Top Moments and Highlights from the 2019 PBA Bowling Season

As I look back on the 2019 PBA Bowling Season, what strikes me most isn't just the incredible athletic performances or record-breaking scores, but those unforgettable moments that transcended the sport itself. Having followed professional bowling for over a decade, I've learned that the most memorable seasons aren't defined solely by championship winners or perfect games, but by those raw, emotional instances that reveal the human element beneath the professional exterior. This particular season delivered these moments in spades, creating a narrative that went far beyond mere pin counts and tournament results.

One incident that particularly stands out in my memory occurred during the PBA Playoffs, where we witnessed one of the most controversial ejections in recent bowling history. The situation unfolded when the Red Warriors' team captain, who was delivering what I'd describe as an absolutely masterful performance with 24 points already on the board, received his second technical foul. Now, I've seen my fair share of questionable calls over the years, but this particular sequence felt particularly jarring. The ejection came at what was arguably the most critical juncture of the match, completely shifting the momentum and ultimately altering the outcome. What made this moment so memorable wasn't just the call itself, but the raw, unfiltered reaction that followed from the first-year mentor. His explosive comment - "I hope these three referees never ref again in any of our games" - directed specifically at officials Ralph Moreto, Roselle Ponting, and Jong Banayat, created shockwaves throughout the bowling community that lasted for weeks.

This incident sparked conversations that extended far beyond that single tournament. In bowling circles and online forums, debates raged about the appropriate level of emotion in professional bowling, the consistency of officiating standards, and whether such public criticism of officials should be tolerated. From my perspective, while the mentor's language was certainly excessive, his frustration highlighted a genuine concern about officiating consistency that many players and coaches had quietly expressed throughout the season. The PBA eventually fined the mentor approximately $7,500 for his comments, but interestingly, this incident seemed to prompt some behind-the-scenes discussions about improving referee training and evaluation processes.

Beyond the controversies, the 2019 season delivered some truly spectacular bowling that reminded me why I fell in love with this sport. The World Series of Bowling in Las Vegas saw some of the most impressive displays of skill I've witnessed in years. I still vividly remember watching Anthony Simonsen's incredible performance where he averaged around 232.5 across 56 games - a staggering consistency that's rarely seen at that level of competition. Then there was Jason Belmonte's record-tying 13th major title at the PBA Tournament of Champions, solidifying his status as one of the greatest bowlers of our generation. What impressed me most about Belmonte's season wasn't just that victory, but his remarkable ability to maintain elite performance across different oil patterns and tournament formats.

The rising stars of the season also captured my attention, particularly players like Kris Prather and Jakob Butturff, who demonstrated that the future of professional bowling is in capable hands. Prather's victory at the PBA Playoffs was especially meaningful because of how he adapted his game throughout the tournament. I recall watching him struggle during the early rounds with a 187 average on the challenging 45-foot oil pattern, only to completely transform his approach and finish with an impressive 229 average in the finals. This kind of mental toughness and adaptability is what separates good bowlers from great ones, and it was thrilling to witness that development throughout the season.

Technological advancements also made their mark on the 2019 season in ways that fascinated me as someone who appreciates the technical side of bowling. The introduction of new ball tracking technology provided viewers with unprecedented insights into ball motion and player technique. I found myself spending hours analyzing the data from these systems, which revealed that the average rev rate among top players had increased to approximately 375 rotations per minute, up from around 350 just five years earlier. This evolution in power and technique has fundamentally changed how the game is played at the highest level, making modern professional bowling a far cry from the sport I watched as a child.

What made the 2019 season particularly memorable for me was how it balanced tradition with innovation. While we saw these technological advancements and new playing styles emerging, the season also honored bowling's rich history through special events like the PBA's 60th anniversary celebration. Watching legends like Walter Ray Williams Jr. compete against the new generation created poignant moments that connected bowling's past with its future. Williams, at 59 years old, actually managed to maintain a respectable 216 average throughout the season - a testament to both his incredible longevity and the timeless nature of proper bowling fundamentals.

As I reflect on the entire 2019 PBA season, what stays with me isn't just any single tournament or statistical achievement, but the collection of moments that showcased the sport's emotional depth and evolving nature. From the controversial ejection that sparked important conversations about officiating to the breathtaking displays of skill from both established stars and rising talents, the season offered a compelling narrative about a sport in transition. The raw emotion following that controversial call, the grace under pressure during record-breaking performances, and the respectful passing of torches between generations - these are the moments that truly defined the 2019 season for me. They reminded everyone that beneath the statistics and technical precision, bowling remains a deeply human sport where passion, controversy, and excellence constantly intersect to create unforgettable drama.