Norm is a legend dude. Could play any part of the lane and a great spare shooter. Never got tired of seeing him on the telecast and hearing “duuukke” after he threw a shot
I met Norm Duke years ago when my brother and I were in our youth and went to a tournament qualifying around to spectate (I had a broken toe with crutches) as my brother bowled with them. Only PBA bowler who came and sit with me while he gave me a autograph while everyone else expected me to get up and come to them. Really nice guy!
You didn't mention that Duke had to climb the ladder in the 2008 US OPEN to win that title. The man was an absolute beast in his prime. Hands down my favorite professional bowler to date.
The Right Lane, That was a fantastic Video of the Best Moments of Norm Duke. Also, The Moments that stood out were becoming the Youngest to win a Pba Title in the 1983 Cleveland Open, The Televised 300 Game in the 2003 Geico Earl Anthony Classic, The Title Match of the 2008-2009 World Championship against Chris Barnes, and the Title Match of the 2007-2008 U.S. Open against Mika Koivuniemi. Also, I am looking forward to the next best or Worst Moments from the Pba Bowlers from the Past Seasons on the Pba Tour.
Norm’s best tv moment was saying “spares are for sissies” in an interview in 1994. I remember in 2000 he won his 19th title and was then interviewed and said the very next week the US Open would be the most important event of his career: going for 20 titles, the triple crown, and likely to lock up player of the year. He then walked into that event, made the show, shot 279 the first game on tv, and lost the title match by 1 pin.
I just did a clinic with Norm 4 weeks ago. I inherited a cribbage board from her that's a bowling pin cut in half. Norn was her favorite and because of her I'm a bowler. I told him the story and asked him to sign it. He got choked up and said he would be honored. Then he had my mom come in and took a Pic with me and my mom. He is the nicest man and humble.
I felt bad for him in the Old versus New show they had. You could really tell he hadn't thrown a ball since retiring. I kept getting the vibe that he was too nice and thankful for the PBA to say no to the event. He meant it when he said he wasn't gonna bowl. He could've easily joined the PBA50 Tour and hung out with the other players from the 90's and 2000's but he hung up the bag.
