Tom Clark's No. 9: Anderson Breaks Through At 2018 Masters
Tom Clark's No. 9: Anderson Breaks Through At 2018 Masters
Coming in at No. 9 on PBA Commissioner Tom Clark's favorite shows of the past decade was Andrew Anderson's win at the 2018 USBC Masters.
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This the second in a 10-part series by PBA Commissioner Tom Clark.
As PBA Commissioner, my greatest privilege has been having a front row seat to PBA history.
I've worked more than 250 PBA finals since 2008. One thing has been guaranteed: Our events and our players always deliver compelling drama. Every time.
But as last decade came to a close, I singled out my 10 most memorable shows from 2010-19, with some personal notes:
No. 9: 2018 USBC Masters, OnCenter Convention Center, Syracuse, New York
Andrew Anderson won his first PBA title in the awesome arena setting of the special build for the USBC Open Championship, and he did it in the face of being left out at that year's PBA League Draft. Having seen the pain on his face going un-drafted turn to the defiant smile of a major champion, was inspirational.
Making it extra special for me was the event taking place in my hometown, the chance to go home and have my parents join me. My mom and dad introduced me to bowling, brought me to every league and tournament I ever bowled, encouraged me in the sport and have watched every PBA event. Being able to have them in the stands with me, experiencing a great major championship on bowling's greatest stage in Syracuse was a rare treat.
Syracuse is also known for snow, and when flights to the next tour stop in Maine were canceled that night, a group of us including the champ Andrew Anderson himself, Chris Barnes, PBA marketing people Janay Haggerty and Kim Richter rented a car and drove seven hours through the slush, survived a flat tire in the dead of night in the middle of nowhere, and, well, that trip is a whole other story.
Not a normal nightcap for a Masters champion, but Andrew, who went on to win 2018 PBA Player of the Year, won't forget it and neither will I.
Watch the full show here:
Tom Clark’s Top 10 Countdown
1. To be released June 6
2. To be released May 30
3. To be released May 23
4. To be released May 16
5. To be released May 9
6. To be released May 2
7. To be released April 25
8. To be released April 18
9. 2018 USBC Masters
10. 2012 PBA WSOB Scorpion Championship