On Thursday, August 2, 2012, the North End Athletic Association (NEAA) will once again enter a team of 13-15 year old players to compete against an elite team of same-age boys from Japan! This annual Japan-Boston Baseball Exchange is sponsored by the Boston Red Sox Foundation and will be played at Puopolo Park on Commercial Street from 9 am to 11 am. The Coaches for the NEAA Boys Team will be Ralph Martignetti and Frank Iudiciani.
In its inauguration five years ago, the Japanese boys and their coaches traveled to Boston; the following year, Japan was the host of this Baseball Exchange; and in its third year, the Japanese boys were back in town. However, the devastating tsunami prevented the Exchange from taking place in Japan, so in its fourth year, the tournament once again took place in Boston.
Because Fenway Park is celebrating its Centennial this year, the Red Sox Foundation decided that Boston should once again be the host of this exchange this year. The Japanese boys will be competing against other Boston neighborhood youth teams during their visit, but the game against our NEAA boys includes the unique annual post-game “dunk in the Mirabella Pool”!
The game is free of charge of course, and all are welcome to attend. We hope to see you on Thursday, August 2nd at Puopolo Park from 9 am to 11 am for this wonderful annual tradition!
View the Community Calendar for more meetings and events.
