If you were like me as a child, you often spent a few hours in front of the TV on weekends watching the Pro Bowlers Tour.
One of the legends of the game, Mark Roth, has, sadly, passed away.
Roth was 70 years old.
The Phone Call
Roth has had some health issues in recent years that had fans worried, but few expected this.
In 2009 and 2019, Roth had suffered through heart attacks.
He had also been suffering from congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
While most fans were aware of his health issues, the fact he was on his death bed was not known until just a few days ago when his wife posted his rapidly declining health on Facebook.
PBA Commissioner Tom Clark broke the news on Twitter…
Hello. I have bad news. Moments ago, I received the phone call from Denise Roth that we've be dreading.
The Great Mark Roth passed away today.
Denise asked me to let you know, and thank you all for the kindness.
I can't believe he is gone. He is a hero.
Mark is at peace now. pic.twitter.com/9Fj1C8PrDo— Tom Clark (@ClarkPBA) November 26, 2021
The PBA also commented on his death…
The PBA mourns the devastating loss of Mark Roth.
Roth, a 34-time PBA Tour Champion, won a record high 8-titles in 1978, was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1987, and was the first bowler to convert a 7-10 split on national television in 1980.https://t.co/gM0BWCUL3e
— PBA Tour (@PBATour) November 26, 2021
Legendary Bowler
If you were a fan of the PBA at the time, nary a broadcast was aired that did not feature Roth in his prime.
He won a total of 34 tournaments, a remarkable feat when you consider the rigorous nature of these tournaments.
Most of us would not be able to lift our arm after a single day of qualifying, but Roth absolutely obliterated the tour when he was at the top of his game.
I can still remember seeing Roth convert the 7-10 split for the first time on live TV.
The funny thing about the make was that Roth did not even appear to be trying to convert the spare.
After taking a light hit, Roth grabbed his spare ball and, in disgust, ran to the line, appearing only to try to make the 10 pin.
He threw the ball with such force, however, he got a great hit on the 10, it flew across the lane, and tapped the 7 pin to make the conversion…
It was one of the many memorable moments in bowling that Roth provided to his fans.
Rest in peace, Mark, you will be missed.
Source: Fox News
