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FRAME OF MIND
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Mike Baltes (36) of Youngstown accomplishes his 2nd life goal of bowling a perfect game within months of achieving the first of swimming with dolphins.
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Mike Baltes (36) of Youngstown accomplishes his 2nd life goal of bowling a perfect game within months of achieving the first of swimming with dolphins.
By Jon Moffett
It was a dream realized for the 36-year-old Youngstowner
YOUNGSTOWN — Michael Baltes watched his bowling ball spin down the alley.
As the last pin hit the hardwood and the 300th point was tallied, Baltes fell to his knees and raised his fists into the air.
The 36-year-old had just bowled his first perfect game.
“Everybody came up to me,” Baltes said. “They all told me, ‘Congratulations,’ and gave me a handshake and a hug.”
The Youngstown man has Down syndrome, but his family says it doesn’t hinder him.
“Anything he puts his mind to, he’s going to do it,” said Ralph Ruggiero, Baltes’ stepfather. “It might take him a little long than other kids, but if he puts his mind to it he’s going to do it.”
Baltes achieved perfection Nov. 20 at Mahoning Valley Lanes in Youngstown.
Baltes needed a strike on the last frame. He said he altered his delivery, which made him uneasy.
“I was nervous,” Baltes said. “I put my left leg on the alley, and I didn’t want to do that; I wanted to put my right leg on the alley.”
But the augmented approach didn’t matter, and Baltes was able to accomplish his goal.
His mother, Blanche Ruggiero, witnessed the game and was moved by her son’s feat.
“I wasn’t supposed to bowl that night, but I pre-bowled,” Blanche Ruggiero said. “When he got that 300 game, I’ll tell you, he fell to his knees and just said ‘I did it!’”
Baltes has been bowling since he was 13. In his 23-year career, Baltes has an average score of nearly 190. He also calculates scores, for himself and his teammates.
“I like bowling,” Baltes said. “It’s a good sport.”
Blanche Ruggiero said her son is accepted by the bowling community, and only had one bad incident. During a bowling tournament, a couple refused to play with Baltes because of his condition.
“It never happens,” she said. “He has never not gotten on a team. As a matter of fact, people want him on their team.”
Ralph Ruggiero said it is Baltes’ spirit that enables people to accept him.
“This kid’s determination is incredible,” he said. “He always said he was going to bowl a 300 game, and he did it.”
The 300 game was Baltes’ second personal achievement in a few months. In July, Baltes realized another dream when he, his mother and stepfather flew to Las Vegas so he could swim with dolphins.
“My cousin said to me, ‘You know, once one dream comes true, another one follows,’ but I didn’t know it would happen this fast,” Blanche Ruggiero said.
Teary-eyed, the mother talked about her son’s condition and how it hasn’t kept him from leading a full and happy life.
“I don’t even think he knows what Down syndrome is,” Blanche Ruggiero said. “I don’t know what I did to deserve someone as special as him.”
With two life dreams already accomplished, Baltes said he’s been thinking about what he can do next.
“I want to be on TV,” Baltes said with a smile.
His mother laughed and reminded Baltes of how rare an opportunity on television is.
He thought for a moment and amended his next goal.
He wants three 300 games.
jmoffett@vindy.com