Michigan Bowler Dies After Rolling First Perfect Game

Bob Bittner bowled for 31 years before rolling his first perfect game. Within minutes, he suffered a and died.

Ironically, Bittner had the lanes to himself in a Monday night men’s league for his final frame. His team got a late start in the match, so most of those in the alley were watching.

“Everyone was cheering for him,” said Dan Konwinski, the league secretary.

“I drilled a new ball for him last week, and he told me he was sure this was the one that would get him the 300,” said Harry Campbell, a fellow bowler.

Bittner, 40, rolled his three final strikes, among 12 he had in the game, and was mobbed. Konwinski said he was quiet and seemed to lack emotion. No one knew he was becoming ill.

But within 15 minutes, the color drained from Bittner’s face. Someone gave him a chair and he sat down, but then slumped forward.

Gary Coleman, a paramedic who also bowls in the league, administered CPR until an ambulance arrived, but Bittner died minutes later at a hospital.

“He loved bowling,” said his wife, Pam. “He really wanted that 300 game, but then the one he shoots is the only one.”

The American Bowling Congress said it was sending Bittner a 300 ring by special delivery to arrive in time for his funeral on Saturday.

Last month, Dennis Coleto of Fremont, Calif., was one strike away from his fifth perfect game this year when he suffered a heart attack and died.