Randy Pedersen

Randy Pedersen a Clermont, Florida resident, (born 1962) is a professional bowler and color analyst for ESPN's coverage of the PBA Tour. He works alongside play-by-play commentator Rob Stone. As a bowler, Randy has won 13 PBA titles, with his last coming at age 40 in the 2002 Pepsi Open. That title pushed him over the $1 million career earnings mark, making him the 24th millionaire in PBA history at the time. Most dominant from the mid-1980s to early 1990s, Pedersen captured the prestigious PBA National Championship crown in 1987.

Randy is not currently exempt for the 2008-09 season; however, he still attempts to qualify for tournaments. Randy has been successful in his role as a TV analyst since joining ESPN in 2001 - a position he earned after getting his start in broadcasting as a lane-level reporter on ABC's "Pro Bowlers Tour". He also worked for Fox Sports Net for a brief time in 2000. Pedersen has been lauded for his knowledge of the game, associated bowling lingo and catch phrases like "Nothing left but pin shrapnel!" (after a powerful strike), as well as his sense of humor (such as his "sweet roll" phrase).

Randy grew up in Southern California, but relocated to Florida in the early 1990s, where he has resided ever since. He is married to Becky and has two children, a son, Chad and a daughter, Savannah.

Quote

On his role as PBA Analyst on ESPN telecasts: "I want to convey to the viewing public that they are watching the best bowlers in the world. It's my job to explain what makes them that good, as well as provide other information that 'Johnny 150 average' doesn't already know. One thing I learned is if you can bring enthusiasm to the table, sometimes it doesn't really matter what is coming out of your mouth. The viewing audience senses the enthusiasm." [Article: "Sizing up the lanes: Randy Pedersen has brought color to the PBA as an analyst", Lyle Zikes, "Bowling Digest", June, 2002.]

Trivia

*Randy had a small part in the 1996 comedy "Kingpin" along with several other professional bowlers.
*He is known for two of the worst breaks in PBA history. He lost both his tour exemption and a PBA Tournament of Champions match due to leaving one pin standing in the last frame on each of those occasions.

References