HOWARD BAUM IS HONORED BY UNIVERSITY

Howard Baum is a legendary figure in the bowling industry.

He was inducted into the BPAA Hall of Fame in 2008 as the recipient of the Victor Lerner Memorial Medal. He also received the President’s Award in 1994. For years, he was an influential member of BPAA’s Tournament Committee, largely responsible for helping proprietors across the country generate untold millions of dollars in extra linage revenue. His voice was valued on other national committees as well.

Baum also got deeply involved at the regional level, contributing untold hours to the BPA of the Carolinas and Georgia as the proprietor of B&B Lanes in Fayetteville, North Carolina. While he has excelled at all aspects of bowling center operations, Baum has been particularly passionate about youth bowling.

“I can’t understand why any bowling center operator would choose not to have a junior program,” he once told BCM. “Where do they think they’re going to get their bowlers in the future? Yes, it can be a lot of work to get a program off the program, but once you do, it benefits your center in so many ways.”

Baum was instrumental in founding the BPACG’s Rising Stars Youth Scholarship Tournament, which has been sponsored for several years by QubicaAMF. Through the program, he not only supported youth development, but also helped create opportunities that extend well beyond the bowling center. To recognize Baum’s contribution, the BPACG instituted the $10,000 Howard Baum Scholarship for youth bowlers, one of the richest scholarships in bowling.

Given his legacy of service, leadership and heart in bowling, how did Baum find time to serve as the statistician for North Carolina State’s basketball and football teams — let alone do it for nearly 60 years? Perhaps the answer can be found in the old axiom: If you need something done, ask a busy person.

As the school noted during the Wolfpack’s final home game of the just-completed season — when Baum was asked to meet mascot Mrs. Wuf at center court — his dedication and consistency have made him an integral part of the game-day experience, earning him admiration from fans, coaches and players alike. That day, he received the kind of standing ovation usually reserved for a buzzer beater that goes in the hoop to win a game.

It was a memorable early birthday present for Baum, who turns 92 on May 27.