Andy Varipapa
Encyclopedia
Andy Varipapa was a professional and trick bowler
. Varipapa became famous around the world for his trick bowling shots.
He was considered to be "the greatest one-man bowling show on earth" because of his array of exhibition rolls, such as a "boomerang ball" that Varipapa would slowly roll down the lane, only to have it return. He was famous for his ability to convert splits and, astoundingly, could regularly convert the 7-10 split by rolling one ball from each hand, simultaneously. A film shows the balls crossing paths before meeting the pins. He made many demonstration short films over his career, including 1934's Strikes and Spares
with Sally McKee and Buster Brodie.
In 1946, at the age of 55, he won the prestigious BPAA All-Star competition (predecessor to the U.S. Open
) in a gruelling 100 game format, making him the oldest winner ever. He became the first to win two years in a row when he repeated in 1947 in spite of a dramatic comeback by Joe Wilman. Mr. Varipapa lived to be 93 years old and was an active bowler well into old age. At the age of 78, he taught himself to bowl left-handed, as his right hand was giving him difficulties. Within two years he averaged 180, a testament to his skills and longevity.
The 'Andy Varipapa 300' game, which consists of 12 strikes in a row spanning 2 games, was named after Andy.
Andy Varipapa is related to Joseph Cavalcante, Christina Alessio and Anthony Cavalcante.
Trick bowling
Trick bowling is a form of competitive bowling in which unusual and difficult custom setups are used. Trick bowling often involves special pin setup, multiple bowling balls, or obstacles placed on the lane....
. Varipapa became famous around the world for his trick bowling shots.
He was considered to be "the greatest one-man bowling show on earth" because of his array of exhibition rolls, such as a "boomerang ball" that Varipapa would slowly roll down the lane, only to have it return. He was famous for his ability to convert splits and, astoundingly, could regularly convert the 7-10 split by rolling one ball from each hand, simultaneously. A film shows the balls crossing paths before meeting the pins. He made many demonstration short films over his career, including 1934's Strikes and Spares
Strikes and Spares
Strikes and Spares is a 1934 short sports film directed by Felix E. Feist. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 1934 for Best Short Subject .-Cast:* Pete Smith - Narrator * Andy Varipapa - Himself - World's Greatest Bowling Fixture...
with Sally McKee and Buster Brodie.
In 1946, at the age of 55, he won the prestigious BPAA All-Star competition (predecessor to the U.S. Open
U.S. Open (bowling)
The U.S. Open is one of the four major tournaments in the Professional Bowlers Association. The first modern-day U.S. Open tournament in the PBA took place in 1971 and was won by Mike Limongello. With four victories, Pete Weber holds the most modern-day U.S. Open trophies.The U.S...
) in a gruelling 100 game format, making him the oldest winner ever. He became the first to win two years in a row when he repeated in 1947 in spite of a dramatic comeback by Joe Wilman. Mr. Varipapa lived to be 93 years old and was an active bowler well into old age. At the age of 78, he taught himself to bowl left-handed, as his right hand was giving him difficulties. Within two years he averaged 180, a testament to his skills and longevity.
The 'Andy Varipapa 300' game, which consists of 12 strikes in a row spanning 2 games, was named after Andy.
Andy Varipapa is related to Joseph Cavalcante, Christina Alessio and Anthony Cavalcante.