WALTER RAY WILLIAMS Jr., Stockton, California

Inducted 1988

Player: Walter Ray began a spectacular career by winning three Junior Boy’s World Championships in 1971, 1972 and 1975 while averaging 86.6%, 89.2% and 86.6%. He did not lose a game in those three tournaments. Walter pitched in his first Men’s competition in 1977 and in 1978 won his first Men’s World title, there were five more World Championships to follow: 1980, 1981, 1985, 1991 and 1994. His high average came at the 1981 when Walter pitched 88.1% in the famed Preimesberger Arena. In winning the six Championships, Walter Ray lost just 4 games while winning 162 games. Walter Ray was the first pitcher to enter a World Tournament with a 90% average.

Walter Ray has given much to our sport. He designed and programmed the computer program for reporting statistics and standings for the World Tournament. He has served as NHPA Statistician and started the recognition program for presenting perfect game 100% patches. And there is no measurement to the value of promotion granted our sport from Walter Ray’s performance on the pro bowling tour where he has been the PBA Bowler of the Year. Over the years, his countless TV appearances have drawn attention to horseshoe pitching. There were always announcements to the TV audience about his skill on the horseshoe pitching courts.