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Submitted by: Frank Clynes, Mar 14, 2008 Jack Delaney, the first news director of Channel 6, attended Holy Family High School in New Bedford. Despite his short stature, he dreamed of someday becoming a professional basketball star. Though he could neither run, dribble or sink a basket, he never let these shortcomings deter him. He still tried out for the team. And there is where he first met coach Frank Clynes, Sr., my father. At opening tryouts, the players were lined up in single file and each in turn was thrown the ball. The challenge was to catch it, dribble it for a few feet and sink a basket. When Jack came to the head of the line, the ball was thrown to him. For reasons unknown, he wasn't expecting it. It went through his hands and hit him in the face. My father told him to go around and try again. When next Jack came to the front of the line, he was ready. He caught it, but accidentally kicked it with his first step. It went flying into the bleachers. He had the makings of a great soccer player, but it was not allowed in American basketball. So he was sent around yet again. On his final attempt, he was naturally a bit nervous. When Frank Sr. threw him the basketball, Jack crossed his arms to protect his face and deflected it to the lower regions. He felt a nut busting pain. At that point, the coach offered him the position of team manager, which he quickly accepted. It is said that Jack kept the basketballs cleaner than any Holy Family High School team manager before or since. It was his first venture into management, which would later prove to be an invaluable experience as a WTEV news director. Delaney was determined to keep Frank Clynes Jr. off the WTEV-6 team, but luckily Coach Vance Eckersley had other ideas. And that is why I recommended Truman B. Taylor for news director. The time honored tradition of dropping the ball came to an end, when Truman took over the news department. But unfortunately, by that time the clock had run out. "And that's the way it is." Frank Clynes |
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