Dick Weber

Generally an easy-going man, Weber sometimes gets fired up when he's fighting for the future of bowling. As keynote speaker at the 1999 convention of the East Coast Bowling Centers, Weber said: "Bowling is not just fun and recreation; it's a legitimate sport. But we must clear up the confusion between amateur and pro bowlers. It bewilders those who aren't into bowling. They can't figure out how amateurs can earn more money than pros, and how league bowlers can outscore pros because of easier lane conditions. There should be better ways to judge the elite bowlers."

Weber's still playing the game he loves, but there's no question his pace has slowed. Although he still competes on the PBA Senior Tour, he spends more and more of his time these days watching—with pride—the bowling exploits of his son, Pete Weber. When Pete was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1998, his father was fairly bursting with joy. "I'm the most honored that a dad can be," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "This is a very elated honor."