Bob Brunker was the sixth bowler inducted into the GutterAlley Hall of Fame, voted in during the Spring 2012 season. His fellow nominees were Dennis "Pops" Laube, Janelle "Nellie" (Laube) Lamar, Pat Searcy, Phil Schroeder, and Seth Gunderson.

When our bowling league was initially formed, then-president Angela Bradford drafted into it a man she had known for years that would go on to be known by a variety of monikers – Mr. Clutch, Mr. Nice Guy, the Good Sportsman. Ever the modest one, he chose simply to go by the name that we'd all come to know and love – Bob Brunker.

An almost constant presence in the league since the very beginning, Brunker has rolled in 16 of our league's twenty-five seasons to date. Twice he was on the championship team, walking away with the title in both the Spring 2002 and Spring 2009 sessions. During the formative years of our league, Bob was known as the headmaster of The Bob Brunker School of Spares earning him the nickname "Mr. Clutch." Rarely, if ever, would this calm roller fail to pick up any combination of pins thrown his way completely ignoring the amount of pressure he or his team was under to win that particular game. Brunker's best quote from back then was simply "Anyone can throw a strike, but spares win the game." And win he did...his name appears in the top ten for most games won by a bowler as well as on a number of the Top 25 lists we began releasing last year. You can find Bob's name on the Most Prolific Bowlers list, Most MVB Runner-Ups, Bowlers by Win Percentage, Most 200+ Games, and currently ranks as the 22nd best bowler in league history. Three times he has been named Most Valuable Bowler and put up four #1 Power Ranked Bowler performances throughout his lengthy career.

While known as one of the league's first powerhouse bowlers on the lanes, his greatest contribution to the league came while he was off them. Bob's easy-going, humorous, and kind demeanor has always made him a perennial league favorite to be around but it was his great sportsmanlike conduct shown each week that made the most impact. His actions were the inspiration to create the league's first Season Favorite award, which bears his name to this day – the Bob Brunker Good Sportsmanship Award. To no one's surprise, he has won this award moreso than anyone else in league history...despite asking people not to vote for him (with or without resorting to slapping). The Season Favorites have since become a league tradition, with bowlers picked across several categories starting in the Spring 2003 session. If not for Bob, this would have never happened.

Quotes about Bob from members of the league:

Bob has been a semi-annual (or is it bi-annual) staple since the beginning of the league. His contributions include being the namesake of our official Good Sportsmanship Awards, as well as the headmaster of the School of Spares.

This league is about fun and no one makes the league more fun than Bob. He qualifies considering his seniority, abilities, and personality.

Because he is Bob Brunker, Mr. Sportsmanship. How can he not be in the Hall of Fame?

I can't help but smile every time I see him, and be thankful just for knowing such a wonderful guy. Win or lose, good game or bad, Brunker was always there with a smile and a funny statement to make those around him remember that the league is supposed to be about having a good time, surrounded by friends. The Hall of Fame would be kidding itself to not enshrine this man who is adored by all. Bob Brunker is also a deserving candidate. I mean, c'mon how do you not recognize a man who has an award named after him? A solid contender, a true gentleman.

When I first came into the league there were three bowlers I looked up to, each for a different reason: Carl Goetz, for his incredible bowling and extremely focused competitiveness; Pat Searcy, for his larger than life personality and powerhouse finishes; and Bob Brunker, who showed me that you could be both a cut-throat bowler on the lanes and then the person that everyone wants to be around off them.

And from the inductee himself...

1. What is your personal favorite memory from all your years in the league?

After 16 great seasons, it all goes back to the first season with Angela, Pat and Deena. It was a great group of friends, lots of fun, and even got competitive. I have enjoyed meeting new people and developing friendships even if I only see them every Tuesday for a few short months. Another great memory is all of the creative team names that continue to get better and better. The fun part is that we will put these names on t-shirts and wear them in public.

2. What is it about this league that continued to bring you back season after season?

It is a famous saying, but I believe it is true. All work and no play makes you a dull person. I enjoy showing up every Tuesday to get out and play. I enjoy seeing all skill levels having fun and all after the same goal……. Having fun with friends and ultimately bowl better than the last game. Travels for my job during the fall keeps me from bowling in the fall. However, I love the web site that I can track week to week competition as well as the always fun “gutter quotes.”

3. What does it mean for you to be inducted into the Hall of Fame?

Something I never expected. I love this game that is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – but in the end, the fun is what takes place off of the lanes and I would not trade that for anything. Thank you!

It is with great pleasure that the GutterAlley Hall of Fame opens its doors to Bob Brunker. Welcome, Mr. Clutch!