Preview
  • Pin Action

  • Small-Time Gangsters, High-Stakes Gambling, and the Teenage Hustler
  • By: Gianmarc Manzione
  • Narrated by: Chris Lutkin
  • Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (22 ratings)

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Pin Action

By: Gianmarc Manzione
Narrated by: Chris Lutkin
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Publisher's summary

Most of us think of bowling as a "sport" in quotation marks, and bowling alleys are places with disco balls, matching shirts, and funny shoes. But in the 1960s, New York City was the center of "action bowling", a form of high-stakes gambling in which bowlers - often teenagers - faced off for thousands of dollars every night. When money like that is changing hands, you can bet the pressure is on (and the balls are rigged), and losses come with dire consequences. But for a few kids, the world of action bowling would turn out to be a ticket off the mean streets and onto the Professional Bowlers Association Tour. For Ernie Schlegel, it would be a chance to shed his hustler ways and become a bona fide champion.

©2014 Gianmarc Manzione (P)2014 Dreamscape Media, LLC
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Critic reviews

...thoroughly entertaining slice of twisted Americana, New York gangster style... Put it on the shelf with The Big Lebowski and Jersey Boys. (Dary Matera, author of Quitting the Mob and The F.B.I.'s Ten Most Wanted)
"...a rare, cultural gem of storytelling, both brilliantly researched and masterfully rendered. Prepare to be bowled over." (Tracy Crow, author of Eyes Right)
" Pin Action took me on a wonderful trip back in time to the golden era of action bowling in the 1960s New York Tri-State area. Manzione's words brought back vivid memories of the greatest time of my life bowling action at Ave M Bowl in Brooklyn which was one of the most famous action houses of all time. He goes into great depth capturing the smell, the feel, the characters of this great bowling alley and others with his own very unique writing style." (Clifford Nordquist Sr., "AC Butch", ActionBowlers.com)

What listeners say about Pin Action

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Makes we want to go bowling

An enjoyable listen. Fascinating story and history of Action and Pro Bowling. Loved the narration.

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The bowling history nobody knows about

I won't do a full review here, but I will say I found this book fascinating. As a lifelong bowler, and action bowler myself, I never knew the true scope of how intense action bowling was back in the day. Great read for bowlers and non-bowlers alike.

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Excellent

Loved and enjoyed, I was a bowler from that time and totally understood what was going on ! Please send or recommend more books on bowling like this

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