Andy Varipapa

"""Andy Varipapa is the Babe Ruth of bowling. Synonymous with the sport, the name Varipapa, to this day inspires smiles, awe, and wonder. Bowling is fortunate to have had Varipapa as an icon. His combination of skills and flair to entertain was the perfect package to bring bowling to the masses. Thanks to this book, I was back on YouTube, watching black-and-white videos of Andy on the lanes with a smile.""--Tom Clark, PBA Commissioner ""Andy Varipapa was the greatest trick-shot bowler of all time. He was an excellent bowler--he won the BPAA All-Star back-to-back at age 56 and 57--but will be forever known for his trick-shot artistry. He spent time perfecting these jaw-dropping shots, so much so that fans still want to see them. Although some have changed a bit, many are still used today in exhibitions by the PBA's best. This book captures Andy's incredible story and his passion for bowling. Sit back, enjoy a walk back in time, and learn about one of the best to roll a ball down a lane.""--Parker Bohn III, PBA and USBC Hall of Fame ""Glenn Gerstner details Andy Varipapa's greatness and how much he advanced the sport of bowling in the 20th century. One example was the 1978 'Great and The Greatest' tournament that paired current stars with the legends of the game. Although Andy was in his late 80s and no longer competing, he was a top vote-getter among the bowling writers who selected 'The Greatest.' Anyone who enjoys the sport of bowling will love this book.""--Johnny Petraglia, PBA and USBC Hall of Fame ""I always knew my grandfather was special, but it wasn't until Hall of Fame night at the 1982 ABC Championships that I realized how special he was. When Pop was introduced, the fans went wild, and I know now that he was truly the Tiger Woods of his day. Glenn Gerstner's book captures the essence of who Andy Varipapa was, on and off the lanes.""--Andy Varipapa II ""Anybody who saw Andy Varipapa bowl never forgot him. Now, Glenn Gerstner's biography brings the great showman to life for a new generation. The book is fast-paced and fun to read while also putting Varipapa into the context of his times. Anyone interested in bowling will want to buy a copy of Andy Varipapa: Bowling's First Superstar. At the same time, serious history students will find this a worthy addition to the literature of 20th-century popular culture. The book has my highest endorsement.""--J.R. Schmidt, PhD, senior writer, Bowlers Journal International ""Between 25 years on tour and almost another 25 years as the analyst of ABC's Professional Bowlers Tour telecasts, I've watched the world's greatest bowlers since I was a youngster. Andy Varipapa was a unique talent. Nobody could do the trick shots he did, and he was bowling's greatest showman. Glenn Gerstner's book recounts Andy's extraordinary trick shots and accomplishments in competition, including a couple of memorable matches against my father. Anyone interested in learning about the history of bowling should read this book.""--Nelson (Bo) Burton Jr., PBA and USBC Hall of Fame"