1985 Herald Master bowling tournament in Channel 3 studios.
When I heard tonight that bowling legend Marty Piraino had passed away it brought back memories of my encounters with him during my early days at Channel 3 in the early 1990’s. First a bit about Marty from the story we posted online:
“Marty Piraino's biography for the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame describes him as "the greatest bowler in Syracuse history." Piraino was a four time winner on the Professional Bowlers Association or PBA tour. He was also a host of several televised bowling shows on WSYR and WSTM-TV Channel 3. Piraino passed away today at the age of 88.
Piraino grew up in a bowling family. After a spectacular professional bowling career he continued his excellence in his home town as an ambassador of the game. Piraino is remembered for his weekly appearances on Syracuse Bowls and Challenge Bowling on WSTM. He readily shared his knowledge of the sport and love for life.”
What’s missing from the above obituary is the playful fact that the bowling lanes which originated Challenge Bowling and Syracuse Bowls were right here in our television station. They were here for more than a generation of bowlers who enjoyed Bowling for Dollars and their one chance to be on television.
On occasion the lanes would be used for the benefit of employee morale. At times it was a sanctioned frame or two. At other times, particularly on the weekends or in the middle of the night management was not consulted.
A previous administration tore the lanes out in 1996. Now when we tour people through the station who remember those days we can only point to the unusual giant hole in the wall connecting what’s now the Channel 5 studio and our prop room.
Marty was as much of a fixture of those lanes as the lanes were of the building. I’ll bet he’s rolling all the 300 games his heart desires now.
Any questions or comment please forward them to mattsmemo@CNYcentral.com. I may even use some of your thoughts on NBC 3 News at 5:00, the 10:00 News on CW6 or on CNYcentral.com.
The opinions expressed in this blog are the sole responsibility of the author and are not reflective of the views or opinions of Barrington Broadcasting, WSTM-NBC3, its management or employees.
