The induction of Frank Smith of Toronto to our legends division of the Hall of Fame gives us the opportunity once again, to examine the history of our sport.

The first association, the Canadian Bowling Association (CBA), was formed in 1927, and as their primary function, conducted a year end tournament for the bowlers. In addition, the CBA recognized high scores from each year and, as such, sanctioned our inductee, Frank Smith’s perfect game bowled during the 1932-33 season. With the first 450 game credited to Joe Heenan just the season before, frank’s effort is undoubtedly the second perfect game in our history.

Frank was elected sectary of the CBA for the 1933-34 season under president George Grinyer, but resigned the following year due to business reasons. However, he continued as a member and returned as convenor for the Eastern section in 1937, as treasurer for the 1939-40 season.

Frank’s early efforts to promote five pin bowling are still seen today. He was the first person to bring team sponsors into bowling and in the twilight of his career, Frank assumed the role of team manager and, as such, was one of the sport’s first coaches.

Frank never bowled without a tie, and carried his excellence through more than thirty years of bowling before retiring in the late fifties. He spend his final years with his daughter in Cleveland, Ohio, but unfortunately we were unable o reach any relatives for tonight’s induction.