Pat Searcy was the ninth bowler inducted into the GutterAlley Hall of Fame, voted in during the Fall 2013 season. His fellow nominees were Bill Krejci, Cory Chorpenning, Demond Robinson, Jason Carpio, and Ryan Doll.
The infamous Pat Searcy was the most dominant bowler in the league's Winter 1999-2000 inaugural season, going on to win the very first championship title alongside teammate, and fellow Hall of Famer, Angela Bradford. Throughout 16 seasons, Searcy went on to earn two additional titles – in the Spring 2002 and Spring 2006 seasons – as well as two stints as MVB and 13 weeks as the #1 Power Ranked Bowler. While under the influence, Searcy was a dominant force in 10th frame situations, earning him the Defensive Bowler of the Season award twice and being the runner-up four times.The Top 25 lists seem tailor made for someone of Pat's stature. His name can be found on practically every single list that deals with high bowling scores, including: Bowlers with the Most 200+ Games, Most 200+ Games in a Single Season, Most Consecutive 200+ Games, Most 600+ Series (including one 700+ series), Most 600+ Series in a Season, Highest Lifetime Averages, Most Games Won by a Bowler, Most Prolific Bowlers, Best Bowlers by Win Percentage, Bowlers Handing Out the Most Sweeps, and is currently the 12th Best Bowlers of All Time – higher than every other member of the Hall of Fame with the exception of Codding, Carl, and myself. After suffering a mild heart attack, Searcy took some time off from bowling. He returned to the league to sub one night in the Spring '09 season after having not picked up a ball in over two years. Pat's single performance that evening earned him the distinction of being the Best Substitute Bowler of All Time as he lit up the lanes with a 662 series, averaging 220+ a game. His scores as a sub have only been outdone once since.Just last season, a special award was created to honor the bowler who made the league the most fun that session – the Pat Searcy "Life of the Party" Award. At that time, he joined Hall of Famers Carl Goetz (Defensive Bowler), Bob Brunker (Good Sportsmanship, male), and Scott Murdock (Get 'er Done) along with Emily Podhajsky (Good Sportsmanship, female) as the only individuals with awards name after them.
Here are a few comments about Pat from those that nominated him:
Pat is one of the most feared men to face in 10th frame high-pressure situations as his ability to strike out during those moments is legendary.Besides his litany of accomplishments on the lanes, Pat's larger than life personality off the lanes brought many laughs to those of us that were fortunate enough to be around him during those seasons when he would lace up his shoes (after ordering the beer) and gift us with his presence.
He's a powerhouse, and his exuberant personality made him well known and loved.
He can roll and drink a lot of beer. And I'm pretty sure I've seen him do it at the same time.
One of the top bowlers each season he bowls and just a fun, funny, great all around dude to boot! Should be a shoo-in.
An icon! Pat is one of the easiest going, sincere individuals I have known. After having many beers with Pat, I know it is long over due for him to be a part of the VML Hall of Fame.
Because classics should be revered and never forgotten...like the 8-track player you jam to in the garage on fall days.Pat is one of the leagues best bowlers. That was evident from the very first season. If you are open to learning, Pat is open to helping you improve your game and I am pretty sure he can drink more beer than anyone else while doing it.
He taught me how to bowl. For real. I can contribute all of my bowling successes to Mr. Searcy. He rules.
And from the inductee himself...
1. What is your personal favorite memory from all your years in the league?
Mounting the rack with the other pervs: Bob, Deena, and Angela.
2. What is it about this league that continued to bring you back season after season?
Originally because of the beer plus smoking was allowed, then it grew to become the humorous bunch of bowlers ever assembled, and the beer. Heck, sometimes I came back just to have a beer and to see if Freda’s ball finally made it to the pins.
3. What does it mean for you to be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
It means I’m old.
It is with great pleasure that the GutterAlley Hall of Fame opens its doors to Pat Searcy, the life of the party.