2025 Hall of Fame Inductee
LARRY LAUB
Larry Laub was a standout bowler in youth leagues, dominating action at the famous L & L Castle Lanes, San Francisco, as well as in the Bay Area Travel League, at an early age. He became one of the top professional bowlers in the 1970’s, collecting 12 national titles, including the 1974 US Open.
The 81-year-old was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1985, and the USBC Hall of Fame in 2015. He was named 37th among the 50 Greatest Players in PBA history during a special selection process by a panel of bowling experts commissioned by the PBA in 2009, their 50th anniversary.
In an impressive TV bowling career, Laub made the top five on 75 occasions: seven times in the 1960’s, fifty-five times in the 1970’s, eleven times in the 1980’s, and twice in the 1990’s. Laub also has 12 PBA regional titles to his credit, and five PBA50 national titles. He was named the PBA50 Rookie of the Year in 1994.
Before Kyle Troup came along, it was Larry Laub that first became known for a flaming red afro. His friends dubbed him “The Lobster,” because of the similarity to his last name and red hair. And just like the shy creature from the sea, Laub has always preferred to be in the shadows, and out of the limelight.
In a USBC Hall of Fame video from 2015, Laub stated, “I always wanted to bowl good, but I never wanted to be in the center of things. I’d rather be in the background. But I always had the drive to be known as a good bowler.” Here’s an excerpt from the video:
Laub was like a father figure to many PBA bowlers. He gave advice regarding life on the tour, and also provided a lift to many struggling bowlers from one stop to the next in his motor home. On February 24, 2001, Larry married Betty Morris, making them one of the most famous couples in bowling history.
PBA National Titles
1970 – Tucson Centurion Open, Tucson, Arizona
1971 – Lincoln Open, Lincoln, Nebraska
1972 – King Louie Open, Kansas City, Kansas
1974 – Don Carter Classic, Arcadia, California
1974 – Cleveland Open, North Olmsted, Ohio
1974 – BPAA US Open, New York City, New York
1975 – Denver Open, Denver, Colorado
1976 – Portland HBO Open, Portland, Oregon
1976 – Hawaiian Invitational, Honolulu, Hawaii
1978 – Buffalo Open, Cheektowaga, New York
1979 – Fair Lanes Open, Adelphi, Maryland
1979 – Kessler Open, Battle Creek, Michigan
Award was presented at the CUSBC Awards Dinner on May 31, 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport, San Jose.