The Ballard Gutter Ball

March 2, 1991 - This was the day that professional bowler Del Ballard Jr rolled a gutter ball on what should have been an easy victory.

It was the 10th frame of the Fair Lanes championship match. Ballard was on the verge of beating the great Pete Weber. He had just rolled 2 strikes and only needed to knock down 7 pins for the win and a $150,000 payday.

This should be a walk in the park...right? Ballard's gutter ball has become an infamous example of how even the greatest players can totally screw up.

Even though he will always be associated with the dreaded gutter ball, Ballard is also celebrated as one of bowling's most consistent champions. He won 13 PBA titles and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame in 2009.