The Washington times., 1934-04-05
TONY CITIZEN
Of THREE
NATIONS

This Is the thirty-ninth OF
the "Duckpin-MGkerS" series,
biographical sketches of out
standing duckpin figures. Nert
tn series tDiH appear Monday.
By GNO SINH
Tony Santini, one of Washing
tons most colorful bowlers, has
lived on three continents, South
America, Europe and North Amer
lea. and has been citizen of three
nations.
Antonio Pietro Santini was born
IN Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Of 1taE
ian-born parents, which made him
simultaneously a Brazilian and an
italian, for children Of Italian
born parents in foreign countries
are Italian subjects, according to
italian laws.
Ten years ago Tony became a
naturalized son IF Uncle Sam.
But for desire to get into some
more substantial business, Tony
might have been dancing mas
ter. While in New York, 10 years
ago, Tony's dancing attracted a
dancing school operators eye and
he offered him position teaching
dancing in his academy, but Tony
turned it down.
Santini first saw the light Of
day at Rio on October 8, 1899.
When he was 2 years old his
parents returned to their native
city, Rimini, in Emilia, Italy, To-
Gated near Bologna, MuSsolini'S
birthplace.
Tony went through the graded
schools there and was, apparently,
destined to succeed his father In
running a brick kiln.
Emigrate to U. S.
However, when Tony was II,
his parents decided to emigrate
to the United States. They lived
in New York for a year, and then
came to Washington. Twice more
they moved to New York State,
but finally decided that the Capt.
tai City was best for them and
Tony has been here ever since.
In New York he bell-hopped at
the Langdon Hotel and was bell
hop captain at the old Waldorf
Astoria.
He learned the meat business
and opened a stand of his own
about seven years ago.
When a kid he played little
sandlot baseball as an outfielder.
Like Ollie Pacini, his pal, he was
an expert "boccie" player, the
Italian form of bowling.
Fond Of ''Tre Sette"
He is also fond of cards, and
plays 800" and bridge, but pre-
fers "Tre Sette," an Italian game.
Tony started his bowling career
10 years ago in the Presbyterian
Church League and finished the
season with a 105 average. He
made his debut in the District
League with Cornell Lunch seven
years ago, carrying a 108 pace.
He bowled several years in the
National Capital League with the
Fountain Hams and last year was
the pace-setter for the team with
a 122 average, the highest OF his
career.
Last season he took individual
honors in the knights of Colum-
bus League with 119, leading Mar
uuette to the pennant. He is
holding the same pace this year,
and recently rolled a 1876 game.
He is also bowling with Temple
IN the District League and st.
Gabriel in the Holy Name Society
League.
But Tony's fame rests on his
sweepstakes performances, par
ticularly for his ability to come
from behind. He has boWled IN
seven Campbell sweepstakes, get
ting back at least his entry fee
in every one Of them.
He staged one of the most SEN
sational finishes in the history OF
the game to win the Campbell
sweepstakes three years ago.
Barrage of Marks
Figured out of running going
into the last block, Tony opened
up a barrage of strikes and spares
for a 676 set and victory over
Ed Blakeney by one pin! The
year before he had finished strong
to place fourth.
A month later he staged an
other terrific finish to capture
the George washington sweep
stakes, beating out Pacini by three
pins. It was the first time a
Washington bowler had won two
major events in one year.
Last year he again put on o
Slam-bang finish in defense of his
G. w. crown, but could not quite
catch Astor Clarke. In the last
Campbell sweepstakes, Tony tried
to catch tire top man in the final
block but finished out of the
money, though he rolled 1902. an
average of 127.
Two years ago he gave Rich
mond a sample of his spectacular
bowling in a doubles match when
he pounded out triple-header and
five spares for 100 game, a city
record.
He was on the Marquette team
which won the w. C. D. A. Glass
B team title in 1881.
Tony has spectacular delivery.
He measures the pins with the ball
extended full arm in front of him
before deliVnriOr If ond tho hon