This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (November 2023) |
Personal information | |
---|---|
Nickname | Deadeye[1] |
Born | San Jose, California | October 6, 1959
Years active | 1970–present |
Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
Sport | |
Country | United States |
Sport | Ten-pin bowling, Horseshoes |
League | PBA, NHPA World Tournament, PBA50 Tour |
Turned pro | 1970 (horseshoes) 1980 (bowling) |
Achievements and titles | |
National finals | 47 PBA Tour (8 majors) 16 PBA50 Tour (3 majors) 1 PBA60 Tour 7× PBA Player of the Year (1986, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2010) 3× PBA50 Player of the Year (2012, 2013, 2019) 9 World Horseshoes titles |
Walter Ray Williams Jr. (born October 6, 1959) is an American professional bowler and competitive horseshoes pitcher. He currently holds the record for all-time standard PBA Tour career titles (47), and total PBA earnings (over $5 million through 2022).[2] He is a seven-time PBA Player of the Year (tied with Jason Belmonte for the most all-time), and won at least one PBA Tour title in a record 17 consecutive seasons (1993 through 2009–10).[3] He starred in the ten-pin bowling sports documentary A League of Ordinary Gentlemen. As of June 26, 2022, Williams is also the all-time title leader on the PBA50 Tour, with 16. He is a three-time PBA50 Player of the Year, and has won three majors on that Tour. He has rolled 110 career perfect 300 games in PBA competition through 2019.[4]
On December 18, 2016, Williams became the first player in history to reach 100 total PBA titles (combined PBA Tour, PBA Regional Tour, PBA50 Tour, PBA50 Regional Tour).[5] Only one player, Pete Weber, has matched this feat. Williams' total is now at 126 (with PBA60 Tour wins added) following his first PBA60 Tour win on July 5, 2023.[6][7][8] Williams retired from the regular PBA Tour in 2021, but continues to bowl in PBA50 Tour, PBA60 Tour and PBA Regional Tour events. He owns the most combined Regional titles all-time with 62 (35 on the PBA Regional Tour and 27 on the PBA50 Regional Tour).[9]
Williams is also a nine-time world champion[10] in the game of horseshoes (three junior titles and six men's titles).[11]
Williams has had multiple sponsorships over his professional career and is currently a member of the Brunswick pro staff.[12]
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