The Mid-Maryland USBC is honored to induct Harry Baker into the 2017-2018 bowling season Hall of Fame for Superior Performance. For all he has done to grow and enhance the sport of bowling.
Pretty much being raised in a bowling center atmosphere (his mom & dad met in a bowling center and his grandfather actually bowled duckpins blind!), Harry started his bowling adventure at the age of 6 bowling duckpins at Village Lanes. And from there, his story begins.
Now for most who know the Baker family, bowling is in our blood and has obviously been passed down from generation to generation. And with this passing, also came the passion for the sport. Harry has truly shown his passion and has poured his heart and soul into bowling.
His first experience with 10 pin bowling came about in 1975 at the age of 16, bowling in the Cadet after school league. Followed by his first adult league (1980) in the Civic Fraternal on Tuesday nights at 9:00 pm with the Triangle Shell Team.
His employment at Terrace Lanes began in 1983 as a part-time mechanic and after 3 years led to a full-time position. And as you know, he’s still there bringing his total to 35 years!! We always tell people “yup, still there!”
His “obsession” with bowling didn’t start until 1983/1984 after watching the pros bowl on tv (Earl Anthony in particular) and wanting to “be the best” and wanting to “become like the pros” was the first driving force behind his success and accomplishments. Then along comes Parker Bohn who he idolized and followed because he was left handed and of course, who doesn’t idolize Parker Bohn!?
It was nothing for him to easily bowl at least 200 games a week, or practice swinging an iron in front of a mirror or throwing his bowling ball onto the back of the couch, placing towels and cups out on the lane for target practice, anything he could do to perfect his game.
And as a result of his dedication, here are a few of his achievements:
· 1st place in all events (2190) 1st place Singles Scratch (792) and 1st place team alongside Greg Moats, Jeff Churchey, Chris Keith & David Baker in the 38th Annual Central MD Tournament
· 1st place All Events Singles Scratch (this win paid his entry into the Masters Tournament in Reno) 1st place team alongside Jason Baker, David Baker, Mike Whisman & John Barnes in the 44th Annual Central MD Tournament
· Receiving the Interstate Travel League Achievement Award (1990-1991) for averaging 211
· Holding the House Record at Ft Ritchie (which he obtained in a tournament)
· Winning the MD State Millers Double Tournament (with Steve Maggie) which sent us on our very first trip to Vegas to compete in the National finals
· Receiving the Central MD Bowling Association Composite Award for averaging 230
· Of course, several honor games, 700 and 800 sets
His “night to remember” came on 12/11/1998 when David bowled a 300 in the early league followed by Harry bowling a 300 in the late league (he says he’ll never forget it & he distinctly remember he was bowling against John Giles)
And most known for his highest achievement, which was bowling five 300 games, to include two 800 series, within a two-week span, in two different centers sparking a frenzy for the news media and resulting in being interviewed and featured on channel 4 & 7 news and Sports Illustrated
He was also given many opportunities to be sponsored out on tour but politely declined due to the traveling involved and his commitment to his family.
Now, to some this may not seem like much compared to today’s bowling where 300 games, 800 sets are thrown all of the time BUT back in the day (90’s), having such accomplishments was not your ordinary bowling. Bowling balls were different cover stocks and weight blocks, the types of oil & cleaner used are not like today, the lane machines were different - they were manufactured strictly for oiling … lanes were stripped by hand and the lane conditions in general were much different. It wasn’t easy to maintain a higher average or have honor scores. Some of you may remember what it was like and the struggles that came along with it.
And despite any struggles then or now, Harry has shown what it is to be a true sportsman. His commitment alone to Terrace Lanes over the last 35 years is a continuation of his dedication to the sport.
He has been given a few nicknames over the years: Harry “The Machine” Baker, “Thumper” (he will tell you that name is a result of his bowling ball rolling over the thumb hole) and for me, when I first met him, he was “THE HARRY BAKER” and Steve Preston now referring to him as “Hero”.
He will now tell you and refers to himself as a “has been” when talking about his bowling today but I say and I’m pretty sure your family, friends and peers will all agree that your term of “has been” can actually be defined as a “legend”. You, Mr. Baker, are and will always be a “legend”! and on this day, we honor you for your well-deserved accomplishment of being inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame!
Again, it is our privilege to induct Harry Baker into the Mid-Maryland USBC Hall of Fame for Superior Performance.
Pretty much being raised in a bowling center atmosphere (his mom & dad met in a bowling center and his grandfather actually bowled duckpins blind!), Harry started his bowling adventure at the age of 6 bowling duckpins at Village Lanes. And from there, his story begins.
Now for most who know the Baker family, bowling is in our blood and has obviously been passed down from generation to generation. And with this passing, also came the passion for the sport. Harry has truly shown his passion and has poured his heart and soul into bowling.
His first experience with 10 pin bowling came about in 1975 at the age of 16, bowling in the Cadet after school league. Followed by his first adult league (1980) in the Civic Fraternal on Tuesday nights at 9:00 pm with the Triangle Shell Team.
His employment at Terrace Lanes began in 1983 as a part-time mechanic and after 3 years led to a full-time position. And as you know, he’s still there bringing his total to 35 years!! We always tell people “yup, still there!”
His “obsession” with bowling didn’t start until 1983/1984 after watching the pros bowl on tv (Earl Anthony in particular) and wanting to “be the best” and wanting to “become like the pros” was the first driving force behind his success and accomplishments. Then along comes Parker Bohn who he idolized and followed because he was left handed and of course, who doesn’t idolize Parker Bohn!?
It was nothing for him to easily bowl at least 200 games a week, or practice swinging an iron in front of a mirror or throwing his bowling ball onto the back of the couch, placing towels and cups out on the lane for target practice, anything he could do to perfect his game.
And as a result of his dedication, here are a few of his achievements:
· 1st place in all events (2190) 1st place Singles Scratch (792) and 1st place team alongside Greg Moats, Jeff Churchey, Chris Keith & David Baker in the 38th Annual Central MD Tournament
· 1st place All Events Singles Scratch (this win paid his entry into the Masters Tournament in Reno) 1st place team alongside Jason Baker, David Baker, Mike Whisman & John Barnes in the 44th Annual Central MD Tournament
· Receiving the Interstate Travel League Achievement Award (1990-1991) for averaging 211
· Holding the House Record at Ft Ritchie (which he obtained in a tournament)
· Winning the MD State Millers Double Tournament (with Steve Maggie) which sent us on our very first trip to Vegas to compete in the National finals
· Receiving the Central MD Bowling Association Composite Award for averaging 230
· Of course, several honor games, 700 and 800 sets
His “night to remember” came on 12/11/1998 when David bowled a 300 in the early league followed by Harry bowling a 300 in the late league (he says he’ll never forget it & he distinctly remember he was bowling against John Giles)
And most known for his highest achievement, which was bowling five 300 games, to include two 800 series, within a two-week span, in two different centers sparking a frenzy for the news media and resulting in being interviewed and featured on channel 4 & 7 news and Sports Illustrated
He was also given many opportunities to be sponsored out on tour but politely declined due to the traveling involved and his commitment to his family.
Now, to some this may not seem like much compared to today’s bowling where 300 games, 800 sets are thrown all of the time BUT back in the day (90’s), having such accomplishments was not your ordinary bowling. Bowling balls were different cover stocks and weight blocks, the types of oil & cleaner used are not like today, the lane machines were different - they were manufactured strictly for oiling … lanes were stripped by hand and the lane conditions in general were much different. It wasn’t easy to maintain a higher average or have honor scores. Some of you may remember what it was like and the struggles that came along with it.
And despite any struggles then or now, Harry has shown what it is to be a true sportsman. His commitment alone to Terrace Lanes over the last 35 years is a continuation of his dedication to the sport.
He has been given a few nicknames over the years: Harry “The Machine” Baker, “Thumper” (he will tell you that name is a result of his bowling ball rolling over the thumb hole) and for me, when I first met him, he was “THE HARRY BAKER” and Steve Preston now referring to him as “Hero”.
He will now tell you and refers to himself as a “has been” when talking about his bowling today but I say and I’m pretty sure your family, friends and peers will all agree that your term of “has been” can actually be defined as a “legend”. You, Mr. Baker, are and will always be a “legend”! and on this day, we honor you for your well-deserved accomplishment of being inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame!
Again, it is our privilege to induct Harry Baker into the Mid-Maryland USBC Hall of Fame for Superior Performance.