I have never wavered in my opinion that Don Carter rates as the greatest bowler of all-time.

That is no way lessens the respect and admiration I hold for so many bowlers – some who had longer careers – some who won more titles in some categories – some who were awesome in the clutch – some who were more colorful – and some who might have been outstanding in one or more finer points of the game.

But, and it is a huge but, in my opinion there never has been a bowler to best combine all the athletic talents to become a great than Carter.

In determining greats the biggest factor is did the great dominate in his era. Carter did. Did the great accept all challenges hurled at him in the way of utilizing the equipment of his day and the scoring conditions of his day. Carter did.

Did the great accept the mantle and the burden of being a leader, particularly if the sport is either still emerging or still looking for its niche in the higher strata’s of the sports world. Carter did.

He was rated with the best in all sports, and did his best to do what he thought was necessary to elevate it in every way. And he did it in a way in which he still held and expressed his individual ideas.

A great in any era in any sport would have been a great in any other era. This can be difficult because records come into play and all sports, bowling being a perfect example, cry out for deep study.

Today, teenage bowlers have more 300s, 700 and 800 series, and averages that over-whelm the best ever posted by the icons of the game – established hall of famers.

Chalk it up to better equipment, better and higher scoring condition, better and more instruction, coaching and competitive opportunities at a younger age, and other intangibles.

The facts shouldn’t diminish the feats of the elders, nor should they belittle the feats of the youngsters. You do the best you can whether you’re rolling rocks at sheep bone or blasting off light beams at pins created on a reality screen.

All issues must be taken into consideration when rating all-time greats. All records must be viewed as to when, how and where they were registered and put into proper perspective. Each and every person has their own priorities when making judgment calls.

I take polls and surveys seriously and spend time coming to a final decision.

And when it comes to the greatest bowler – for me – it always comes out Don Carter.