The "memory" of Danny Buckley of the Broadway
Boys Club was simply wonderful. Danny was probably too young to
recall but before the Club was built in 1958 ( I believe ), stood
Hayes Park.
When we first heard that our "hangout" was to be replaced, we were
devastated and somewhat upset. After all, where were we to play
cards, stick ball, off the point and touch football. I can recall,
we contemplated " boycotting", but soon realized what a gem of a
place.
Abalu, my lifelong friend, Dominick Maltese, the director and a
diehard Detroit Tiger fan in Willie Mays land - we were so fortunate
to share our youthful years with such outstanding men. As we grew
older, Tony DAquino and I began working at the club, which included
the fringe benefit of Friday night meals with Abalu and Bobby De
Vito at the Arlington diner.
What about Bobby Freda who ran the gym and all the different leagues
depending on the season. As I reflect on Bobby, he was a superb
athlete and coach who spent a great deal of time breaking up fights,
particularly when visiting teams arrived. To this day I remember
Abalu's wealth of sayings, i. e. "Petey Brown - people do things
for people, the cause is secondary".
It's amazing after all these years, we still socialize together
- Bobby Cappetta, my boyhood idol, Tony, Brendan, Pat McGinley,
Jimmy McGinley and the list goes on.
Thanks Danny.
Pete Ryan
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