Larry Lichstein - Windsor Locks Athletic Hall of Fame

Larry Lichstein grew up in Windsor Locks in the shadow of Bradley Bowl. He watched bowling on television and began honing his skills at an early age.

Larry discovered he could make money bowling and continued to improve his game against better competition.

In 1967 the fiery lefty from Windsor Locks was the first bowler ever to roll a perfect game in the Connecticut State Tournament.

He was the New England Bowling Association Bowler of the Year in 1968 and began a five year stint as a PBA touring professional in 1969 when he was named the Sporting News PBA Rookie of the year.

Larry placed third in the 1969 and 1970 PBA National Championships.

In 1971 he won the PBA Ebonite Open and two weeks later was the runner up in the PBA Winston Salem Open, all on national television.

Larry’s first appearance on TV

Larry also won the Landgraf Classic Championship in 1971.

Windsor Locks Legend Made Sports History 50 Years Ago

He was a four-time PBA Eastern Regional Champion and four-time NEBA Champion. He was the third bowler of the century to win back to back titles in his first two ABC tournaments.

At a very young age, Larry was bowling against the top bowlers of the time and more than holding his own.

He is very proud that the legendary Dick Weber was influential in Larry’s being the first left hander signed to the AMF advisory staff.

In May 1974, Larry changed career paths, and for more than 22 years would serve as the PBA Director of Player Services where he equipped, fit, maintained and served up to 300 PBA Tour bowlers each week.

Larry also owns two USBC Open Championships titles, winning a title in each of his first two years competing at the event. He won the Classic All-Events title in 1969 and was a member of the 1970 Classic Team champion. He has six other top-five finishes at the tournament.

Larry was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service in 1996.

1987 Bo Burton & Larry Lichstein:
Behind the scenes of the Pro Bowling Tour

This induction was a prestigious affair as he was only the 22nd individual inducted to the PBA Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Central Connecticut Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Connecticut State Bowling Hall of Fame in 1997.

Larry was one of four Windsor Locks athletic Hall of Famers recognized as top athletes from town in a 2000 Hartford Courant Athletes of the Century list.