After several years of discussions by various committees appointed to formulate
a Hall of Fame for the P.S.B.A., it was finally made a part of the State programs in July 1974. A committee comprised of Chairman Randell Keller, Daniel Holter, Henry Lapinski, Ralph Salvati and David
Shimph submitted the requirements and rules needed to designate the bowler who may be eligible for such an honor. This proposal
was passed in July 1974. At the October 1974 Fall Board of Directors meeting, the Chairman announced that a selection committee
of Henry Sanders and John Settlen had been appointed. An Election Committee of John Wanacheck, Robert Lyons and Frank Cromis
would select the nominees from the advanced ten applications. Six men were honored in the first formal Hall of Fame induction
ceremony July 10, 1976.
Frank W. Cromis
The PSBA Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring those men in the State whose efforts have contributed to the
growth and welfare of the game of bowling by their bowling ability and/or through meritorious service to the game of bowling
in the State of Pennsylvania.
Six men entered the Hall in July of 1976 as the Charter members of the group, namely:
Frank Clause
Eddie Jefferson
Joe Ostrowski
Frank Pollak
C. Franklin Thompson
Frank
"Butch" Snyder.
The Hall is governed by a nine man board consisting of two members of the Hall along with the 3rd and 4th
Vice Presidents, the Secretary, one Past President, and three Directors of the PSBA. These men, among other duties, serves
as the selection committee which screens the nominations to the Hall and presents a maximum of twelve names to the Election
Committee which does the actual naming of the honorees each year. The Election Committee consists of fourteen members; two
Advisory Life members, two Line Officers, four Hall of Fame members, three Area Directors and three Delegates. In order to
be elected a man must receive 70% of the votes of the committee.
Eligibility
To be eligible for nomination to the Hall a candidate must have:
1. Attained the age of forty-five years.
2. Participated in P.S.B.A. Association tournaments for a
minimum of ten years or been a member of a local bowling
association for a minimum of ten years.
3. Established a reputation as a bowler and a sportsman.
4. Exhibited distinguished service in the promotion of the
game of bowling for the P.S.B.A.
Notwithstanding the foregoing eligibility requirements, the Hall Board may waive any or all of them by unanimous
vote when there are unusual circumstances or accomplishments.
Anyone currently under suspension by the United States Bowling Congress shall not be considered.
