Fran is an inductee of several local bowling association halls of fame and the New York State USBC Hall of Fame for his bowling accomplishments. Fran Bax is a prominent bowler and a native of Niagara Falls, NY, renowned throughout Western New York since the 1970s. Rising as a star in the early 1970s, Fran soon became a powerful figure in the Niagara Frontier's bowling scene. With numerous accolade
s, he is a member of various bowling Halls of Fame and has secured local, state, regional, and national titles. His vibrant style in competition has made him one of the most captivating players in Western New York's bowling history. One of Fran’s significant achievements was scoring the highest three-game series at the USBC Open Championships Tournament held in Niagara Falls in 1983, an 833 series that helped his team, Niagara Frontier Bowling Supply, win the team event title and finish second in the individual All-Events. Over his career, Fran consistently performed at the top in the USBC Open Championships Tournament, even securing six New York State USBC Bowling Association Championship titles. Fran's scoring prowess is evident with 69 perfect 300 games, 25 nearly perfect 299 games, and 43 series of 800 or above. His career-high is an 848 series achieved in 1995. Fran's TV appearances include winning the 1989 Lunch Box Classic and was frequently featured on Buffalo’s WIVB Channel 4’s Beat the Champ TV show and Empire Sports Network's Tops TV Bowling Challenge. He is also the first USBC member to achieve 100 consecutive 600 series in a single league. Previously affiliated with the Professional Bowlers Association, Fran was active on both national and regional circuits. In addition to competing, Fran has dedicated time to sharing his expertise, serving as a USBC Silver Level Coach, and offering training sessions. He has also contributed as a bowling columnist and consults with local bowling centers on various aspects, from customer relationships to equipment sales. Fran’s illustrious bowling career earned him induction into the Niagara Falls USBC Association Hall of Fame in 1992, the New York State USBC Association Hall of Fame in 2003, the Greater Buffalo USBC Association Hall of Fame in 2004, the Tonawandas USBC Association Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Outside of bowling, Fran is an academic achiever with a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State University and a master’s degree from the Canisius University of Buffalo. He often speaks at events, sharing his journey and inspiring others. A committed volunteer, he has also organized bowling events to raise funds for breast cancer research. Fran, a Niagara Falls native, is happily married to his high school sweetheart, the former Patricia Obusek.
