Earl Anthony(1938-2001)
In the 1970s, professional bowler Earl Anthony had a significant role in turning bowling into a popular sport on television in the US. He made over $1 million, making him the first bowler to do so. after an ankle injury put a stop to a potential professional baseball pitching career. He joined the company's bowling team while working nights as a warehouse forklift operator, and soon he was spending his mornings after work practicing the sport. He gave up on his initial attempt to join the PBA tour. He became proficient enough to play in the PBA six years later, having achieved greater success in local competitions. In 1970, a year after rejoining the tour, he won his first PBA title.
Anthony went on to win the Firestone Tournament of Champions twice and the PBA National Championship six times. From 1974 to 1976, he was the top money winner. After suffering a heart attack, Anthony took a brief break from competition in 1978. He rejoined the tour in 1980 and won the most money in 1981-1983, but he later withdrew once more. In 1987, he made a brief and fruitless return to the tour. He became a member of the PBA Senior Tour in 1988, and in 1997 he took home his final championship.
Anthony went on to win the Firestone Tournament of Champions twice and the PBA National Championship six times. From 1974 to 1976, he was the top money winner. After suffering a heart attack, Anthony took a brief break from competition in 1978. He rejoined the tour in 1980 and won the most money in 1981-1983, but he later withdrew once more. In 1987, he made a brief and fruitless return to the tour. He became a member of the PBA Senior Tour in 1988, and in 1997 he took home his final championship.
