Contributed by Gloria Lewis
Organized in 1967, this league had a very historic beginning. At that time in Tampa, Afro Americans rarely bowled in leagues because the existing leagues were open to "whites only." Three Afro American men and a woman were standing around waiting for a lane to come open for open bowling at the old Tampa Bowling Center (formerly on Grace St. off of Dale Mabry). Who were these bowlers trying to get an open lane? Answer: George Williams, Walter Johnson, Carrie Varrett, and Lonnie Williams. One of owners (possibly Crawford Freeman) asked the bowlers if they would like to join a league...the answer was of course "yes."
The league started with 6 three person teams mostly recruited by Carrie Varrett. The first elected officers were Joseph Williams, President, Carrie Varrett, Secretary, and Lonnie Williams, Treasurer. Most of the bowlers at this time were "novice bowlers," and some began to talk about "hitting some and missing some" (pins). This talk led to the league being named the "Hitters & Missers." Many members recall that the person behind the push to name the league came from Betty Lewis, one of the original league members.
Unfortunately for the league (and several other leagues), Tampa Bowling Center burned to the ground and was never re-built.
The Hitters & Missers finished their season at the now defunct East Gate Lanes that used to be located on 22nd St. just south of Hillsborough Ave. Again, another misfortune- East Gate Lanes had a full league schedule for the upcoming fall season. At that time Regal Lanes was only a 20 lane center but Regal was able to accommodate the league. As Regal was about to add lanes the league approached owner Bill Morris about getting a 6:00 PM league slot on Saturday evenings...which they got and still hold onto.
As with any good league the league has had some very solid league Presidents. Many names are familiar to Tampa bowlers: Joseph Williams, Lonnie Williams, Carnell Upshaw, Johnny Favors, Terrace Lewis, Sherman Upshaw, Larry Lepard and Levi Smalls. Past secretaries were Carrie Varrett, Lonnie Williams, Raymond Shoats, Ervin McKeever, Joyce Reddick, Betty Bostick, Juanita Underwood, Connie Bowen, and Gloria Lewis (currently serving as secretary as she has for the last several years).
In 2004, the Tampa Women's Bowling Association elected Gloria Lewis as secretary of the year, and Levi Smalls was elected President of the year - 2006.
There have been "numerous" high scores rolled in this league over the years (300's, 299's, 298's and 800's). After the 2005-06 season the league had another first- bowler Ronnie Howard posted the associations high average for the season (243 for 72 games), earning him the USBC Merit Award for the association high average. He is also believed to be the first Afro American to achieve this award in this association.
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