Nagy, Steve J.
Bowling
b. Aug. 10, 1913, Shoaf, PA
d. Nov. 10, 1966
At seventeen, Nagy was managing the bowling alleys at a club in Cleveland for which his father was caretaker. There was no professional tour during his younger years, so his serious competitive career began with the 1939 ABC tournament.
After World War II, Nagy was well enough known as a bowler to become a member of Brunswick's promotional team. He was named bowler of the year in 1952, when he won the ABC all-events championship, teamed with John Klares for the doubles title, and was a member of the ABC championship team.
Nagy frequently appeared on filmed television matches and in 1954 he became the first bowler ever to roll a perfect 300 game on television. He was chosen bowler of the year for the second time in 1955, after winning the BPAA All-Star tournament.
When the PBA was organized in 1958, Nagy was one of the thirty-three charter members, but he was past his prime and never won a tour event. Nagy suffered several strokes in the two years before his death.
The PBA's annual Sportsmanship Award is named for Nagy.