Gary Thorne, who has made a name for himself broadcasting major sports on ESPN, officially joined the bowling family Sunday when he was the play-by-play broadcaster for the Alka Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels United States Bowling Congress Masters in Henderson, Nev.
Thorne replaced Rob Stone who left ESPN to join Fox Sports primarily as lead studio host for soccer coverage. Thorne was hired to work the three live Professional Bowlers Association events in 2012, the Masters, U.S. Open in February and PBA Tournament of Champions in April.
"We are very fortunate to have, and look forward to working with, Gary for the rest of this season's majors," said PBA Commissioner Tom Clark.
Thorne currently works on ESPN's broadcasts of major league baseball and college football and previously worked on the network's National Hockey League events. He also is television play-by-play voice of the Baltimore Orioles.
"I've actually bowled most of my life and have also done bowling telecasts before," said Thorne, who joined color analyst Randy Pedersen at Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling center. "It's an assignment I'm looking forward to because it is such a great pastime that also has a great tradition."
Stone will appear on all remaining taped broadcasts including this Sunday's Chris Paul Celebrity Invitational presented by Sheets Brand.
"We are glad to have Rob continue to call the remainder of the World Series of Bowling events this year and wish him well in his new position with Fox," Clark said. "Over the past five years Rob has provided the soundtrack for some of the greatest moments in PBA Tour history and we are thankful for the passionate approach he took to the position."
Among Stone's trademark was creation of the name "Hambone" when a bowler would strike on four consecutive shots.
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