By BILL SNIER
COSHOCTON — Ashtabula super senior David Johnson, whose last regional title came in 2023 at the former Triway Lanes in Wooster (now Ballerz Sports Club), had to withdraw from Saturday’s PBA50 Legacy Lanes Central Open at Legacy Lanes and Lounge due to a neck injury.
But during his run to the semifinals at a PBA50 senior event at Rebman Recreation in Lorain earlier this summer, the 64-year-old right-hander, who owns one career PBA50 Tour title, relayed a story that shows how pro bowlers can have an influence on their fans.
One of Johnson’s career goals was to record a 300 during PBA50 competition. But, to do so, he had to be a member.
He decided to do so and bowl in a regional event at Kankakee, Ill. On Day 1, he finished 126 over for five games, missing the cut by 30 pins. But this event had a twist.
“They were offering a $90 re-buy for a Sunday spot. I thought I could get another ball, move in and make a run,” said Johnson, who was accompanied by his son and now ex-wife on the trip.
But on Saturday, he also met a special needs 15-year-old, who had called himself the tournament’s “grand marshal.”
During Day 2, after starting with 189 in Game 1, Johnson made a big move with his feet and went 245-300-300-248 in the block.
The special needs teen, Tim Siebert, came up to him following the block.
“He said to me, ‘Mr. Johnson, can you show me how to do that?’ Said Johnson of the teen, who also received a ball and shirt from other pros. “He was referring to throwing a 300 game. He said he was going to the Special Olympics in a few weeks and wanted to learn how to do it.
“I told him to give me his name and address, and I would send him my 300 ring when I got home.”
Johnson’s run continued in the event as he advanced all the way to final four, throwing his third 300 of the day in match play.
But he remembered his promise to Siebert.
“I remembered I owed the kid a ring, so I called the bowling center to make sure it got to him,” Johnson said of mailing it to the address provided by Seibert. “But the person I talked to at the center said she had never heard of the kid. She said he had taken to calling himself the grand marshal, which confused me. So I wasn’t sure if he received it or not.”
A couple of weeks later, Johnson received a letter with $1.38 in postage due.
Enclosed in the envelope, was this letter from Seibert:
“Dear Dave,
“Thanks for the ring. It was great to meet you. Enjoy the medal I give you. Keep going with all the perfect games.”
Enclosed was a Special Olympics gold medal that Seibert had won at the event.
Johnson still has a photo of the letter and medal on his phone.
“That was just amazing to me that what I did meant that much to him,” Johnson said of the incident that happened during the 2019 season.
An example of what bit of kindness from a pro can mean to fan.
PARK CENTRE REGIONAL
Park Centre Lanes in North Canton again will be sponsoring the PBA50-60 Park Centre Lanes Central Doubles Open on Oct. 18 and 19 at the center.
In conjunction with the event, the Fred Smith- Dick Behra Pro-Am will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Players will have the opportunity to bowl three games of 9-pin, no-tap with three different pros. This is a handicapped event.
Entry fee is $30 per players,, and it is open to high school, collegiate, adult, seniors (ages 50 and older) and special needs players.
Scores will be combined with your PBA players in a doubles format.
For information, call (330) 499-0555