Bernard Maurer, a charter member of the Syracuse Bowling Hall of Fame, dominated local bowling in the early 1900s. He was also skilled in baseball and boat racing.

 

Maurer began his bowling career in 1900 and became one of the best keglers in the country. He won multiple individual Syracuse City bowling titles and in 1906 he rolled a 299 game, which was unheard of in those days, during the state league event.

 

In 1912, Maurer was rated as the No. 2 bowler in the nation behind Jimmy Smith of New York City. For two years, the pair traveled around the country and bowled in exhibition matches. Maurer carried a lifetime average of 194 for 30 ABC national tournaments.

 

Career Highlights:

 

1899-1905: Member of the Syracuse Heralds, Long Branch, Pastimes and Havanas semi-pro baseball teams

 

1906: Lead the Syracuse Heralds over Boston Americans (Red Sox) to a 7-3 victory.

 

1900-1912: Established a bowling record never duplicated, won individual average record for the city league each year

 

1906: Rolled a 299 in state league contest vs. Utica

 

1908: Captain of Syracuse bowling team that won the NYS team championship. Also won in 1909 and 1915

 

1907: Paired with Charles Latterner to win the Interstate Two-Man championship in Buffalo

 

1913: Made USA tour, paired with Jimmy Smith, won 15 of 18 series and averaged 210 in 101 games in Chicago exhibition

 

1914-1915: Syracuse City team champion member

 

1915: Rolled three-game series of 776 to lead NY State league

 

1922-1923: Bowled with "Maurer’s" losing only one match of the season, represented Syracuse in ABC Tournament in Milwaukee

 

1923: Opened Maurer’s Recreation Alleys with Baill Shail