Mark Roth
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Mark Roth (born April 10, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York) is a member of the Professional Bowlers Association and the Generations Bowling Tour. His 34 PBA titles are tied for third (with Pete Weber) on the all-time tournament winners list, behind Walter Ray Williams and Earl Anthony. He was the second professional bowler to surpass $1 million in career winnings, with Anthony being the first. His 8 titles won in 1978 are still the PBA record for a single season, and he won another 7 in the following season. He won his only career major title (US Open) in 1984, after having qualified for 10 previous "major" television finals without winning. Roth was inducted in the PBA Hall of Fame in 1987.
Roth was well known for his high powered "cranker" style that has been copied by many bowlers since. Despite the power he generated, Roth was also one of the best spare shooters of all time, as he is notable for being the first bowler to pick up the 7-10 Split on television, on 5 January 1980 [1]. In addition, he utilizes a seven-step delivery that is unique. Most bowlers regard a four-step or five-step delivery to be the classic form and the most effective way to throw a bowling ball.
Roth shot a 299 during the televised finals to win his very first PBA tournament at the 1975 King Louie Open in Overland Park, Kansas. Roth repeated the feat by shooting a 299 during the televised finals (it was Roth's first game and the final's second game) of the 1987 Greater Buffalo Open in Cheektowaga, NY.
On 6 October 2006, Roth won the very first Generations Bowling Tour event, defeating Dale Eagle in the final 237-234, and averaged 241 over the three-game stepladder final.
[edit] Awards and Recognition
- Four-time PBA Player of the Year (1977, 1978, 1979 and 1984)
- Six-time winner of the PBA High Average award
- Still holds PBA record of 8 titles in a single season (1978)
- Inducted into PBA Hall of Fame, 1987
- Inducted into International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, 1992
[edit] In the Media
- Roth makes a brief appearance in the bowling movie Kingpin, along with several other professional bowlers.
- Roth also appears in an early 1980's episode of Fantasy Island. He plays an opponent of a 153-average bowler fulfilling a fantasy to compete and win against professionals.
