George Pappas (bowler)

George N. Pappas (born March 3, 1947) is an American former professional bowler from Charlotte, North Carolina, who has also served as an official in the PBA. He was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1986, and was ranked #33 in a "Top 50 Bowlers of the Last 50 Years" poll conducted by the PBA for its 50th anniversary season (2008).[1]

Pappas joined the PBA in 1969, and quickly won his first two titles early in the 1970 season, at the Miller High Life Open and Buffalo Open.[2] He then had a drought of nearly four years, which included a heartbreaking 233-224 loss to Don Johnson in the final match of the 1972 U.S. Open. He finally got back on track with his third title at the King Louie Open in January, 1974.[3]

Pappas recorded the biggest triumph of his career when he captured the 1979 Firestone Tournament of Champions, leading that event wire-to-wire (from opening match through the finals). It was his sixth title, as well as his first and only major championship win.[4] He had his best season in 1984, collecting his ninth and tenth PBA titles and earning over $100,000.[5]

Pappas served as chair of the PBA's Tournament Committee and as PBA president for two years. He has a bowling center named after him, George Pappas Victory Lanes in Mooresville, North Carolina.[6]

References
  1. "Experts Select Earl Anthony as Greatest Player in PBA History". Professional Bowlers Association. January 25, 2009. Retrieved September 26, 2010.
  2. 1970 PBA Tour Season pba.com, retrieved July 30, 2013
  3. 1974 PBA Tour Season pba.com, retrieved July 30, 2013
  4. 1979 Firestone - Pappas Pockets $30,000 pba.com, retrieved July 30, 2013
  5. 1984 PBA Season pba.com, retrieved July 30, 2013
  6. Pappas bio on PBA site.


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