1983 Cleveland Open

[@Dauwis]

I saw Norm at Bradley bowl in Windsor Locks Ct during qualify matches back in the early 90's, he left a ball on the rack when you was leaving. I reminded him, he went back and got it and gave it to me. Blue Columbia Gold Dot. Thank you Norm !

[@thinlizzy44]

Jesus I started watching bowling back in like 1974. Not sure why I don't remember this, but I have watched this entire thing 4 times in a couple days. I cannot believe the poise from an 18 year old kid, to roll thru that field like that. Can u imagine starting out as a kid, on TV, against Earl Anthony? That was really a remarkable performance.

[@jamesdye8473]

And he knocked the Great Mark Roth out of the telecast the night before. Simply incredible.

[@thinlizzy44]

@@jamesdye8473 Ya cuz Roth was sitting there, as the alternate. I loved Roth.

[@blakfloyd]

I was personally traumatized during that 4 minute stretch where I didn't get updated as to what Norm Duke's height and weight are and whether or not he'd ever won a title.

[@ringing7]

Me too! Would have been SO easy to have forgotten ... Thanks Chris for your sharing your incredible bowling insight and knowledge.

[@canuck_gamer3359]

And the part that makes even less sense is that bowling even at this time was always bragging about how it was for young and old, men, women, kids and any size & shape. So why continually throw the physical stats up? Must have been a template for boxing or football and they just recycled it lol.

[@dnx112]

Yawn, butt hurt people.

[@johnyurick8785]

😂

[@kenjohnson4423]

5 ft 6 122 incase you forgot. Little guy. Mom owns a bowling alley. Probably not breast fed

[@VincentPearson]

I can't help but raise my tea in toast to your efforts in bringing these videos to us! I've learned more about the technical part of bowling by watching these than with a whole season's worth of coaching! Keep up the good work!!

[@erickeytie173]

Earl Anthony was amazing... Watching him was what got me into bowling.

[@promod6037]

Earl Anthony rest in PEACE awesome bowling champion

[@rodneyfaught2596]

My all time favorite bowler

[@Riz2336]

Cool to see Norm's first win. Still a great bowler on the tour to this day.

[@journeymanproject1756]

This was the first PBA event I remember watching. My mother had taped it for me even though I was barely old enough to understand what was happening (I was 4 1/2 when this aired). The USFL ad scared the daylights out of me and still does. But it was also my first exposure to the late, great Chris Schenkel. He and Nelson Burton, Jr. made the PBA Tour a Saturday afternoon ritual for me in the '80s. Suffice it to say I want those days back.

[@SKRUBL0RD]

Oh my god. I have been waiting forever to see Duke's first title and win against EA. Thank you so much!

[@josemorrasge8100]

Norm still looks 20 yrs old. I remember watching him day one of his career..One of the Greats.

[@beeemm2578]

Same. I watched this as it happened

[@IAmTheEggMan111]

Thanks for posting this Mrbowling300. I've always wanted to see Duke's first title show

[@jordannassberg6594]

Typical Male someone found it

[@jimrennick7228]

Enjoyed watching this. Thanks mrbowling300 for taking the time to upload this!

[@luisvidal4270]

I've looked for this video everywhere!! Thank you so much for posting this!!

[@taffyloo]

Thank you for this video. The man seen in the commercial at time stamp 10:33 is George Curtis Mathes Jr., Chairman of Curtis Mathes Company, TV maker. He appeared personally in these commercials, and would die 3 months after this broadcast in the Air Canada Flight 797 airport runway plane fire disaster in Cincinnati.

[@brownro214]

The golden age of bowling.

[@sierramiller904]

Norm Duke won a PBA tournament in 2019. Legend

[@sawnose4775]

Won back to back tournaments!!

[@skullthumper8646]

@@sawnose4775 you are correct Sir

[@Jason_Maier]

And just a few months ago, Norm was runner up and #1 seed in the USBC Masters!

[@edwardbaur7859]

Norm finished 6th (alternate) in the 1982 ABC Masters as an 18 year old. In the 1983 ABC Masters in Niagara Falls, right before this event, I know Norm was not even in the top 5 for the TV show. Pete was the leading qualifier;eventually losing to Mike Laskowski for the title.

[@kenyongray2615]

That is not easy going through 4 professionals, especially one being Earl Anthony to win your 1st tournament. And do it at only 18 years old. Norm Duke is an all-time great in the sport. Steve Cook lost but he is still a winner. Candi Cook is gorgeous and two of their beautiful children were with her. It was just not a lefty day. Thanks for the video.

[@myusernameonly2]

Wow, this is one of the shows that many of us have been waiting to see again. Funny how Chris is calling him 'Little' Norm Duke. Thanks for posting.

[@RayJacksonbighmw]

+Mike Wren Who would've ever thought that "Little Norm" would become one of professional bowling's giants over 30 years later.....and he can still get it done too, thanks to the guys at Storm, and with myself a proud Storm bowler myself (as Norm is one of their staffers) I am very proud to list Norm Duke, along with Danny Wiseman and Brian Voss as my three all-time favorite bowlers. See my BIO and find out my three favorite bowlers of all-time (I myself started bowling seriously in 1989 but never really got anywhere), you'll see www.bighmw.com/site/page/bio

[@mikeyfromnj]

Wow!! Keep these vids coming wasn't able to see most of these due to work reasons, thanks a bunch for letting us watch them!!!

[@bradleycoopersmith5699]

I love how in these old matches that the "re-rack" was such a big thing, possibly to rattle the other player, but almost NEVER gave you a truly "better" rack

[@joeambrose3260]

Always looked forward to those re-racks to get a glimpse of the legendary Harry Golden and his Mod Squad wig !

[@wecontrolthevideo]

Sometimes they did it just to take a little breather before a critical shot. I think I might like to do it, if it was dead quiet at a needed shot, to have the pin setter make some noise, so I don’t hear my own heart pounding out of my chest!

[@williamoleary1410]

Les Long was in the audience here. He finished 14th in a Buddy DeLuca tournament in 1986

[@ArsenalBowler]

You know you have an extremely bright future when on your first match on TV you shoot 244 the guy considered to be the greatest bowler of all time XD (P.S. also, Tom Milton wearing the sleeve 30+ years before it became mainstream :P)

[@danielschrafel3158]

Another of the great "missing tapes" unearthed. What a treat (and holy crap, that stone-9 is a hearbreaker. Earl looked absolutely stunned.)

[@Smitty300]

First time I've seen Earl's "Stone 9" for his 299. Damn good shot. Too bad he didn't get it. He did everything else in bowling.

[@josephambrose2852]

He did shoot 300 on live Japanese TV

[@beeemm2578]

John Wilcox kind of an unsung big score bowling folk legend. Man hung an 885 series on the board. And its cool to see him in Norms coming out party. Good shit if you love professional bowling 🙂

[@Igloo3471]

Definitely! Had three perfect games in the 1979 Dutch Masters Open in Sterling Heights MI. Back to back 300s with 27 strikes in a row and an 835 in that event, also a 298 game. Didn't make the show! Was 6th (alternate).

[@MBSbuff]

Finally get to see Norm Duke's first career title. I hope you'll post more of these classic tournaments.

[@Ka3Ty]

Earl the king of finesse, with synthetic lanes and oil patterns changing along comes the power bowlers with ultra high revolutions reducing any chance for the finesse bowler to stay on top. The reason being specific torch with certain oil patterns allow a very large forgiveness area to throw the bowl for the power bowler and not the finesse bowler. Synthetic lanes were introduced in the late 70's but it took a while to figure out bowling styles, oil patterns and ball materials to use. Wood lanes accuracy was king and high average, synthetic lanes with in a very short time went to the high torch bowlers.

[@deadsunandrew]

ive been waiting to see earls last shot for 15 years and this hole show ty ty ty

[@stevejorfi9086]

I remember as a kid that rock solid 9 pin Anothony left.

[@gcbranger1189]

that 9 pin was nailed to the lane!

[@chrishoch9876]

EARL ANTHONY YOU ARE MY FAVORITE PROFESSIONAL BOWLER! CHRIS HOCH

[@MrRemark21]

Bowler Earl Anthony scored a 299 game in the first match on ABC’s “Pro Bowlers Tour” on Saturday, February 2, 1974.

[@sludge4125]

www.pba.com/Tournaments/FullStandings/555

[@joeambrose3260]

ABC phucked up, they have the video labeled 2-1-74

[@joeambrose3260]

45:15. My uncle converted 2 7-10s in one game (2nd and 9th)

[@pedro3dynamite]

2019. Norm has one two titles! Made me want to watch his very first one.

[@planetx1595]

Something I'm not getting, the scoreboard at 45:48 shows that the one on the top lost by 2 pins, but on the ninth frame the bottom one shows it only managed to get 9 pins, shouldn't the score read 176 to 175? As the previous frames and the tenth are identical?

[@22neohenry]

the difference in pins is counted twice, a strike followed by 8- gets 18 for the 8th frame and then 8 for the 9th. 18+8=26. A strike followed by 8,1 gets 19 for the the 8th frame and 9 for the 9th. 19+9=28

[@enigmazero8624]

Anyone know what this “combination urethane and rubber” ball Earl is throwing here is?

[@jerlv9]

I was like 4 when this happened, but I have one question...was dandruff that huge of a problem back in the day?

[@andrewphillips2179]

Norm Duke bowled amazingly well in his first telecast

[@joeambrose3260]

All the matches were scintillating

[@vince300876]

Good old Days !

[@17garfield21]

Wow, thats why he became one of the best bowler till now. beating all the best players.

[@leebertie57]

Duke was the only bowler carrying consistently. Carry Carry Carry...

[@BaseFury]

In 1974, when you throw a shot that leaves a nine-pin from the left side.....well......you just couldn't throw it any better. No way. :)

[@teejay6063]

Am I the only one who watched this for the commercials?

[@joeambrose3260]

Guilty !

[@beeemm2578]

1:25:18 Bo was spot on with this prediction 👌

[@bhewlett53]

This is the holy grail of bowling. How in the world did you find it. I have been looking for it for years.

[@joeambrose3260]

Baloney

[@dave1283]

Norm Duke's mother is GORGEOUS!!!

[@beeemm2578]

1:12:08 Milton was already whipped here. Look at this shot and result. Schenkel even said it.

[@josemorrasge8100]

Norm and pete webber small in stature but power houses on the lanes.

[@ericfleet9602]

How much does Norm Duke weigh?

[@joeambrose3260]

Sorry,140 was after beefing up,here he is 122

[@controlcontrol1829]

Just 100 lbs. Now

[@robs531]

Mr. Bowling do you have the 1982 Cleveland Open in your archives? Would love to send it to a friend who is retiring and was on that show.

[@thinkcivil1627]

Steve Cook's wife (red shirt, black hair, sitting 10 feet directly behind the bowlers), somehow thought it was a good idea to bring their 2 small children to the match when a nursery is provided for the player's wives. It had to be a distraction, especially during the Duke/Anthony match.

[@joemac999]

plus I think one was a mongo. They can't really be controlled.

[@matthewchow1487]

Norm's arms looks jacked

[@anandguruji83]

CHAMPIONSHIP PAIR LANE 21 LANE 22 AND A RECORD HIGH 40 LANE BOWLING CENTER AT BUCKEYE LANES IN NORTH OLMSTED OHIO

[@anandguruji83]

CHAMPIONSHIP PAIR LANE 21 LANE 22 AND A RECORD HIGH 40 LANE BOWLING CENTER AT BUCKEYE LANES IN NORTH OLMSTED OHIO

[@dormnuke]

1:07:39 made me laugh a lot more than it should've

[@johnyurick8785]

😂

[@andrewphillips1011]

Do you have the 1983 long island open?

[@douglasharris5216]

Andrew Phillips why so you can spoil it?

[@joeambrose3260]

Touche !

[@andrewphillips1011]

Norm duke climbed the ladder and threw a clutch strike to become the youngest bowler at the age of 18 to win his first title in the Cleveland open

[@douglasharris5216]

Andrew Phillips spoiler asshole

[@joeambrose3260]

The matches had me on the edge of my seat

[@JSmith-zr2ve]

🖕🏼

[@johnyurick8785]

Man …….Duke was Mr.😎🌴 in this tournament!!!!!!

[@stephenkochanski6952]

Norm hasn't changed much over the years he basically looks the same and the only change I see is his style of bowling

[@stephenkochanski6952]

His backswing is considerably lower now and he throws it more down and in not much of a hook

[@bladeknockingon700]

5'5" and 120 lbs for Norm Duke. And he did not win a title prior to this and only made a few thousand dollars as a pro up to this win. Watch his interview with Belmonte he talks about his first title with belmonte in pretty great detail.

[@LCSDA1966]

I miss Wide Would Sports

[@robs531]

Mr. Bowling, any chance you can post the 1981 Cleveland Open? I have a friend who made that show.

[@robs531]

My bad that’s the 1982 Cleveland Open.

[@mrbowling300]

I believe I have both, who was your friend?

[@robs531]

mrbowling300 it’s 1982 Cleveland Open. Ken Hall was an amazing coach and pro shop operator. I desperately tried to find it on the internet when he retired as I was going to put it on DVD as a retirement gift.

[@stevieb9104]

I am sick & tired of Chris Shenkel obsessing over Norm Duke's height and weight and "little" and "small". Shenkel looks pretty scrawney himself.

[@crawford586]

Norm Duke: Ice in his veins even at 18 years old.

[@bowlerdave]

1:08:40 USFL. Awesome.

[@markkuhn1297]

Are they using plastic bowling balls? I forgot what year urethane debuted.

[@Wolfman12395]

THANK YOU FOR THIS KEITH!!! :D :D :D

[@joeambrose3260]

A Duke versus an Earl,would've been cool if they had played the match in royal attire

[@joemeehan9329]

Probably could have borrowed clothes from Ernie Schlegel.

[@wesleystafford8521]

I'm sure Norm loved being called "little" Norm Duke. The attire of the audience is looking very 60's and 70's. Back then people wanted to look really good on TV, I think. Turn the A/C on in there!

[@pamelacass9642]

No; it was the end of an era where people didn't dare leave their houses looking like scarecrows on vacation.

[@toscodav]

i want one of those astro turf door mats

[@andrewphillips1011]

The title match was exciting and close

[@douglasharris5216]

Andrew Phillips Mark Roth and Earl Anthony have bowled some exciting matches

[@joeambrose3260]

The title match gave me goosebumps

[@mitzelnation78]

I love Norm's sweet Steve Perry 'do!

[@1USACitizen192]

Norman Duke really put it to Earl Anthony.

[@erikknudson3077]

lane man said NOT TODAY LEFTY..........

[@LCSDA1966]

Wow - 18 years old and being a PRO for 2 years.... How did he qualified at 16 ?

[@johnhotarick1651]

Back in the day, you could be a PBA member if your high school graduating class has graduated and you had parental permission if you were under 18. Note: Pete Weber was another 16 year old member...

[@LCSDA1966]

@@johnhotarick1651 Thanks for the Info !

[@joeambrose3260]

Baloney

[@bloomintokyoseoul]

Curiously, Norm didn't win again until 8 years later.

[@joeambrose3260]

No shit

[@anandguruji83]

45:11

[@anandguruji83]

45:11

[@toscodav]

I was hoping Jr. was going to show how to make that spare.

[@JMFabiano]

Chris Schenkel sounds like Adam West.

[@buddytanyer6597]

I was here to watch Norm win his first title

[@ryanswanson2178]

Sorry. This has nothing to do with the bowling but did Duke get a divorce. His wife's name is Karen but the video says his fiance's name is robin(Robyn?). Also love watching Norm Duke. Absolutely amazing. Hard to believe he didn't win again for almost 10 years.

[@miguel4307]

+ryan swanson I Think He Did Have A Divorce I Know Its Hard To Believe That He Have not Won His Second Title Until 94 But Now He Has 38 (But For me He Has 40 Titles Because King of the Swing Title And Suncoast US Open) And 8 Majors (With Suncoast US Open

[@toscodav]

for real? hard to believe with as many wins as he has. I guess the resin balls kick started his career.

[@vanni9283]

6 solid 7's for Cook? OMG!!! : O

[@David87124]

You have to know when to take 1/2 a mile per hour off your ball speed - easier said than done:)

[@vanni9283]

@@David87124 Well, the only other solution is moving your target a little closer to you. So easy to make a mistake when you adjust off of a pocket hit.

[@David87124]

Yes, another version of what you suggest is moving you feet back on the approach so the ball has further to roll. The ball just needs to get around the corner harder.

[@josemorrasge8100]

Omg norms future wife looks 13

[@wesleystafford8521]

So did Norm ever actually marry that girl, Robin, cuz that's not who he's married to now.....

[@stephenkochanski6952]

According to Google he has only been married to Karen they didn't mention anything about him being married to Robin

[@Monk-Amani.]

Here for the commercials.

[@pugskins]

Great bowler

[@ivarson79]

It would be shocking if they did height and weight now. Some of these bowlers today pay zero attention to health and fitness. It’s unreal. They can’t see the link between physical fitness and bowling. Aj Johnson excluded and spare me he has no titles. He will. He’ll be bowling for a looong time. These other guys bodies will start to fail them

[@controlcontrol1829]

Go Miller

[@pizzaguy1966]

COOK COULDNT BUY A STRIKE

[@nickmad887]

The great.

[@pizzaguy1966]

IS ISUZU STILL IN BUSINESS?

[@controlcontrol1829]

No

[@joeambrose3260]

Yes, they still make commercial engines and vehicles

[@irishpogi]

There is a God!

[@alysaeaster5636]

Smart Wife.

[@grandekev1]

I had no idea Norm had a previous fiancée before he married his now wife Karen.

[@top2pear]

Norm!!!!!!!

[@vanni9283]

35:52!!! 8-|

[@MrDorbel]

Classic show, Norm's first show, the perfect style of Earl. It must be said that Schenk is the worst commentator of all time! So it goes! Thanks for posting.

[@scottjaffe8840]

Paul Money still haven't liked anyone better than schenkel for bowling

[@miguel4307]

+Scott Jaffe i Love Rob stone Specially His HAMBONE!

[@katanakeith1]

I hated Stones hambone. First, he seemed more concern about getting it out and 9 times out of 10 if he mentioned it the bowler wouldn't get it. Second, he thought that he invented it and he didn't. The USBC used to award junior bowlers a hambone award when they bowled two strikes in a row. I'm glad he went back to soccer.

[@ringing7]

katanakeith wish he had stuck with soccer. He was like Chris Schenkel ... zero knowledge of our sport. Schenkel was the WORST ... In his 18 years of draining 100,000's of thousands of dollars from the bowling economy, I never heard him mutter an intelligent comment about bowling. My favorite ... after 12 years of commentating ... "another booming strike" ... Brooklyn!!

[@pamelacass9642]

@@ringing7 SMH...that's why Nelson Burton Jr. was there. Tell you what, why don't you go dig Mr. Schenkel up and tell him to his face? I'm sure he'll enjoy your insight after so many years.

[@ThePoet007]

Norm... you are lucky things went the way they did for me. Or I would have rolled you your entire career.

[@Bassmaster1256]

I've met Norm Duke and he's a class act! EA is a prick. Sorry, was.

[@dnx112]

Norm david duke reminds me of Alfred E Neuman from mad magazine.