About Tom Baker

Tom Baker was born on September 12, 1954 in Buffalo, NY. Tom Baker is a famous bowler who has won multiple titles throughout his time, is a part of the Professional Bowlers Association, and has been inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

Discovering Bowling in Buffalo

Tom Baker was surrounded by his family and community that were all active bowlers. His brothers bowled and it was a very popular social activity in his neighborhood which led to his interest in bowling. He started when he was 8 years old at the bowling alley across the street where he lived. He possessed an innate ability for bowling and many referred to him as “a natural”.

Baker’s PBA Career

Baker joined the pro tour in 1976 and won his first PBA title in 1980. The 1981 season was amazing for Baker. He won three titles and over $103,000. After he won the Penzoil Open in California and the Las Vegas Showboat Doubles Classic, he had a record-breaking performance at the PBA Denver Open. He set records for pins in a six game block (1,613), pins in 12 games (3,037), and for 24 games (5,856), and for a 42-game average of 247.45 based on a record 10,848 pins. That season he earned recognition as a member of the 1980-1981 Bowler’s Journal All-American Team.

By 1986, he had won 7 PBA titles before going on a 10-year winless streak. In 1996, he defeated his winless streak and won at the AC-Delco Classic and won again in 1997 in Pennsylvania. Baker experienced another 7-year winless streak until he won the 2004 PBA World Championship at 49 years old. At this time, he was the oldest player to win a PBA major.

Baker’s Outstanding Accomplishments and Awards

Baker is one of only five bowlers to have won at least 10 titles on both the standard PBA Tour and the PBA50 Tour. He was named Senior Rookie of the Year and Senior Player of the Year in 2005, becoming the first player to to earn both awards in a season.

Altogether Baker has had 65 perfect games (300 pins). In 2008, Baker was ranked #40 on the PBA’s list of “50 Greatest Players of the Last 50 Years.”

What Tom Baker is Up To Today

Today Tom Baker lives in King, North Carolina. While he doesn’t professionally bowl anymore, he still has a strong passion for the sport and will bowl from time to time.