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Pro Bowler Gets Own Bobblehead

(Detroit Free Press) - BOBBING ALONG: Pro bowlers have always been accessible to their fans. But now, thanks to Taylor Lanes, some fans will be able to say they have a nodding acquaintance with PBA superstar Walter Ray Williams Jr. 

Taylor Lanes, which will host the PBA World Championships March 13-21, has pulled off a first in pro-am premiums. It will still offer a choice of bowling balls for a little extra cash, which is de rigueur for pro-am goodies, but the real deal will be a Walter Ray Williams Jr. bobblehead doll that's included in the basic entry fee. Williams is the defending champion of the tournament. 

"No one that we know of has ever offered a bobblehead as a pro-am premium," said Beth Marshall, the PBA's director of corporate communications. 

The idea for the Williams bobblehead came from Rick Strobl, editor of the local Bowler's Digest and a sports memorabilia specialist. Strobl is predicting the doll will be a big hit. 

"It's one of the best bobbleheads I've seen," Strobl said. "It's made by one of the best companies in the business. I think it will attract collectors who don't even bowl." 

But the only way to get the doll, which will not be on open sale, is to enter the pro-ams, which run March 13-14. The basic entry fee is $79 for adults, $45 for youths. Entry fees that include the choice of a Brunswick ball are $155 and $175. Call 734-946-9092. 

By Matt Fiorito
Free Press Columnist

www.freep.com