Randy Pedersen, Hall of Fame Player and Broadcasting Legend, Dies at 64

Randy Pedersen, among the most important professional bowling figures of the past 40 years, died Wednesday, Sept. 16. He was 64 years old.

“Randy was supremely talented in everything he did. Bowling, golf, comedy, broadcasting, anything. He was a force, a giant in sports and on TV,” said PBA Commissioner Tom Clark. “He was our friend, our partner. Randy was our voice. He was my brother. I spoke with so many people today who loved him. There will never be another Randy Pedersen. Please hug the people you love.”

During his playing career, Pedersen won 13 PBA Tour titles with one major in the 1987 PBA National Championship.

He also won one PBA50 Tour title, which came in his first career PBA50 Tour title event.

Pedersen was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2011 and the USBC Hall of Fame in 2025.

In 2001, Pedersen joined the broadcast booth where he began his second Hall of Fame career as the voice of the PBA.

Pedersen served as the PBA’s lead color analyst for 25 years, making him the longest-tenured broadcaster in PBA history. 

His ability to quickly develop chemistry with a variety of play-by-play commentators fostered his historic longevity.

No matter who joined him in the booth — from Rob Stone and Dave Ryan, to Mike Jakubowski and Lon McEachern, to John Fanta and Dave LaMont — Pedersen entertained and educated bowling fans.

Pedersen called each of the PBA’s most iconic 21st century moments, including Kelly Kulick’s historic 2010 Tournament of Champions title, Pete Weber’s iconic 2012 U.S. Open title, and each of Jason Belmonte’s record major titles.

With his signature blend of charisma, humor, and analysis, Pedersen elevated professional bowing for more than a quarter century.

Pedersen shaped professional bowling coverage and fandom for 25 years with such great success that the next 25 years will be filled with broadcasters trying to replicate his brilliance and fans longing for his presence.

Raised in southern California, Pedersen lived near Orlando, Fla. for the past 30 years.