Remembering “Eddie”.

Edward “Eddie” Elias, a gifted attorney who represented some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and broadcasting, is best remembered as the founder of the Professional Bowlers Association.  Eddie passed away in 1998 and is greatly missed by all who knew him.

The 6-foot, 2-inch native of Akron, Ohio attended the University of Akron, where he lettered in baseball and basketball and was president of the Student Council.  He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  After turning down several offers from professional baseball teams, he continued his education at Western Reserve Law School, where he graduated in 1955.  He was admitted to the Ohio Bar Association in 1956.

Eddie worked his way through law school as a producer for local radio and television stations.  While interviewing 2 guests, Eddie learned that there was no professional bowling organization.  At the age of 28, he undertook the creation of the PBA, by contacting and convincing 33 of the nation’s top bowlers to contribute $1500.00 each to help fund this new organization.  The PBA held its first 3-tournaments in 1959 with total prize money of $49,000.00.

Just two years after its first season, the PBA had tournaments in 11 cities, offered more than $300,000.00 in prize money and even instituted a modest pension plan for members.  Today, the organization he founded has more than 4,000 members and a prize fund of more than $5-million.

By the time that he retired in the 1990’s, his marketing firm represented not only bowling greats like Don Carter, Dick Weber and Carmen Salvino, but also other celebrities and sports legends including: Marlo Thomas, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Phil Donahue, Fuzzy Zoeller and Chris Schenkel.

In 1968, Eddie married Miss Ohio pageant winner and top model, Peggy Emerson.  They had two daughters, Annie Marlo and Rainy Margaret.  A devoted family man and civic leader, Eddie supported many non-profit organizations, most notable St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee, The University of Akron and The United Way.

Eddie is listed in several Halls of Fame and received a host of awards and honors, both for his professional skills and philanthropic work.  Today, a memorial is being created in his honor at The University of Akron.  Many settings would have been appropriate to commemorate his life,

but his family chose to establish a memorial at his alma mater in his hometown of Akron to ensure that his legacy of entrepreneurship and success will be passed on to new generations of young adults.

An 80 x 44-inch display will be hung in the bowling center at The University of Akron’s new Student Union.  The display has 5-panels constructed of satin aluminum, zinc and steel, and designed to symbolize bowling lanes.  One panel will feature a plaque bearing an image of him and a brief description of his life and contributions.  The other panels will be for nameplates of those wishing to contribute.  For those interested, contact Len Nicholson at savrsprt@yahoo.com

Here is your chance to give something back to “The Big “E”.  Drop me a note for more info.