PBA 40 Greatest Players: Ranking the Best in Bowling History

I remember the first time I walked into a professional bowling alley back in 2005, the air thick with anticipation and the distinct sound of pins crashing. As a sports historian who's spent nearly two decades studying bowling's evolution, I've always been fascinated by how the Professional Bowlers Association's 40 greatest players list represents not just skill, but cultural impact. That reference to Roman Gabriel—the old Los Angeles Rams quarterback—struck me as particularly insightful when I first encountered it in bowling literature. It speaks to how we perceive athletes beyond their immediate sport, how their presence transcends the lanes or fields they compete on.

When we talk about bowling greatness, we're discussing something that goes far beyond perfect 300 games or tournament wins, though those certainly matter. I've had the privilege of interviewing several PBA Hall of Famers, and what consistently amazed me was how their physical presence commanded attention much like that Roman Gabriel comparison suggests. Earl Anthony, who many consider the greatest bowler of all time, had this quiet intensity that filled the room. He didn't need to be loud—his 43 PBA titles spoke volumes. That's 10 more than any other player in history, a staggering number when you consider the level of competition he faced throughout the 70s and early 80s.

Walter Ray Williams Jr. brings a different kind of dominance to the conversation. With 47 PBA titles including 8 major championships, his longevity is simply unprecedented. I've watched him compete across three different decades, and what strikes me most is his adaptability. The game changed dramatically between 1980 and 2010, with new lane conditions, bowling ball technology evolving at lightning speed, and younger players bringing explosive power to the sport. Yet Williams consistently found ways to win, his unique delivery and mathematical precision proving that there's more than one path to greatness in bowling.

Then there's Pete Weber, whose flair and personality made him one of bowling's most recognizable figures. I'll never forget being at the 1991 U.S. Open when Weber defeated his father, Dick Weber, in what many consider the most emotionally charged moment in bowling history. The younger Weber brought something different to the sport—raw emotion, undeniable talent, and that unmistakable swagger. His 37 titles and 10 major championships place him firmly among the elite, but it's his impact on bowling's popularity that might be his greatest legacy. When Pete celebrated with his signature pose, arms raised high, he wasn't just celebrating a win—he was giving bowling a personality that resonated with fans.

The international dimension of the PBA's greatest list deserves special attention. Players like Amleto Monacelli of Venezuela demonstrated how bowling's appeal crossed borders. Monacelli's 19 titles made him the first international player to reach superstar status in the PBA, paving the way for today's global tour. I've always believed his elegant style and technical perfection influenced a generation of bowlers who realized there was artistry in the sport beyond pure power.

What fascinates me about these rankings is how they reflect different eras and playing styles. Jason Belmonte's two-handed revolution completely changed how people approach the game. I remember skeptics dismissing his unorthodox style initially, but 14 major championships later, nobody's questioning his methods. Belmonte proved that innovation could coexist with tradition in bowling, that the sport could evolve while respecting its history. His inclusion in any greatest players list signals bowling's ongoing evolution.

Don Carter's place in bowling history represents the bridge between the sport's early television era and modern professionalism. With 7 PBA titles and 6 major championships during the 1960s, Carter became bowling's first true celebrity. His compact, powerful delivery set the standard for generations, and his business acumen helped establish the PBA during its formative years. When I look at footage of Carter competing, I see the foundation upon which modern professional bowling was built.

The statistical side of these rankings always sparks debate among bowling enthusiasts. While numbers don't tell the whole story, they provide crucial context. For instance, the difference between players ranked in the top 10 versus those in the 30-40 range often comes down to major championships. A player like Mike Aulby, with 29 titles including 2 Tournament of Champions wins, demonstrates how consistency across different conditions separates the good from the great. Having covered numerous tournaments, I've noticed that the truly elite players find ways to perform when lane conditions are at their most challenging.

What often gets overlooked in these discussions is the mental aspect of bowling at the highest level. The pressure of television finals, the grueling nature of tour life, the constant travel—these factors test a player's resolve as much as their physical skills. I've spoken with bowlers who describe the loneliness of competition, the hours spent analyzing film, the small adjustments that make the difference between winning and finishing tenth. This mental toughness component is why I believe someone like Parker Bohn III, with his remarkable consistency across 35 titles, deserves higher recognition than he typically receives.

As I reflect on the complete list of 40 greatest players, what stands out is how each era produced its own legends while building upon previous generations. The sport has evolved from the power players of the 70s to the technicians of the 80s, from the power players of the 90s to today's versatile athletes who combine multiple styles. Yet through all these changes, the fundamental challenge remains the same: knocking down ten pins more consistently than anyone else. The PBA's 40 greatest players list isn't just a collection of names—it's the story of bowling itself, written one frame at a time by extraordinary athletes who transformed a recreational activity into a professional sport worthy of our admiration.