debut by upsetting the highly-regarded Pride Bombers, Manchester, N.H. Burns' last pin post was with Sunnyside Lanes, Danvers, Mass. |
Portland, ME |
1974 |
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Sylvio "Jerry" Cariani Jerry Cariani, who settled in Skowhegan, Maine, in 1935, didn't wait for golf's Bob Charles to show that southpaw sports proficiency wasn't confined to baseball. Lefty Cariani shattered fiction by dethroning Hall of Famer and state champion Edgar Keith of Bangor in 1942. A couple of months later, his candlepin career seemed snuffed out in an accident which severed his left forefinger. Cariani revamped his style, missed a title bid against Rumford's Eddie Hanson in 1945, but regained the title in 1949 against Nick Gillis. He turned back challengers Del Webber, Kittery; John Piacentini, Portland, and Wendal Berry, Norway, before bowing to Bob Hobbs, Norway. Cariani was beaten in a state title test in 1952, but took Eastern Maine honors in 1958, 1961 and 1963. Cariani's move to Central Maine's good earth must have surprised Dad Venueto, a navy career man. Born in Springfield, Mass., Cariani at age three was taken to Italy. Twenty years there, he became adept at nationally-popular bocce, a variation of bowling on the lawn. Boston wasn't Cariani's cup of tea. Maine was. The brick mason became more than a builder. In addition to construction of Skowhegan Bowlodrome and his own home for wife Alma and daughter Germana. Jerry branched out into bowling stewardship. He was vice president of the first Maine State Bowling Association, Eastern Maine president, and prime mover in the current state title elimination setup. He successfully advocated adoption of the 15 3/4 inch candlepin. His lane records range from a 414 triple at the Bowlodrome in 1941 to a 183 single at Waterville's Streamline, to a 20 string 2,274 at the Elm City's Metro lanes in 1942 with brother Armando as a partner. Jerry hit a ten-string 1,268 with the wooden pins in 1943. His plastic high was 1,368. Distinguished as were competitive feats, Cariani is proudest of friends picked up while pinpicking. They'd include Donat Fortier, Lewiston, MSBA charter president; Max
Codere, Waterville; Mike Anton, Scarborough, and M. Boyden, other charter
officers. And, of course, Buddy Marsh, Bangor, whose "Good
Luck" message is prominent in the Cariani memory scrapbook. |
 Skowhegan, ME |
1971 |
| Ovide J. Caron Ovide J. Caron was a rare two sport champion. Caron, who first won the Maine Candlepin crown in 1926 from Ralph Pearson of Portland, was state amateur roller skating titlist in 1912. His State Title matches with Billy Manning of Biddeford, like Pearson a Hall of Famer, were marked by fiery verbal exchanges. He lost to state titlist Pearson by four pins when Pearson crayoned a strike on a spare the last two boxes, but dethroned Pearson later in 1926. Caron in 1925 was a member of an All-Maine Team which had a stirring three match series with a Massachusetts quintet. Though Caron crayoned match high, the Bay State combine comprising Peerless Paul Poehler, Archie Walsh, Jimmy Whelan, John (Lefty) Mitchell and Red Miller triumphed by nine pins. Both Poehler and Walsh are Hall of Famers inducted in 1964. In 1926, Caron boosted the Paper City Alley five-string record to 601, two weeks later there thumped a single 177 which was one pin less than the mark set by Hall of Famer Mrs. Lucy Conant. Caron crayoned a ten-string 1,226 at Westbrook's Vallee Square in 1927 and a 618 five-string in 1929 at Sanford. He also was active as a "single" against the Hall of Famer Edgar Keith of Bangor. Fellow Westbrookian Louis Chamand was Caron's longtime pin partner. They were members of the Westbrook team which won the Maine State Bowling Association title in 1934 and 1935. Others were Forest Knight, Ken Chick, Chamand and Dicky McBride, father of current World Champion Herb McBride of Portland. |
 Westbrook, ME |
1970 |
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Joseph E. Cawlina Joe Cawlina'a competitve candlepin career spanned but 13 years.... from 1948 to 1961. Yet his name continues to be coupled with Charter Hall of Famers Archie Walsh and Paul Poehler when game giants are recalled. The Lynn, Mass. native, like golf's Bobby Jones, retired at the peak of his game, hailed as "Mr. Grand Slam of Bowling." For six years, world titles were almost exclusively Cawlina property. Cawlina's meteoric rise started at age 14. Within three years, he and "Whiz Kid" partner Ron Crowley were sought as team members in the strongest leagues. Staggering - especially to these youngsters - money matches were arranged almost nightly. Heady as where such breathtaking figures, veteran poise and competitive fire carried them to victory almost without exception. After seven years of money, league and tournament testing, fully-seasoned Cawlina was ready for bigger game. In 1956 Cawlina averaged 114. The highest average ever recorded in candlepins surpassed Walsh's 113 72/84, set in 1912. Cawlina and crowns became synonymous. He paired with wife Barbara for the U.S. mixed doubles title in '57, won the U.S. men's singles and the Boston Record-American event at the demanding Huntington Alleys, Boston. This event was considered the world's championship. The scenario was much the same in '58, a sweep of the RAA titles. It was the mixed with Barbara, singles and the pacemaker role as West Lynn Post Office took team laurels. That year, Cawlina and Tony Baldinelli, Amesbury, dominated the world men's doubles elimination tourney. Cawlina crayoned 1,297 as the duo boosted the world's record to 2,467. In '59 Cawlina annexed the Massachusetts men's singles with 1,241, added the all-events, then won the world's singles and five-man team title and took the the men's doubles title with Vin Lugg, Dover, N.H. The title script was much the same in '60. Cawlina was the world champion in men's singles and all-events, and had a piece of the title action in men's doubles and five-man teams. The "Mr. Grand Slam" label was apt. During '61 on "Fun For All Ages," Cawlina won match after match, set the TV high triple mark of 422 and won the show's elimination "Rolloff of Champions." There were no more candlepins to conquer. Cawlina withdrew from active competition. As the world champion, Cawlina toured the country as a Bowl Mor consultant, giving exhibitions and conducting clinics. He was featured in corporations' newspaper and magazine advertising campaigns. In a too-brief career, Cawlina compiled these personal records: 195 single, 480 triple and 1,330 ten string. These gaudy figures can't chronicle obliteration of every class bowler. As Boston Red Sox fans speculated on the records denied Ted Williams through time lost to military service and injury, so bowling buffs conjure Cawlina's probable No. 1 status had he chosen to double premier performance. Those privileged to have observed Cawlina recall a young blond of considerable charm, charisma comparable to Arnold Palmer, a trim six-footer who to opponents loomed 60 feet tall. Delivery was flawless. He stood in the center of the approach and fired a perfectly-coordinated fast ball. When the ball reached the plate, it was loaded with action. Sticks scattered like leaves before a March wind. A courteous manner and warm smile camouflaged killer instinct. Perhaps without equal as a competitor, few were more gracious once the final ball had been placed in the rack. |
 Lynn, MA |
1981 |
| Tom Cennami Stardom came early for Lynn, Massachusetts native Tom Cennammi. Tom's first appeared on television in 1958 and won a scholarship. In June 1960, he again qualified for the TV lights, hitting a 127 game to emerge as that years MBA Junior Champion. In between those feats, Tom's exceptional ability was evidence when he recorded a 200 game in January 1960 in a sweepstakes at Lynn's King Lynn Lanes. He was 17 years old at the time. Since these auspicious beginnings, Tom's swift and decisive delivery has enabled him to distinguish himself on numerous occasions. Most notably Tom's 30 plus appearances on Channel Five served to make his a household name in candlepin bowling circles. On August 3, 1968, Tom hit a 452 triple, second only to Rosario Lechiara's 468 at the time. More importantly, his 182 third string set a new high single for the ever-popular program about to commence the 10th of a 38-year run. Tom hit three consecutive strikes in this memorable performance. Tom's next TV flurry came in 1973. He won eight matches and averaged 132 in the process. During this stretch, he became the first bowler to hit 400 plus series on three consecutive occasions. His scores ranged from 363 to 445 and his victims included Hall of Famer Fran Onorato. In 1977, Tom and partner Wally Bazylinski won the MBA State Opens Doubles title with a combined total of 1311. He also won the televised finals on Channel Seven, defeating tournament medallist Max Valentin 265-219 on November 9, 1990. Tom made several television appearances in the 1980's and established a new North Shore Pro League high single of 211 on November 9, 1990. Finally, Tom led his Lynn teammates in establishing a new sanctioned World Record score of 2068 on January 6, 1995 when he hit a 445 triple. |
Lynn, MA |
1999 |
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Paul Rocco Ceriello Rocco Paul Ceriello of Concord becomes the second New Hampshire bowler to enter the Candlepin Hall of Fame because of competitive credentials. Ceriello, who captured the World Candlepin Bowling Council's world championship in 1955 at the Big 20 lanes, Scarborough, Maine, the next year took the first annual New Hampshire state championship. In 1960, as a member of Concord's VFW team, Ceriello crayoned a city record 422 on strings of 126, 151 and 144. Ceriello was as colorful as he was competitive. Outgoing, congenial and community-oriented, the World War II veteran was a member of Concord American Legion, VFW and Eagles organizations. Lane management from 1949 to 1969 included a ten-year stint as proprietor of the School Street Bowling Lanes. He was a member of the committee which formed the World Candlepin Bowling Council in 1960. Rocco was his most expansive following pro sweepstakes action. His lavish hospitality was the talk of the tightly-knit pro pin world. Ceriello died Dec. 21, 1974, at age 68. |
 Concord, NH |
1975 |
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Richard "Dick" Chaffee Turn the spotlight on Dick Chaffee, and a champion emerges. Chaffee was No. 1 on the TV Candlepin Show 14 times. His ratings didn't end there. Chaffee was half the worlds men's doubles title team in 1964, a member of the mixed team titlists in 1974, and second in the world mixed doubles in 1962 and 1963. Chaffee was Western New England All Events champion in 1963. He held Triple A high average in 1948, '51, '53, ' 54 and '58, won the Brunswick Bermuda trip in '66, and was high average in Western N.E. and other pro leagues. Chaffee gave professional exhibitions in New England with Bowl-Mor and the Massachusetts Bowling Association, and conducted clinics and instructors' school for 14 years with peerless Stasia Czerncki, Webster, Mass. Chaffee had spectacular purse matches with Charlie Jutras, Pete Stracuzzi, and John Panetti. |
 Longmeadow, MA |
1984 |
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Emil F. Chiminiello Emil F. Chiminiello, West Quincy, Mass., world candlepin bowling champion in 1947 and double record setter in 1948, enters the World Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame. Emil joins in the select Hall his brother, Francis P., who died in 1945. One of seven bowling brothers from the Quincy area, Francis was world lane champion in 1940. More spectacular than Emil's 1947 world title win over West Lynn's Lester (Buster) Perrone were world single and triple string records set Nov. 16, 1948, at Lynn's 20th Century lanes. Competing for Mike Gangi's 20th Century team against Back Bay in the Lynn Intercity League, Chiminiello crayoned a middle string 202 and a 442 triple. He needed a ten to top the 35-year-old mark of Harry (King) Cole. He came through with a spare and tacked six pins to it. Chiminiello's world title and record meant less to him than his bowling benefit shows. He exhibited several times at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Bedford, Mass., and rolled title and record successor Don Dwyer, Scituate, Mass., in Heart Fund matches. Classy southpaw Dwyer boosted Emil's three-string record to 472. Crowding 60, Emil still cuts a sharp pin figure. He carries a 118 average in the Quincy Elks Bowling League and not long ago appeared on the weekly televised bowling show. |
 West Quincy, MA |
1970 |
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Francis Chiminiello Francis Chiminiello of Quincy, Mass., honored tonight, was known as the champ of champions. One of seven bowling brothers, Chiminiello in 20 years racked up a brilliant competitive record. Had Francis lived to bowl another decade, he would have been the best of them all, according to noted lane figures Johnny Ierardi of Boston and Mike Gangi and Pete Polombo of Lynn. Chiminiello died in 1945 at the age of 39. Highlighting Chimmy's competitive drive was his spectacular finish for the men's open singles title in 1940 Boston Advertiser-American-Record diamond medal championships. Apparently out of the running after seven strings, the brilliant Quincy kegler crayoned 131, 136, 125 for 1,102 to beat ex-world champion Charlie Pagle of Quincy and Billy Butts of Boston. Francis and Dominick Chiminiello led Quincy doubles teams. Francis captained a brother quintet known as the Big Berthas, and his YMCA industrial team consistently took league honors. Though plumber Chiminiello resided in Quincy, he was Lynn's favorite son. For years he rolled with the 20th Century team in the city league. The tall gentleman with the broad smile and the speed ball gave bowling fans many thrills. His duels with Hall of Famer Joe Bonigli of Milton were classics. Whenever Gangi staged championship matches with the proceeds going to the mayor's shoe and stocking fund, Chimmy was first to volunteer his services. It was fitting that Chiminiello's last match be a Red Cross benefit against Bonigli. A credit to the bowling game, he was happiest helping others. The six surviving Chiminiello bowling brothers of the 1930s reside in Quincy. Dominick, 70, was connected with the Bethlehem Steel for 50 years. Ralph 64 until recently rolled in the Merchant League. His average was 110, his high single 166 and three strings 422. Michael 61, listed highs of 179 and 409. Emil, 58, has a 118 average. His 202 single and 422 triple Nov. 16,1948 at Lynn were world records. Peter is 56, John 54. Henry, 47, the eighth brother of the family, bowls but made his mark more in civic contributions. The Hanover resident is a Past King Lion, now is District Governor and is past VFW commander and current District Commander of Hanover and Eastern Massachusetts. Deceased 1945. |
 Quincy, MA |
1969 |
| Joseph Comeau Joe "The Pro" Comeau owns but one world candlepin title, that garnered in 1950 with a then-remarkable 1123 pinfall. Now the Peabody, Mass. resident is a double Hall of Famer as a two-sports champion. Comeau, the Massachusetts horseshoe champion in 1955, 63 and 64 and New England kingpin in 63 and 64 (the latter at age 57), is a member of the New England Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame. Of 175 trophies, the long time West Lynn resident is proudest of his top bowling prize. Playing with pain became a harsh reality for Comeau. Despite crushing his right hand at the General Electric West Lynn Works where he worked 37 years, Joe survived 5 elimination rolloffs. Four days before the finals in Waltham, Mass., intense pain prompted a visit to the doctor. The splint came off a broken right-hand middle finger knuckle just 24 hours before the title test. The doctor's parting shot; "Win that championship tomorrow!" Comeau disregarded the discomfort, crayoned a 10-string 1123 and beat runnerup Art Doyan of New Hampshire by 20 sticks. He averaged 109 for the 60 string tourney. Comeau twice captured the North Shore Amateur Lynn Item tourney and was runnerup a third year. Personal best were 191 single and 436 triple. Comeau remained active in bowling for 16 years after lessening his competitive role. He helped organize the Little Bowling at Lynnway Rec Alleys. More than 300 youngsters participated in Pee Wee, Bantam and Junior Classes. Such standouts as Jim Mauro, George Raymond and Bobby Twomey emerged from leagues around Lynn. |
 Peabody, MA |
1987 |
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Lucy Perrin Conant The late Mrs. Lucy Conant of Westbrook, Maine, women's world bowling champion from 1915 through 1920, enters the Candlepin Hall of Fame with tremendous competitive credits. Her single string 178 in April 1918, at Dow's Alley's Westbrook, in more than a half-century of assault by Maine distaff rollers was bettered only by the New England record 181 in 1945 by Hall of Famer Mrs. Florence MacMullen, Skowhegan. The lively pin, the plastic missile, was unknown in the hard-to-dislodge wooden pin era. More remarkable, then, are 1915 world records of 132 and 138 singles and 342 and 356 triples. Mrs. Conant had her slight curve ball under pinpoint control as she defeated such title challengers as Mrs. Paul Poehler, Revere, Mass.; Miss Mildred Walker, Webster, Mass,; Miss Loretta McEnaney, Lowell, Mass., Miss Lucy M. Fifield, Manchester, N.H., and Miss Isabel Ginn, Belfast. A Gold Medal was the excellence award in Mrs. Conant's day. Several should have been struck in her honor for her pin pioneering. The Carrie Nation of the Candlepins invaded a man's sport and social stronghold, an often-suspect spot where a lady NEVER ventured, beat the men at their game, and earned their grudging respect. Portland Hall of Famer Ralph Pearson recalls Lucy rolling his dad, Lew, asking no quarter and needing none. Lucy wasn't always accepted on ability. Indeed she encountered positive discrimination at a Biddeford lane. She was refused playing privileges there, not because she was a woman, but because she won so consistently. Mrs. Conant retired from bowling when forced to wear glasses, which she found a hindrance to sharpshooting. She retained her nice touch, however, as florist for 30 years with a Portland firm. Mrs. Conant, who died in 1955, is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Albert Davis, Westbrook. Deceased |
 Westbrook, ME |
1969 |
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Angie Baker Croto Angie Baker Croto's candlepin credits span 30 years and most Massachusetts lanes. The Bay State women's titles in 1948 and five Western New England championships in the 1950s notwithstanding, she savors a supreme tribute a seemingly harsh act by ego-bruised and dollar-drained Springfield male bowlers. They booted her from their league for winning to many money matches. Another men's league in which she competed was more chivalrous, at some cost in pride and pocketbook. Mrs. Croto long has been liberated on the lanes. In 1954, immediately after WNE title annexation, she bowled over male counterpart Rene Peloquin in a three string exhibition. The North Adams native discovered bowling in 1939, ten years after graduation from high school as a basketball standout. She started rolling cross-alley, but now rolls down the middle. Her record indicates she's stayed in the scoring pocket. During her 1948 state title run, Mrs. Croto rolled 530 to eclipse by four Ruth Muthe's maple pin tally. Personal highs include, league average, 108, Springfield, 1964; 101, maples, North Adams; high string, maples, 161; high five, 595, and high ten, 1,100s. Her best bowling, perhaps, was in the Springfield area pro leagues after World War II. Backers might dispute that statement with a rundown of rather recent feats. They'd lead with a 326 - 324 loss to Stasia Czernicki on the Mass. weekly bowling show in 1965, toss in state Eagles' auxiliary women's champ in 1966 and, as the clincher, mention 1971. At age 60, Angie made the No. 10 single pin on her last shot for 142 - 146 - 112 -- 400. Now a Chicopee resident, Mrs. Croto "confines" her bowling to four leagues. |
Springfield, MA |
1972 |
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Ronald F. Crowley Ron Crowley, "The Boy Wonder" of bowling, joins veteran game giants by virtue of a spectacular candlepin career spanning nearly 40 years. The Candlepin Hall of Famer selectee was introduced to the sport at age 12, as a pinboy in the Lynnway Mass., Recreation Center, a 20-lane establishment he now owns. Crowley captured his first sweepstakes championship in Lynn at age 14, and at 17 ranked with the best, thanks to a fast but smooth delivery. That year, 1947, Crowley became the youngest in history to annex the coveted North Shore Pin Classic. Career highs included a 175 single, 447 triple, 675 five strings and 1,295 ten strings. Crowley specialized in doubles. He and Joe Cawlina, labeled "The Wiz Kids," racked up repeated triumphs in ten-string money matches. Stirring joust with Amesbury aces Tony Baldinelli and Hall-of-Famer Paul Tedford skyrocketed totals and delighted viewers. Crowley was as successful in TV appearances, sweepstakes and singles, doubles and team action in state and world tournaments. He rolled on the five-man West Lynn Post Office team, champions of the Boston Record American- Advertiser tourney in 1959. He crayoned 340 in his anchor slot. Crowley hit 356 as a member of Lynn's 20th Century five which set a world record total of 1,848 in 1958. In that match, Hall of Famer Emil Chiminiello, Quincy, notched 202 single and 442 triple world records. The Candlepin Bowlers Association he founded in 1960 under his guidance and organization became today's Professional Bowler's Tour. He also fostered and promoted leagues for children, seniors and handicapped, as well as special events. Ron has served for several years as an officer of the Massachusetts Bowling Association. |
 Lynn, MA |
1981 |
| Ed Czernicki Tonight, Ed Czernicki becomes the third member in his celebrated family to enter the ICBA Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame. Following in the footsteps of his parents Stasia and Tony, Ed's accomplishments in the sport are many and span four decades. Ed's first title came in 1962 when he and his teammates emerged victorious in the Pony segment of the World Tournament. In 1963, Ed won his first individual title when he captured the junior singles crown in the Boston Traveler Tournament; in 1965, Ed won the Mass State Singles Title in the thirteen and under division. In adult competition, Ed was a member of the Fairway Mixed State Championship Team in 1968, 1972 and again in 1974. In 1971 and in 1972, Ed teamed with his mother, Dolores Norsigian and Hall of Famer Don Riley to win the World Mixed Team Title. In winning this event in 1972, Ed's team set a New World Record score for Mixed Team Competition with a combined effort of 2553 for twenty games. In local competition in the Worcester area, Ed held the highest seasonal average in the prestigious Worcester County League. This played a key role in enabling Ed's Mohegan Bowladrome team to win its first title in nine years in the league. Ed bowled in this league for over fifteen years and maintained a 120+ average throughout this timeframe. Ed was honored in 1975 when he received the MBA Candlepin Record Award for his 758 five-string total. Ed's personal high single string was bowled on June 24, 1979 at Hippodrome Lanes in Southbridge, Massachusetts when he hit 200 in league competition. One of the highlights of Ed's career came in 1971 when he and his beloved mother Stasia won the State Open Mixed Doubles Title with a 1283 total; the score was a record at that time. Another big occasion for Ed came in March of 1976 when both he and his mother won the Pro Tour Event at Pilgrim Lanes in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Ed won the men's division with a 1333 ten-string total and Stasia hit 1251 in the ladies division. Ed also faired well "under the lights". On the Channel Five show hosted by Jim Britt, and later by Hall of Famer Don Gillis, Ed appeared 16 times. The highlight of his appearances came on March 31, 1979 when he bowled against Jeff Atkins. Ed's first string consisted of eleven marks in ten boxes for a score of 197. This feat was never equaled in the history of the show and the 197 was the program's all-time high single. On October 22, 1988 Ed appeared on NESN'S BIG SHOT BOWLING show against Peter Flynn. Ed hit 399 and Peter hit 451 for a combined total of 850. This was the highest combined total for the entire series, which was on the air from June 1, 1985 to June 15, 1991. On BAY STATE BOWLING in the 1970's, Ed made several appearances; at one time, Ed had seven consecutive victories on the show. Ed and his wife Jeanne have two daughters, Amy and Kim. Ed still lives in Webster, Massachusetts and has been active in recent years on the Western New England and Senior Pro Tours. In entering the ICBA Hall of Fame tonight, Ed sets yet another record. The Czernicki Family is the only family to date to have both parents and an offspring in the Hall of Fame! Congratulations Ed on a job well done. |
 |
2005 |
| John
Czernicki Tonight, John Czernicki joins 3 family members already inducted into the International Candlepin Bowling Association Hall of Fame. He joins his brother Ed, father Tony, and his mother Stasia. Obviously, candlepin bowling was in the genes for the Czernicki family. John started bowling competitively at a young age - in fact he made his first appearance on "Winning Pins" when he was 11 years old. In his second appearance on that show, he bowled a 152 string. He hit his first 400 series at the age of 13, rolling a 134, 145 and 125 for a 404 series. John appeared as an adult on all of the major candlepin bowling shows over the years. He had a record of 11 wins and 6 loses on Bob Fouracre's " Big Show Bowling" show. He made 9 appearances on the Channel 5 show over the years and hit the hi-lo jackpot during one of them. John participated in the last show to ever air on Channel 5. (An interesting side note is that his mother Stasia was the first woman to ever appear on the show!) John and his brother Ed ran a string of 5 weeks on the Channel 5 Candlepin Doubles show, losing in that 5th week in a two box rolloff. As a longtime member of the WCBC Pro Bowlers Tour, John has 2 pro tour victories to his credit. His first was at the Londonderry Bowling Center on 1987 where he bowled a 1475 which at the time was a new 10 string record for the pro tour as well as a house record. His second tour win was later that same year at the State Bowl in Springfield, MA. John was a member of the "Lucky Seven" along with Det Klien, fellow inductee Dick O'Connell, John Bird, Tim Soucy, Bill Gover and Chip Carson who won the World Championship in Canada in 1997. John was also a member of the W.N.E.C.A. Pro Tour and has one win to his credit in 1997. John currently resides in Webster, MA and has 2 daughters - Tara is 21 and Stasia Marie is 6. Besides bowling, he enjoys fishing, boating and golf.
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2008 |
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Stasia Czernicki Where or how does one start to chronicle the 40 year candlepin career of stellar Stasia Czernicki? One might begin with personal highs .. 194 single, 466 triple, 707 five strings and 1388 ten strings. In her high single (194: 12/14/83), the incomparable Stasia tossed 5 consecutive strikes in the first 5 boxes! How about official world records? Ten Strings-1388, women's doubles-2382, mixed doubles-2676 and women's five strings-707. The Webster, Mass. whiz has been world's champion 8 times, singles queen 6 times, a member of the women's doubles title team 3 times, mixed doubles team twice and a member of the world's women's title team in 1965. Stasia has collected world All Events honors 7 times. All Events consist of total pinfall in singles, mixed doubles, women's doubles, mixed and women's teams. She was just as successful in Massachusetts State title action. Her 12 All Events titles include an amazing 7 year run, from 1970 through 1976. Other state crowns were singles 10 times, women's doubles 9 times, mixed team 3 times, mixed doubles twice and women's teams once. She paired with son Eddie for a mixed doubles title in 1971. In addition to all these accolades, she holds the state championship 10-string record at 1292. Pin pioneer Stasia was the first women to appear on Channel 5's "Candlepin Bowling Stars" TV Show hosted by fellow inductee Don Gillis. Her 41-12 match record includes 18 consecutive wins, more than any man or women. Her TV high was 399. She was Worcester County Telegram and Gazette champion in 1953, 61 and 62 and 18-time high average winner in the fast Worcester County Women's Pro League. Her top average was a 120.5. She also was a member of the Webster Mohegans team which won eight straight league titles. The World Candlepin Bowling Council and World Candlepin Bowling Congress long have recognized and cited this remarkable woman who has harvested more than 300 trophies. At Council Hall of Fame ceremonies, she's been lauded as Woman Bowler of the Year in 1967, 68, 70, 71 and 72. Congress honors come in the form of Woman Pro Bowler of the Year for 73-74, 75-76, 76-77 and 78-79 seasons. Designation is earned for highest pinfall during the Pro Tour season consisting of 6 tournaments in Mass., Maine and New Hampshire. Lowest score is dropped. Czernicki won 11 stops on the Pro Tour and her 1326 at the Hi-Way Bowlaway in Walpole, Mass. November 15, '75 is the 10-string record. Her 5012 in the 75-76 season, when there were only 5 tourneys, is a 40-string high. Her 6185 the same season is a 50-string record. Stasia is director of the Massachusetts Bowling Association's Instructors School and a certified MBA bowling instructor. She's also a member of the World Candlepin Bowling Congress' executive board. Tony, her husband of 41 years is the Congress secretary and Tournament director. They have three sons, Daniel, Edward and John and six grand-daughters, Amy, Kim, Elizabeth, Valerie, Sarah and Tara Lee. Deceased. |
 Webster, MA |
1987 |
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William "Bill" Derby Bill Derby collected a flock of city, state and world candlepin crowns from his New Hampshire base in the 1955-1975 period, and was a familiar figure on televised bowling shows originating in Maine and Massachusetts, but perhaps is best remembered in the role of educator and organizer. That's understandable. Derby, now a retired school teacher residing in Florida in the winter and York Beach, Maine, in the summer, applied teaching techniques as initial and advanced instruction for hundreds of bowlers. Organizational skills surfaced early. As New Hampshire representative, he assisted in the formation of the WCBC Pro Bowlers Tour and was a member of that popular travel circuit. He assisted Royal Edgerly Jr. and Andy Corteau Jr. in the formation of the NHCBA Pro-Am Sweepstakes, a tournament for WCBC pro bowlers and the amateur bowlers of New Hampshire. That tournament remains of great interest. Derby was the color commentator for the Rochester, NH TV show airing weekly on WNEC Cablevision. He donated countless hours to youngsters drawn to the sport, giving lectures and exhibitions of bowling skills and etiquette. Wherever there was a match, tournament, or pickup joust, Derby's hat was figuratively in the action ring, adding to the excitement. His smooth approach and delivery produced many titles. He was a member of men's and mixed team champions in the WCBC World tournament, and a member of NHCBA state championship men's doubles, mixed doubles, men's mixed teams. Derby was Rochester city champion six years and Dover city titlist three years. He responded nicely to the spotlight with its added pressure, performing well on TV bowling shows on channels 5, 27, 9 and 13. The 9 and 13 shows featured Maine and New Hampshire bowlers. Derby had a 16 week run, took off five weeks, then had a 9 week encore. Derby considers himself fortunate to have begun his bowling career as a pinboy in 1943 and to have witnessed the development of the game to its modern setting. He's marveled at the exploits of and rubbed elbows with such New Hampshire Hall of Famers as Vin Lugg and Don Beaupre and long admired the deft pin-picking of Maine's Charlie Milan III. |
 York Beach, ME |
1991 |
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Theresa Desmarais Miss Theresa Desmarais, Biddeford, Maine is the fifth woman to crash the Candlepin Hall of Fame on competitive talent. "Nan" won the state title in 1949 on her first try. She defeated 1966 Hall of Famer Florence MacMullen of Skowhegan. Miss Desmarais' win was a Western Maine break-through. The Eastern section, featuring longtime Maine ruler Mrs. MacMullen, had a title monopoly. Theresa also was one of the first to go over the 1,000 mark for ten strings. This launched an upward scoring trend modern pin maidens need to remain in the front ranks. Her 1,106 against Miss Ora Mae Vachon of Waterville was a new title pinfall. Miss Desmarais was unbeaten in 1949. She lost her title to Mrs. Alice Josephs of Portland in 1950, regained the title in April, 1951, by downing Mrs. Helen Buchonis, Lewiston, 2,095 - 1,849, defended successfully against Mrs. Josephs and Mrs. Louise Gay, Freeport, and lost to Mrs. Alie Amnott of Portland in 1952. She signaled her title rise by rolling a lane record 177 single string Dec. 29, 1948, at Biddeford's 20th Century, and followed with 110 and 141 for a three-string 418. Miss Desmarais also broke the lane record at Biddeford's Pastime with a 153 single. Like Mrs. MacMullen, who set the women's world single string high of 181, Miss Desmarais was at her bowling best against men. Until her her title match with Mrs. MacMullen, all her duels had been against the "hardier" breed. Most men bowed to the dainty 5-1, 102 pound lass. Miss Desmarais was at home under the hood of an auto. She's a topflight mechanic. |
 Biddeford, ME |
1967 |
| Jerry DiVecchia The late Jerry DiVecchia was one of the stars of the game in the 1950s and 1960s. Well remembered for his animated delivery and clutch finishes. Jerry provided many exciting moments to Channel Five viewers in the early years of the program then known as "Fun For All Ages." One match that stood out was a 368-368 tie between Jerry and Hall of Famer Tony Baldinelli. If tied at the end of regulation play of three strings each, contestants were invited to return the following week and bowl three additional strings to determine a winner. Jerry seized the opportunity, soundly defeating the prolific Baldinelli 393-312. In 1962, Jerry returned from a serious operation to win the Men's National Singles title with a then record 1321 ten-string total. Jerry's team also won the team title in the yearly Huntington Bowladrome tournament and he notched another trophy in capturing the Doubles title. On June 30,1963 Jerry broke the World Candlepin record for 10 strings in tournament play. He hit 1430 at the Bedford Grove Lanes in Manchester, New Hampshire, a feat Jerry personally described as "the highlight of my career." In 1967 at the age of 49, Jerry won the Massachusetts State Doubles and Singles titles. His final title came in 1976 when he teamed with Wayne Alden, Rosario Lechiara, Don Riley and Hall of Famer Fran Onorato to win the prestigious Massachusetts Men's Team State Championship. Deceased 1986 |
 Watertown, MA |
1999 |
| Carol Downey Carol Downey is the sole female among the Class of 2002 competitive ability inductees. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Carol graduated from Andover High School in 1961. She was captain of the Andover Ladies Pro Team for several years in her early candlepin career and later moved to New Hampshire. Carol presently resides in Nashua, NH. Perky and friendly, Carol joined the WCBC Pro Tour during the 1978/79 season and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Carol finished fourth that year, and captured the 1978/79 Rookie of the Year honors. From 1978 through 1993, Carol won eight pro tour events and tied for first place in two others. She was a member of the prestigious Top Ten Club a total of ten times and won the coveted Bowler of the Year award in the 1991/92 season. Carol was no less dominant in the New Hampshire State Championships. From 1981 through 1989, Carol was New Hampshire’s State Female Champion on seven occasions. She established a twenty-five string all events record of 3225 – averaging 129 in the process. Competing in one of the MBA State Tournaments, Carol hit a 749 for five games and established the ICBA record that still stands today. Carol also gave back to the sport of Candlepin Bowling by serving as an instructor at Park Place Lanes (formerly Sandy’s) in Windham, New Hampshire from 1980 through 1998. Carol is now retired and enjoys golfing for recreation. It is a pleasure to welcome the personable and talented Carol Downey into the ICBA Hall of Fame. |
Nashua, NH |
2002 |
| Gary Duffett Gary Duffett of Merrimack, New Hampshire enters the Hall of Fame with a repertoire of accomplishments of which anyone would be proud. As a youth, Gary honed his talents at the now defunct Gate City Bowl in Nashua, New Hampshire. He won the 1967 and 1968 New Hampshire State Senior Boy’s Titles. Not surprisingly, Gary won the New Hampshire State Men’s title on his first attempt! Gary was a New Hampshire Men’s Doubles titlist for four consecutive seasons from 1975 through 1978, winning with Hall of Famer Dan Murphy the first three times and with Mike Broutzos on the final occasion. Similarly, Gary was a member of the New Hampshire State Men’s Championship Team four years running, from 1983 through 1986, with teammates Mike Poulin, Jack Foley, Bob Freel, and Hall Of Famer Bob Francoeur. Gary won several other New Hampshire state titles, primarily in the 1970’s. Gary’s state titles were not exclusive to New Hampshire! In 1975, he teamed with fellow inductee Mike Sargent to win the MBA Open Doubles Title. In 1974, Gary won the MBA All Events Title, averaging 129.2 for the twenty-six string competition. From 1973 to 1976, at the World Tournament held at Pilgrim Lanes, Gary won five titles. He won the Singles in 1974, The Doubles in 1973, the Mixed Teams in 1975, and the World All Events and Match Play titles in 1974 and 1975, respectively. Gary still competes today and also plays golf, fishes, and supports the Nashua, New Hampshire Chapter of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program. Tonight, the ICBA proudly welcomes this talented and altruistic gentleman into its Hall of Fame. |
Merrimack, NH |
2002 |
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Bernard "Bernie" Duhamel Former paratrooper Bernie Duhamel didn't come down to earth for a few hours after crayoning a 197 string in the Worcester County Men's Major Candlepin League, but his sparkling competitive career has been dotted with several other "highs". Wife Ginger phoned Don Lachambre, team captain of the Bay Path team of East Brookfield, to confirm that figure-only five pins short of the world record. There after, she wasn't surprised at other scoring feats, such as a 198 and a record triple 493 at Worcester's Colonial Lanes in November, 1983 and a 411 that same month as his C & R Tire team boosted the world team record to 2,067. Duhamel turned the spotlight on Mike Riopel, who had 432, and Harry Connor, next with 424, Dave Dupuis added 402, Don Lachambre Jr, 398. Duhamel also set the Bay Path Alley five string record, 721. The Brookfield resident didn't stop there. His record over two decades is strewn with triples in the 410-430 range. One standout performance was a 412 that produced a coveted high average in the men's Social League in 1967. He fired a season high 452 triple in the Worcester County Men's Candlepin Bowling League to lead Bay Path to a 1,970 pin fall and 8-0 sweep of Hippodrome of Southbridge. Duhamel perhaps was at his best in money matches. He and partner Bob Gouin long were unbeaten in doubles action. Duhamel defeated Hall of Famer Charlie Jutras - 1,361 to 1,351 in a $300 match in March of 1984. |
 Brookfield, MA |
1993 |
| Fred Emery Fred C. (Stub) Emery, Athol, Massachusetts is inducted posthumously into the Candlepin Hall of Fame. Many years as a mail carrier in Athol helped this crack bowler keep his legs in shape. At his best in money matches, Emery performed before large crowds in Athol, Gardner, Orange, Springfield, Worcester, Quincy and Boston. Blending graceful delivery and fierce competitive spirit, Emery repeatedly came from behind for wins. His most notable victory perhaps, came in 1937. He downed Hall of Famer Francis Chiminiello, Quincy, 2,296 - 2,237, in home-and-home ten string test. A technicality deprived Emery of world title recognition. An effortless approach and launch enabled Emery to remain in the game's top tier from 1922 to 1950. Emery twice downed Hall-of Famer Jonny Tagg, Fitchburg marvel considered by many as Central Massachusetts' all-time best. Scores were 1,158 - 1,053 and 2,093-2034. Emery notched record highs of 165 single and 1,189 ten strings. Other wins were against such stalwarts as Charles Perrault, Gardner; Joe Ardolino, Springfield; and Jack Bain, Northbridge. Equally proficient in doubles, Emery paired with Athol rollers Fred Meehan, a world champion, and George Girardi. Emery and Girardi defeated Northhampton's Scanlon and Morin in 1937 before 700 fans, 2,289-2,063. They also downed Hall-of-Famers Jim O'Lindy and F. Chiminiello and Fitchburg's Jim Curry and Tagg in best-of-three ten-string action. In 1939, Emery and Meehan upset Hall-of-Famers Joe Bonigli and O'Lindy. In '43 they topped O'Lindy and Charles Paigle and Worcester greats Al Javery and Joe Vacca. |
 Athol, MA |
1981 |
| Peter Flynn Peter Flynn was born on August 30, 1956 in Woburn, Massachusetts. He attended Woburn High School, graduating in 1974. Peter's first exploits in the Candlepin world took place in 1962 when at the age of six years he began bowling in organized leagues at the Woburn Bowladrome. In 1969 he won the VFW youth state title; however, Peter's prolific skill as a Candlepin bowler was to become internationally recognized as an adult. In 1976-1977, Peter was Bowler of the Year on the WCBC Pro Bowler's Tour; moreover, he teamed with his late mother, Evie Flynn, to win the 1977 MBA State Mixed Doubles title. Peter cherishes this victory to this day, as it was a dream come true to win this title with his mother who was so omnipresent and supportive throughout Peter's Candlepin career. Peter also won the WCBC Bowler of the Year honors during the 1987-1988 campaign. Peter's Candlepin statistics are impressive. He has a high single of 211, a high triple of 482, a high five of 806, and a high ten of 1476. He was the Massachusetts State All Events Champion in 1983 and 1985 and he won a total of 10 individual tournaments on the WCBC Pro Bowler's Tour. In 1989, Peter had 10 consecutive wins on " Big Shot Bowling", four of which included 400 totals ranging consecutively from 400-462. Peter has 5 World Team Crowns to his credit, having teamed with Hall of Famers Jack Ray and Don Riley, as well as Bob Kelly, Gary Carrington, Joe Ashline, Johnny Miller and Dave Richards, among others, to secure the victories in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 and, finally, in 1992. Peter currently holds the All Events record in Massachusetts with a 26 game total of 3573, as well as the MBA Open Team record of 2167 which he accomplished along with Hall of Famer Mike Sargent, Wally Bazylinski, Joe Ashline and Gary Carrington. In 1991, Peter suffered a cerebral hemorrhage from which he was not expected to recover. Happily he did, and came back to capture the 1992 MBA State Doubles title with Bart Maderios who filled in for vacationing Bob Kelly on the finals televised on Channel Five. Peter also endured potentially career ending back issues and moved to North Carolina to deal with the chagrin of not being able to bowl any longer. In 2005 he returned and began bowling again - he won his first event on the Senior Pro Tour! Peter lives with his wife Rita Flynn and has two sons, Sean Flynn, age 25, and Craig Flynn, age 22, from a previous marriage.
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2008 |
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Robert Francoeur
Robert Francoeur first crashed the sport pages in 1954 as city and state candlepin bowling champion. The Nashua, New Hampshire resident, now rolling out of the Londonderry Bowling Center, still is making news after a half-century of competitive excellence. He was a member of world and men's team champions in 1990, and of a first place team in the Traveling League. From the early 1950s to the present, few have seen as many balls in the direction of the head pin. He bowled two or three leagues a week, adding tournaments and rolloffs on weekends. At 66, he remains a competitive threat in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire select ranks. He's long been a fixture in MBA events, and recognition expanded via television appearances. In 1964, he was singles champion for nine weeks on Channel 9, and singles kingpin for two weeks on Channel 50 in both 1986 and 1989. Other lane laurels included singles best in 1955 and 1979, and singles champ and member of the doubles "A" state title team in 1971. Francoeur was a member of the state mixed title team in 1976, and of men's team champions in 1984, 1985 and 1986. He also was a member of world title teams in 1988, 1989, and 1990. He was a MBA senior champion in 1982. Francoeur also collected tournament honors in Boston American and American Legion events, and sectional father and son, and father and daughter competition at Bowlaway; Rochester, New Hampshire, and other titles at New Hampshire lanes Gate City Bowl, and Plaza, Nashua; L-N-L, Hudson, and Bowl-A-Drome, Bedford. |
 Nashua, NH |
1993 |
| Jim C. Gangi Jim G. Gangi, Marblehead, Mass., started bowling in 1901. He's still active, though he'll be 94 Dec. 13. At 75, he swept high average, single and three string honors in Lynn's Swanson Benjamin League as further testimony to the accolade bet bestowed on him by the Shoe City's Daily Evening Item - "one of Lynn's all time great candlepin bowlers." Gangi's early trade was as a leather expert, but he soon gravitated to the bowling game on a full-time basis. He operated Lynn's Casino Alleys from 1915 to 1949, and he and brothers John and Mike were know in bowling circles as the Three Musketeers. He collected his first trophy in 1916, for Elks League high average. That was just the beginning. Cash was the big prize against the sparkling likes of Red Miller, Paul Poehler, Archie Walsh, Lefty Mitchell, Jim Whalen, Fran Chiminello and Joe Bonigli. Poehler, Walsh, Chiminello and Bonigli are Hall of Famers. A world championship in 1937 was profitable both in purse and trophy, but Gangi admits he derived most tingling pleasure from money matches in the Twenties before packed houses. Downing world champion Chiminello 1.206-1,1876 in '38 was stimulating, Gangi confessed, as were these three career highs in the '37-38 period - single string 171 (ten spares), three strings 391 (wooden pins) and 108 average. Gangi used the bocce style delivery of right hand and right foot slide. His accuracy didn't suffer. He bowled rotation single pin score of 19 of 20 in Lynn K of C competition in 1927. Gangi won the Daily Evening Item tourney in '36 and '37, and was second twice. |
 Marblehead, MA |
1978 |
| Eddie "Ted" Garon The late Eddie Garon born in Lewiston, from 1925 to 1945 criss-crossed Maine and ventured out-of-state in search of candlepin competition. Garon twice was state titlist, set a flock of lane records, and with three other Hall of Famers figured in a world record. Garon and Portland partner Ralph Pearson combined for 2,349 and a 61 pin edge over Francis P. Chiminiello and Jim Olindy at the latter's Quincy, Mass., lanes. The 40-string 4,637 was considered a new world standard in that mid-30s duel. Garon won his first Maine crown in 1931, while a Waterville resident, and regained the title in 1937, against late Hall of Famer Billy Manning, Biddeford. Most remembered title match was against the late Ralph Scott, Bangor, another Hall of Famer. Garon defied doctor's orders to battle challenger Scott, and crayoned a winning 1,133. He also turned back Bangorian Edgar Keith, also a Hall of Fame member. Garon scored a 458 triple to erase Keith's lane record 406 at Brunswick, beat Manning's Portland Arcade alley record of 434 by four pins and notched a 178 high single there, and shattered Ivan Clough's Auburn YMCA triple with a 381 score. Garon's winning league average 111.19. He beat Leon Smiley, Skowhegan, before a record 800 fans at Waterville. He hit 1,121 for a New England sweepstakes, triumph at Waltham, Mass., and was edged by Bill Bewley's 1,121 at the latter's Lewiston lanes in Maine's largest - and at that time possibly classiest - sweepstakes. Pearson's assistant at Portland Athletic Club and Portland Streamline , Garon hooked up with the pin master for several successful tandem matches. Among victims were state champ Charlie Burns and Roger Small of Portland. Game newcomer Johnny Piacentini of Portland also was a strong sidekick. Garon launched the mixed doubles bowling. He paired with Mary Welch to defeat Mr. and Mrs. Sam Goggin of Gardiner. Garon's bowling base mostly was split between Portland and Auburn, though he brought Waterville its first state title. Garon last owned and operated lanes in Norway. He died in Lewiston in 1958. |
 Lewiston, ME |
1971 |
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George "Gaspipe" Gastonguay George (Gas) Gastonguay, Beverly, Mass., took a little time to get around to serious candlepin bowling because of proficiency in such other athletic endeavors as baseball, swimming and basketball. Gastonguay who will be 73 in December, began bowling at the age of 15. He remained prominent on the pin circuit for 40 years. During the 1920's, Gastonguay's team captured the Massachusetts title. There was a break in bowling action Gastonguay in 1941 as a candlepinner of the highest caliber. He was top money winner on the sweepstakes circuit in 1941. He posted a ten-string 1,141 that year in beating world champion Joe Bonigli, Milford, Mass. by 47 pins. This led to a purse match. Gastonguay prevailed, 1,147 to 1,081. "Gas" also rolled purse matches with such worthies as Tony Baldinelli, Paul Tedford, Ron Crowley and Portland, Maine, standout Ralph Pearson, an early Hall of Fame entrant. Career highs included 171 single and 444 triple. Gastonguay defeated world champ Fran Chiminello, Quincy, Mass., later a Hall of Famer, in a charity match, and won the New England candlepin title in 1948 by defeating George Girardi, Athol, Mass., in a roll off. They'd tied at 1,131. The versatile Gastonguay made a neat conversion to the duckpin game in 1945. He annexed that sport's N.E. crown in '48. The field included candlepin ace Joe Cawlina. Before bowling out in 1950, he'd gained fifth place in the U.S. Gas returned to the candlepin money circuit to down Quincy's Don Dwyer, 2,263-2,259. He won several sweepstakes test in Record American Advertiser sponsored events at Boston Huntington 55 Alleys, and in 1955 was World Open candlepin champion. |
 Beverly, MA |
1978 |
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Doris & Nick Gillis Doris and Nick Gillis become the first husband-wife team to crash the Hall of Fame. They've done it resoundingly , with remarkable totals and titles. The Biddeford bowlers' tandem highlight was the national mixed doubles championship in 1959 in Boston. Runnerup duo in the field of 134 teams trailed by 84 pins. The Gillises shared second place in the world tournament in 1961. They combined for state mixed doubles honors from 1953 through 1960, and won again in 1966 and 1968. Doris' singles record is even more spectacular than Nick's. From 1951 to 1962, the three-time Maine and two-time Western Maine pin queen racked up a 31-5 singles record. nick was 41-11-1 from 1948 to 1969, with four state and three sectional crowns. Doris ran off 19 straight matches before bowing by one pin to Virginia Hodson of Sanford. Nick's streak of 14 was snapped by Al St.Clair of Portland, but he reeled off ten more in succession until dropping a 19-pin decision to Biddeford rival Chris Anton. Naturally, Nick has higher career totals - 184 single and 1,324 on wooden pins against 172 and 1,265. Nick captured the New England Open title in 1954, and paired with Biddeford's Roger Metayer in 1966 and Dick O'Brien in 1968 for Maine men's doubles titles, while Doris' sole Maine women's doubles title share was with Kate Gillis, in 1960. Gillis, who has operated Biddeford's 20th Century lanes the past 23 years, won the Maine - New Hampshire TV championship in 1960 by defeating Leon Jankowski of Somersworth. Doris however, upstaged him on camera. In 1971 she hit the frustratingly difficult 1-7-10 jackpot shot twice in three matches. Once might be dismissed as luck, but a doubly-difficult repeat indicates a high degree of skill. Gillis joined an appreciative public in a sweeping bow to deadeye Doris. And she's only been in the game a quarter century, compared to Nick's first-ball toss 43 years ago. Singly, they're superb competitors. As a married team, there's never been a better tandem in candlepin history. |
Biddeford, ME |
1973 |
| George Girardi It certainly can be said of George Girardi Sr. that he mixed it up with the best. He made a name for himself in the 30's, 40's and early 50's as he competed against the elite of the candlepin world. His career matched him against many Hall of Famers for large purses. Hailing from Athol, Massachusetts, a hot-bed of candlepin bowling activity, it was easy for him and his partners to find competitive action. When Girardi was 17 years old, his dad Andy beat him in a five-string sweepstakes. From that early awakening he went on to dominate the candlepin scene. In 1935 he rolled a 396 triple in pro match play and led the league in average. Teaming up with Stub Emery, they defeated a doubles team of Morin and Scanlon. Girardi had an 1185 in one of the matches. Before some 300 fans, he defeated Danny Kelvey of Northhampton with an 1183, rolling a 404 for his final three strings. After losing a match to the late Hall of Famer Johnny Tagg and partner Jim Gurry, Girardi and Emery got revenge in a return match. In defeating two other Hall of Famers, namely Francis Chiminello and Jimmy O'Lindy, Girardi had an 1121. Girardi occasionally rolled singles matches and before a full house defeated Jimmy O'Lindy, posting an 1190 and rolling a 423 for the third, fourth, and fifth strings. Many other large purse doubles and singles matches were held and in 1940 he and Fred Meehan teamed up to defeat Hall of Famer and then World Champion Joe Bonigle, and his partner Jimmy O'Lindy. There was a period through the 40's when he competed and defeated an array of Hall of Famers including Tom Muscola. Girardi won the Central Massachusetts District Tournamnet a number of times. He totaled a 641 for five strings while bowling with Fred Meehan. Girardi was active in bowling benefit matches for the Red Cross and on March 8, 1943 he defeated Hall of Famer Fred Emery by 92 pins as he crayoned an 1191 for a $1,500 purse. Later, he and Meehan teamed up to win a $2,000.00 match over Jake Deduck and Harry Aristhusik by 96 pins. In 1948, as his candlepin career was tapering off, Girardi and Hall of Famer George (Gaspipe) Gastonguay ended up in a tie with 1131 in the M.B.A. Singles Championship. He later lost out in a special roll-off. Upon his fathers death, Girardi had to reassess his love of the sport of candlepins and became more active in the family business. He still carried a 109 average in 1949 and qualified once again for the World Championships as he bowled an 1116 in the Central Massachusetts Championships. His final competitive match came in 1952 before some 1500 fans at the Metro-Bowl in Worcester. He finished third in the Central Massachusetts Championship finals. Girardi had a spectacular career, but what made his ability more impressive was that his phenomenal scores were bowled on wooden maple pins and deep gutters without sidekicks and dropped pin decks. Girardi has a son, George Jr., two grandchildren, three step-children, and four step-grandchildren. His wife of six years, Dorothy, is here with him tonight. |
 Athol, MA |
1989 |
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Ralph "Tony"
Guilbeau In recommending South Hadley Massachusetts’ Tony Guilbeau for the ICBA Hall of Fame, former Holyoke Bowladrome proprietor Charles Soskovic described Tony most aptly. Charles stated "Tony brought excitement to our lanes and to every house in which he bowled. He |
