Earl Anthony Rolled To Top Focus On Goals: He kept his eye on the prize to become the best pro bowler.(LEADERS & SUCCESS)

Byline: PATRICK SEITZ

Professional bowler Earl Anthony lacked the natural skills of many of his opponents. But he made up for it with practice and determination.

Anthony was known as "The Machine" for his consistency, control and accuracy, and "Square Earl" for his crew cut, glasses and serious approach to the sport. He thrived during pro bowling's TV heyday of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Anthony, who died Aug. 14 at age 63, is regarded by many as the greatest pro bowler of all time. He was a six-time Professional Bowlers Association bowler of the year and its greatest winner with 41 tour victories. (The next closest has 34.) He also won seven PBA Senior Tour events.

He didn't look anything like a champion at first.

Anthony didn't bowl until he was 21. His first love was baseball. But an injury ended his dream of pitching in the major leagues in 1960. Disappointed but not discouraged, he took a job working in the warehouse of a Washington state grocery company. To fill his spare time, he joined the company's bowling league.

Three years later, his average score was 217 -- good enough to join the PBA and bowl in three tournaments. He earned no money. But he knew he wasn't going away empty-handed; he'd learned that he needed to improve his game.