Candlepin Bowling - Todd Shafer vs. Tom Olszta

Special thanks to Todd Shafer himself for providing this tape that originally aired on 8/20/1988. ^_^ This was the final match of the 1987-1988 season of Candlepin Bowling on Channel 5, featuring Tom Olszta going for his second win in a row after defeating Gary Carrington the week before. Todd Shafer would be his opponent who was making his first appearance on the program.
This program really set the stage for an INCREDIBLY dramatic finish to end the season itself, with this telecast being the last chance for either bowler to qualify for the 1988 True Value Championship Show. You'll see why it was such an exciting match to watch especially down the stretch when all was said and done. :D
Thanks again to Todd for providing this AWESOME match, hope you all enjoy and R.I.P. Don Gillis.

[@RandyTheWildHorse]

Thank you Todd Shafer for providing the tape if he is reading this message. I bowl poorly myself but I wish they had candlepin bowling in Minnesota so I can try it.

[@HalifaxHercules]

I played Candlepin Bowling often when I was living in Nova Scotia. Its a difficult sport, but its fun and exciting to play. Ever since I moved to Newfoundland in 2008, I had to switch to 5 Pin Bowling as they don't have any Candlepin alleys in that province.

[@flames24lightning]

Todd had quite the drive from Adams to Natick for the taping. That's 2 hours and 25 minutes on the road.

[@robjohnson8722]

Grew up idolizing this guy. I was actually at the taping of this match. Tom Olsztyn is the best candlepin bowler of all time. Met him when I was a youth state champion. Great guy, and lots of fun to watch. I still watch KZbin videos of him and I’m 51 now. Guy is just an electric candlepin bowler.

[@SimuLord]

"Well, I suppose since these invoices don't have to be done until tomorrow, I have some time to watch Tommy Olszta bowl three strings..."

[@Bos9ton]

As one should.

[@wrestlingfan31100]

I remember the specials where the top three would compete for a check from True Value

[@polyesterdreamboat]

Okay but that intro did NOT have to go that hard

[@larry930legend]

Absolutely amazing Tom needed a 144 in the final string and delivered. Gotta wonder exactly how much total money including championship shows he accumulated til the last broadcast.

[@DevinJHiggins]

Seeing Tommy's son come down to hug him at the end of the match is a bit of a sad punctuation note, given he passed away last year. 😞

[@frankmaiorana66]

Todd drove in from Adams Mass. You go just a bit West and guess what? You are in New York State.

[@danaringquist9730]

Dr 7-31-23