In view of his ability on the lanes, early in his career, and his contributions to the game of bowling off the lanes over a period of more than 40 years, Tommy Barger, Sr. was known as “Mr. Bowling” in the Williamsport area.  In 1923, at the age of 23, Barger was appointed ally master of the newly installed Williamsport YMCA Lanes, a position he held for over 40 years. During that time, Barger started the first Ladies League in the city, founded blind bowling, junior bowling, and programs for handicapped bowlers, as well as introducing bowling to the School of Hope.  He also helped form the Business Men’s Bowling League, which brought the area’s Catholic and Jewish religious leaders together.  In 1925, Barger was a member of the first area team to participate in the ABC National Tournament.

On December 24, 1926, Barger bowled a 799 series in a Doubles tournament at the YMCA basement lanes.  This was the first “official” 700 series in local history, although there was apparently an earlier 700 series by another bowler, which series has yet to be documented as bowled in a competitive match.  Tommy bowled two more 700 series in 1927, including one at the ABC National Tournament in Peoria, Ill, teaming with Joe Kittell to finish in 7th place in the doubles, the highest finish by any local bowlers in the ABC National Tournament up until that time, a record which stood until 1962.  Tommy recorded at least seventeen 700 series during his career.

Barger finished several seasons in the 20’s and 30’s with the highest seasonal average in the local area, including 1932 when he set a new record for high seasonal average with a 198.  He won the1940 Association Tournament All Events Championship as well as the Singles Championship in 1952.

Barger was a charter member of the local Association Chapter of the 700 Clubs of America, and in 1967 was elected Grand King Pin (National President) of the 700 Clubs of America. Tommy served on the Pa State Bowling Association Board of Directors from 1932 through 1949 and was elected that Association’s President in 1962.  He was enshrined in the Pa State Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1982, the first bowler from the local association to be accorded that honor.