Regarded as the greatest bowler in Syracuse history, Marty Piraino’s success at the professional level is unparalleled. Growing up in a bowling family, Piraino was surrounded by talented bowlers including his father, Sam, who owned South Side Lanes. Despite failing to make his high school bowling team, Piraino kept practicing and went on to become a local bowling legend.

 

Piraino began his professional career in 1960 and won his first pro title in 1962 by defeating national star Dick Weber in Warren, Ohio. The left-hander chalked up four Professional Bowlers Association tournament victories in a distinguished career that featured many other notable accomplishments. He won over $93,000 in 161 tournaments over 27 years.

 

In 1958, Piraino set an American Bowling Congress Masters qualifying record in Syracuse with an eight-game total of 1,769. He also won the 1975 ABC Classic Division doubles title with partner Bill Bunetta in Dayton, Ohio. Piraino rolled a 300 game and the pair finished with a 1,392 total. Locally, Piraino won 14 Van Wie Doubles titles with three different partners, 10 with his brother Andy, three with Greg Griffo and one with his son, Jay. He is also a member of the Syracuse Bowling Hall of Fame and New York State Bowling Hall of Fame.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
 

1958: Set a Masters qualifying record at the ABC Tournament in Syracuse with an eight-game total of 1,769.

 

1959-1960: Average of 237 in 57 games on Syracuse Bowls TV show.

 

1962: Won first pro title in Warren, Ohio.

 

1967-1977: Competed with the Professional Bowlers Association and won four tournaments.

 

1970: Named to All-American Team by the Bowlers Journal.

 

1971: Rolled a 268 game to defeat Dave Davis and placed fourth in Firestone Tournament on national TV.

 

1974: Inducted into the Syracuse Bowling Hall of Fame.

 

1975: Won Classic Doubles title with Bill Bunetta in ABC Tournament in Dayton, Ohio. Rolled a perfect game in doubles competition.

 

1977: Won the New York State All-Event Championship.

 

Served as executive director of the Gold Pin Centers, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of bowling.

 

Bowled eight career sanctioned and many unsanctioned 300 games.