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Statistics
Statistics Q&A  [21-40]




Rob December 21, 2004
Adrian
MI

Walter Ray
I was wondering how many pros on tour have thrown a 900 series. and who is the toughfest bowler you bowl against on tour .
From
Rob

Hi Rob,
The only tour bowler that I know of with a 900 series is Norm Duke who did it in a PBA national tournament many years ago. But his 3 games were bowled on 3 different pairs over 2 different blocks.

All of these bowlers are great and at any time they can beat me.



Ken December 13, 2004
Phoenix
AZ

Dear Walter Ray,
Congratulations on your accomplishmnents as a bowler and horseshoe player. Now that you are on the threshold of tying Earl Anthony's record, I am wondering how many second place finishes you have had, and is that a record too? Good luck to you as you will undoubtedly break the record.
Ken Tillman

Hi Ken,
I believe that Earl Anthony had 42 2nd place finishes. I think I only have 38. 2nd isn't bad, but 1st is so much better!



Vaughn September 28, 2004
Upper Darby
PA

Walter Ray, I see where Bob Learn's nickname is "Mr.300."But I see that you have about 57 career 300 games to his 31.Why is that? Do you have the most career 300 games? Thank You,Vaughn

Hi Vaughn,
Bob Learn Jr has many more 300's than I do because he has many in ABC league's and I haven't bowled in a league since 1982. I believe that I am up to 62-300 games in PBA competition which is near the most. Parker Bohn also has a lot of 300 games in the PBA. The PBA doesn't really keep track of tour 300's versus regional 300's. It would be kind of interesting if they did to see who has the most on the PBA tour. I would think that I have to be near the top of that list.



Don April 28, 2004
Sheboygan
WI

Hello Walter Ray Williams, Jr.
My name is Don Markgraf and I will be seeing you in just over 3 weeks in my hometown of Sheboygan, WI. It is going to be a very fun weekend to be able to bowl with you. I have been a fan for many years!!! I am working on a project of your career stats that will be at the bowling centers the weekend of May 22. I was wondering if you could answer 2 quick questions for me. I would like to know how many regional titles that you have, and also the date that you and Paige got married. I have read that it was during Feb. 1996. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanx alot and have a great day!!!!!!!!!!
Don Markgraf

Hi Don,
I have around 22-23 regional titles.
Paige and I got married in Las Vegas back in March 11, 1996. It was the first day of competition and I bowled that evening. I didn't do very well the first day, but bowled better in my next rounds to end up making the TV finals and then winning the tournament!
See you in Sheboygan.



Larry March 16, 2004
Hondo
TX

Dear Walter Ray,
I am a big fan of pro bowling, and I always root for you when you make the telecast. The question I was going to ask you was who are some of the younger bowlers on tour that you think will be challenging some of Earl Anthony's and your records in the future. I don't know much about Professional Horseshoe Pitching but where do you think you rank among the greatest horseshoe pitchers.
Thanks

Hi Larry,
There are many young talented bowlers bowling on tour these days. Tommy Jones, Michael Machuga, Chris Johnson and D. J. Archer are just a few. I don't know if any of them will get to 20 titles or not, but they all throw the ball very well. And then there is Osku Palermaa from Finland who was very impressive at the US Open and the ABC Masters, but he won't be trying to come out on tour for a year or so. Chris Barnes may be the player best player who is under 35 who might win a lot of titles, but with the tour having less tournaments, that doesn't make winning a lot of tournaments that easy.

20 years ago I thought that I would be the best horseshoe pitcher ever, but that didn't happen. I still have the highest tournament averages outside of the world championships and do have several of the highest averages at the world tournament. But I would put myself in the top 10 for all time horseshoe pitchers which isn't quite as good as I thought I could have done. Too many bad tournaments have taken away from some of the great tournaments that I have had.



Steven February 20, 2004
Springfield
OR

I just have one question.
how many 300 games have you roled in your whole life.

Hi Steven,
I don't know the exact number of 300's. But I have 63 in PBA competition. I have about 5-10 in non PBA competition and countless others.



Sandra February 16, 2004
Long Beach
CA

Hi Walter Ray and Paige,
I am a friend of Marge Miyoda and was the one that delivered Noda-san's picture DVDs to you in Tucson last week. Have you finished looking at every single picture yet? :-) I still haven't finished looking at all of last year's US Open pictures or Bowl Expo. But, I did see the picture he took of me and Walter Ray at Bowl Expo in Vegas. Thanks for posing with me.

Congratulations on rolling 2-300 games and making it to the finals at Golden Pins, that's the house where I bowled in my first league way back when. Out of curiosity, how do you feel about the lane conditions that were used for the Tucson stop? It seemed very easy in the sense that it looked very forgiving, almost like a house shot where you can play an area vs. a board. Also, I noticed that you used a PDA to track your statistics in the qualifying rounds of the US Open and the Tucson Open. I, too, have a PDA and would like to use it to track my statistics. Where did you find the software or did you write it yourself?

Thanks for taking the time to maintain a very thorough and educational website. Good luck with the rest of the tour. Hope to see you on TV this coming Sunday, too.
Sandra
P.S. Paige, keep up the new look. You're looking great! Also, feel free to edit this for posting.

Hi Sandra,
Thanks for the pictures from Noda-san. He is probably the world's best bowling photographer. I haven't yet had a chance to look at all of the pictures he has given me.

I feel that the lane condition that the PBA used in Tucson was too easy. Even though the lanes were hooking a lot more on TV they were still very easy. I just wasn't able to get my ball to the right place like I was during the previous couple of days for that 'perfect' carry.

I do use a PDA during qualifying. There is a link on my website to www.warilysoftware.com. I do endorse this software, but I didn't write it.



Ron September 2, 2003
State College
PA

I just wanted to comment that you sold yourself short in recent Bowlers Journal profile of you. You said that you had never beat Chris Barnes on TV, and that based on that someone could say he's a better bowler than you. You did beat him in your first meeting on 10/24/2000 at Erie. Maybe you forgot about it because it was a 3-way match. You beat both Barnes and Steve Hoskins 268 to 188 to 183. Chris really struggled to find the pocket and left 4 difficult splits, but made 3 of them. So I guess he was impressive even in a loss.
Also, I have some pictures I took of you and other pitchers competing in a horseshoe tournament in Erie last year (in the rain). I was wondering if you or Paige might be interested in seeing some of them. If so, I could scan the best ones and send them to you. Let me know.
Thanks and good luck this fall! Ron

Hi Ron,
Thanks for the jogging of my memory. I did also beat Chris at a non PBA sanctioned tournament in Japan several years ago and it was a 2 game match for the title. I find it kind of funny that people make generalizations about how one bowler 'dominates' another on TV when they may have met only a few times. After about 30 matches, then people might be able to make some statements, but I think that most top players are going to be beating each other about the same amount.

It is very kind of you to offer your pictures. You can send them to us at info@WalterRay.com Thanks again.



Shane March 5, 2003
Hondo
TX

Dear Walter Ray,
I was just wandering how many sanctioned 300 games you have rolled, and when was your first. Also when did you first roll an 800 series. I just want to wish you all the best and say thanks for making it possible for the average man to communicate with you, i think that is awesome.

Hi Shane,
I don't know how many sanctioned ABC 300 games I have. I have only bowled about 6 outside of the PBA. Not all of my PBA 300 games have been sanctioned by the ABC. I think I am up to 59 PBA 300 games. My first 300 game was in late 1979 or early 1980 and my first 300 in PBA competition was in October of 1980. I probably bowled my first 800 series in 1980. My high series was in December of 1982 of 857 and I probably used a plastic ball.

I am glad that you are enjoying our website.



Kimmy January 6, 2003
MI

How does it feel to have been on the receiving end of those three 300 games on tv? I know they have to elevate their game to play you,but you'll have to return the favor eventually. The Johnny P. 300 is still my favorite I guess cos I was lucky enough to be there. Still watch that tape ever so often. Well keep on crunching those pins!

Hi Kimmy,
It is kind of strange to have so many 300's bowled against me. But sometimes my opponents do get pumped up. Hopefully one day I will be able to get one, but I guess in the meantime I will have to settle on with what I have done.




Tim January 2, 2003
Lincoln
NE

I see on your statistical information you list your carry percentage.

Is there any trend that you notice in any aspect of your game that allows you to carry more (or less)? Also, what are some steps you take to improve your carry percentage?

Thank you in advance,
Tim

Hi Tim,
I haven't done a detailed report on my stats from tournament to tournament or what line, ball, speed I was using. I am sure that if it was studied enough there might be some noticeable trends. But I would really need to take more detailed notes than I do. To me the biggest thing about bowling well is being able to get the ball to the pocket and you do that by playing the lanes properly which means paying attention to how others are playing the lanes and adapting your game to the lanes. That means using certain balls, a particular release and speed.


Chuck December 30, 2002
Mt. Morris
NY

You are my favorite bowler. I wish you continued success.
My question is what are your short term and long term goals? I know currently you have 35 titles, 3 majors and 5 PBA Player of the Years. Currently Earl Anthony holds the record in all 3 categories. I assume you believe tieing Earl in Player of the Years is attainable, maybe even this season. Do you believe you can catch him in titles and/or majors? Is it important to you to win the Tournament of Champions and Masters before you retire to complete the Triple Crown and Grand Slam? Good luck in the Earl Anthony Memorial tournament this week.

Hi Chuck,
My main goal is to do well enough to make some decent money out here on tour. However, I also want to win every tournament that I enter, but I realize that isn't possible. I would certainly like to be player of the year again and I have a decent shot at it this year. But I figure that I will need to win another tournament and winning a major would definitely help in that effort. Getting a 6th Player of the Year award and tying Earl Anthony in Player of the Year awards is the one record Earl has that I may be able to get to. I may even be able to get to 41 titles, but that is several years away at best. I doubt that I would even come close to Earl's number of major titles, but it would be nice to win a few more of those. It isn't terribly important to me that I win the Tournament of Champions and or ABC Masters, but I still give it my all in those events as I do in others. Thanks.




Brian December 10, 2002
Oklahoma City
OK

How does WRW keep his statistics? When I read his round by round stats, he knows every stat. Is that something he keeps himself or does Paige or someone else help keep those stats? It seems it could be difficult to keep your head in a match and keeping stats at the same time.

Also any ideas for those wishing to try and start "stat tracking" as well?

Thanks and best of luck!

Hi Brian,
I keep my own score of my qualifying rounds and round of 32 match. They usually have scorekeepers who keep track of what we leave for the rounds of 16, 8 and the TV finals. I will then get a copy of them and try to remember special things such as missed pocket shots which struck and such. It can be a little difficult to keep those stats, but it doesn't seem to bother me and it also shows me what I am doing in competition that I might need to work on.

For keeping your own stats, get some scoresheets that have all of the pins and keep track of those. You might also make notes on some of the 'odd' shots. Good luck.




Michael December 7, 2002
Fort Bragg
NC

Mr. Walter Ray,
Since you are of course the greatest of all time I was just wondering what your lifetime average is and how many 300's have you shot on tour and do you get a ring for every 300 you bowl on tour?

Thx, you biggest fan Michael

Hi Michael,
I don't know what my lifetime average is. On tour it is probably close to 217. I have 57 "300" games in PBA competition, but I don't know how many are on tour (I would guess 45 or so). The PBA gives you one ring and a diamond chip for each one past that. However, when the new PBA took over they started a "new" 300 ring program so now I have 2 and I think that is pretty neat.




John August 10, 2002
Follett
TX

Walter Ray,
People are often talking about how good a spare shooter you are, and you are probably as good as it gets when it comes to spare shooting. When i see you bowl on the tube I cant even imagine seeing you miss a single pin spare. But the question i really wanted to ask you was if you have ever made the 7-10 split, and if you have do you remember when and where you made it. I know to make a split like the 7-10 or the big four,(4-6-7-10) or any bounce out split takes a lot of luck to have the pens bounce out. Good luck with all your bowling and i hope to see you on tv,

By the way dont leave to many splits.

Hi John,
I have only made the 7-10 split a couple of times. Once was in a tournament in Grand Prairie many years ago, I don't remember where the other one was at. I don't throw the ball very hard to bounce pins out of the back very often, but once in a while I do get the pins to bounce out. I have also picked up the big 4 a couple of times. Like all pros, I don't like to leave splits, but they are a part of the game. Thanks.



Kimberlee    May 11, 2002
Beaverton
MI

Hello Walter Ray. I drove from Northern Michigan this past March to watch you and the tour in Toledo. I got lost a bit trying to find the bowling center, but got there just in time to see you beat Amleto, again. What's that statistic look like? Also I was a little disappointed in this center compared to the other Toledo center I had been to a few times before. (I guess that's why I got lost) I know you beat the crowd favorite Jeff L. last year and thought you had a good shot at it again this year, so that's why I made the drive. Maybe next time i'll even get enough courage to say hi. P.S. Keep the hat, but lose the beard. The hat will cover your chin from the sun too! Just kiddin.

Hi Kimberlee,
I am not sure what statistic you are referring to. I beat Amleto maybe a time or to more than he beats me over the long run, but I really can't say for sure. Amleto is a great bowler and we have had many good matches over the years. I was a bit disappointed about not finishing higher at the tournament, but I wasn't able to throw enough strikes to beat Rick Steelsmith to advance. I am sorry that you don't like the beard, but I am kind of lazy and don't like to shave.



Bill    February 14, 2002
Rainbow City
AL

In 1991 WRW won $120K. Considering inflation, that would be like winning how much in 2002?

Hi Bill,
I don't know the figures on inflation, but at 3% that $120K would be the same as about $166K or at 4% it would be about $185K. Hopefully I can win that much this year!



Max    November 15, 2001
Oklahoma City
OK

Comments: I would like to know how many single pin spares Walter Ray has converted in a row.

Hi Max, The PBA nor I keep track of spares converted or missed. Guessing, I would say I have probably picked up several hundred single pins in a row but that is only a guess.



Corey    March 9, 2001
Lawrenceville
GA

Comments: Hey Mr. Williams I shot my first 700 series (724) last summer with my Riot Zone (and I haven't shot a 600 since then)then I had to take a month off and I got my HPH for oily lanes but then I went into a big slump I just got out of it and I am going back in it now I am getting rid of the HPH I have a Zone Pro Azure sanded to 400 grit I think and that ball no matter how oily it will get full lane hook. Do you think you could help me out? Please one more question what is you highest scratch series? thanks, Corey

Hi Corey,

It is really hard to help someone without being there. I would suggest finding a local pro or bowling coach to help you. You might have developed a flaw in your swing that a coach can straighten out before it becomes too ingrained in your swing that you can't change it.

My high 3 game set is 857 (300, 299, 258, 3 ringing 10 pins) in a PBA regional tournament in 1982. Easy lane conditions are the biggest reason for high scores.




Kelvin   January 5, 2001
Singapore
Comments: Well, I would like to see more of his personal bowling stats on this page, like his highest 3 game series, number of perfect games, how long he's been bowling etc. Love Walter's great solid game, he's a winner, hope to see more of him next year. ;D

My high 3 game set was in a PBA regional tournament in Dec 1982 (857), finishing 2nd to Mark Baker. Scores are higher when the lanes are easy. Usually the PBA doesn't have 'easy' conditions, but sometimes they are very conducive to high scores. I don't know the exact number of 300 games I have bowled. I think the PBA has me at about 55-57. I have about 6 outside of PBA competition. I haven't bowled in league since Dec 1982. I bowled one year when I was 11-12. Then I started bowling again when I was a senior in High School (1977). I had a 173 average for a short season (appendectomy) in 77-78 up until Dec of 1977. I didn't really bowl until the next year when I ended up averaging 188. I was averaging 175 up until Jan of that season. Then they walled the lanes up and I started averaging 200 the rest of the season (I thought I was good). That summer I averaged 224 and 216 in the 2 leagues I bowled. The next winter (March 1980) is when I bowled my first local pro tournaments (PCB in southern California) and then PBA regionals.

When I was 20 (August 1980) I joined the PBA. I went on tour when I was 23 (1983). I took my time finishing up college (5 & 1/2 years technically), but I dropped out of my first quarter of College when I had an appendectomy with peritonitis and that kind of got me behind. I was in the hospital a total of 2 weeks for that. I weighed about 135 pounds when I got out of the hospital at 6'2" in Jan 1978. I also ended up living on my own and my main income was bowling and a few horseshoe tournaments along with royalties from 'Deadeye' horseshoes. I managed to save up money and put myself on tour with a little bit of help from some friends (Doug & Jana Buerle) who put up $1000. They actually got a good return on their investment. Doug later on bowled local pro tournaments.

The rest is history!


Statistics Q&A  [21-40]




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