Anthony, Earl R.
Bowling
b. April 27, 1938, Kent, WA
d. Aug. 14, 2001
Nicknamed "Square Earl" by his fellow bowlers because of his crewcut and glasses, Anthony had aspirations to play major league baseball as a left-handed pitcher, but an ankle injury destroyed his hopes. He then took up bowling and joined the pro tour for seven tournaments in 1963, but didn't win any money and went home to Washington.
He tried again in 1970 and within a short time Anthony was the best bowler on the tour. He earned $107,585 in 1975, becoming the first to win more than $100,000 in a season. Anthony was named bowler of the year from 1974 through 1976 and from 1981 through 1983. He led the PBA tour in scoring from 1973 through 1975, in 1980, and in 1983.
Anthony retired temporarily in 1984 with records of $1,216,421 in career winnings and 41 tour victories. He won the ABC Masters tournament in 1977 and 1984, the PBA national from 1973 through 1975 and from 1981 through 1983, and the Firestone Tournament of Champions in 1974 and 1978.
After bowling in just one tournament a year for three years, Anthony entered 12 tournaments in 1987 but won only $8,850. He then joined the new PBA senior tour in 1988 and won four tournaments before retiring permanently in 1991.
Although his 41 wins is still the record, he now ranks fourth in career earnings because prize money has increased so much since his peak years.