Professional Bowlers Association

Petraglia, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, took up bowling as a youngster and fell in love with the sport, especially after witnessing a Don Carter-Dick Weber exhibition match at Madison Square Garden. He became a top player in his teen years, eager and ready to join the PBA. When he did, he, in short order, claimed his first PBA championship in the 1966 Ft. Smith (Ark.) Open. The lean lefthander had his career interrupted for a couple seasons when the Armed Forces called and sent him touring Vietnam instead of the pro bowlers circuit. He came back to fulfill his early promise and meet and surpass all of the goals and aspirations he had for himself. The Winter Tour of 1971 will be remembered as the highlight of the Petraglia era. He finished the segment with three consecutive titles, all earned from the top-seeded position, climaxed by the Firestone Tournament of Champions triumph. Petraglia concluded that year with five titles and more than $85,000, a record earnings figure for the time and one that would translate into nearly three times that amount with current prize funds. Petraglia won the 1977 BPAA U.S. Open with a 279 score in the title game and three years later pulled off one of his most dramatic triumphs, striking out in the ninth and tenth frames to secure the 1980 PBA National Championship, his 14th title and one that completed the cycle of major tournament victories. Additional titles included the Brunswick World Open in 1974 and the 1978 Long Island Open where he thrilled the home area rooters with a 298 game during the nationally televised finals. Petraglia's contributions and activities off the lanes have been just as impressive as his competitive prowess. A long-time member of the Tournament Committee, he served as President of the PBA in 1979-80. He has been involved in untold amounts of charitable functions and efforts. Petraglia was the 25th person to be bestowed with the prestigious PBA Hall of Fame ring. Has enjoyed a successful Senior Tour career winning seven titles.