Contributed by Ron Tucker
Do you know what Am-Fil stands for??? The answer is “American-Filipino.” This makes sense in light of the fact that the original organizers of the league are both. Since the beginning many if not most of the bowlers in the league were of Filipino descent. The league has been open to bowlers of other ethnicities as well and welcomes anyone who enjoys having a good time…..especially welcome are those bowlers who are genuinely benevolent because this league is like “family” (and a family usually takes care of one another).
The league was formed back in '91-'92 season at Regal Lanes and the secretary for about ten years was Cleo Tagle. Tagle moved back to the Phillipines in 2002 but has since returned to the Tampa area with his wife Lourdes (Lulu). He’s not quite back into bowling yet but he is “hanging out with the guys” (which is one step back to bowling again). The league has varied from 8 to 32 teams over the years and last season had 16 teams. This is partially due to the fact that some former league members formed a league called the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Tabasco League which now bowls at AMF Florida Lanes.
Prominent in the league are familiar faces around bowling centers: Perry A. Abraham, Placido “Menzi” Mendoza, Larry Cruz, Jerry Demata and Fred and John Llenarez. They bowl at BCB in the Tampa Bay Men’s League on Thursday nights in the winter.
Talk about a close knit group, you will find the above group at their church (OLPH) serving breakfast to church members every 4th Sunday. In addition the league does something else - they help one another (league members, etc.) who are in financial distress or somehow in need of other things. The league usually holds a picnic for league members at the end of the season at places such as Ft. Desota Park, Picnic Island, Horizon Park, or Rowlett Park.
In this photo league members Fred Llenarez, Menzi Mendoza, and John Llenarez pose for a group photo with Cleo and Lourdes Tagle who came to visit the group at while they were bowling this past winter. Another group photo was taken of the team but has been lost. It will be added later once these bowlers return for the next winter season.
A very unique league indeed!!
The AM-FIL League which bowls at Pin Chasers Midtown (formerly Regal Lanes) on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm. If you are interested in bowling in the league please contact Fred Llenarez at (813) 651-0665.
Have a league profile you would like to see featured? Click here to send your suggestions to the President Ron!