(Photos by Rosario Scabin, Ross Photography)
On Friday June 26th, the NEAA celebrated our annual All-Star game. The game was played in honor of the memory of long time NEAA Coach, Director and President Joseph “Coach Dom” Campochiaro. The day started off with the six Minor League teams playing their final games. There were three games for ages 6 to 8 played starting at 2:30pm. After each of the three games the coaches for each team presented their players with medals for their accomplishments throughout the season.
After the final minors game the celebration began with pizza, soft drinks and snacks for everyone who attended. Pizza was provided at a reduced price from Philip Frattarolli of Ducali’s Pizzeria. Drinks and chips were donated by Star Market up on Boylston Street near Fenway Park. Snacks were donated by Mike Giannasoli and Rep. Aaron Michlewitz. The program was created and printed by the Post Gazette Newspaper.
At 7pm, a special ceremony to honor Coach Dom was held with his wife Marie, 2 sons – Domenic & Chris – and granddaughter Brianna all in attendance. Ted Tomasone of the NEAA spoke on behalf of the Board and NEAA President Louie Cavagnaro. Representative Michlewitz spoke highly of Dom and of our program and thanked all the coaches for their tireless efforts throughout the season. Maddie Heath, a student at NEMPAC, sang the National Anthem spectacularly. Brianna Campochiaro threw out the first pitch and then the All-Star game began.
Our All-Star game sponsors were: Patrick & Lori McMahon, Robert DelloRusso, Sal Bartolo, Salon Mira Bella – Eric Howard, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Councilor Sal LaMattina, Sen. Anthony Petruccelli, Societa Di San Giuseppe, The Griffin Family: Tim, Becca & Kids, Kenny’s Lock – Greg Everett, Waterfront Cafe – Annette & Rocco Zagarella, Friends of the North End, Victor Passacantilli, Frank & Connie Iudiciani, Post Gazette Newspaper – Pam Donnaruma, Vincent & Denise Sablone, Amici Restaurant – Lynn Bova, Tim Head, Star Market, Ducali Pizzeria, Eric Marberblatt, Boston Harbor Cruises, Carl Ameno, Nolan Previte, Marie McBride & Bill Moscarelli.
A tremendous game was played by the East (Domenic) and West (Campochiaro) All-Stars. The East won the game 10 to 5. A great end to a fabulous season. There will be more NEAA baseball for this age group with the North 2 South Tournament coming up, The Mayors Cup Tournament and the Inner City League taking us through July and part of August.
The NEAA Dodgers, we have 4 teams between the ages of 13 to 21 – play in 3 separate leagues, RBI, Lou Tompkins and the Base, will also play throughout July and August. All in all the NEAA has over 225 children playing baseball this season.
Our T-Ball program run by Jim Carey, Sean Hennessey, Matt Ginsberg and Scott Whelan, held their Awards Ceremony and Family Wiffle Ball Game on Saturday June 27th. There are over 60 children in that program. They will continue to play through July on Saturday mornings after taking a break on July 4th. This is tremendously popular program for 4 and 5 year olds.
At the conclusion of the game MVP awards were given out as follows:
- East MVP: Peter Shea
- East Runner-Up MVP: JP Anderson
- West MVP: Charlie Griffin
- West Runner-Up MVP: Colom Vraible
- Defensive Player of the Game: Ryan Maziarka
Two sets of Red Sox tickets were raffled off for free to just the players in the game, paid for through the All-star game sponsors. Players on each team were also given a special all-star hat for participating.
At the conclusion of all of the all-star festivities, NEAA Commissioner Ralph Martignetti and the coaches gave out the team trophies to the players on the Cubs, Cardinals, Tigers and the 2015 NEAA PLAYOFF CHAMPION INDIANS!
Special Awards were also given out by Commisioner Martignetti in the following categories:
- League MVP: Joseph Bova – Cubs
- Playoff MVP: Liam Riley – Indians
- Pitcher of the Year: Charlie Griffin – Indians
- Rookie of the Year: Sean Leetch – Tigers
- Sportsman of the Year: JP Anderson – Cubs
- Coach of the Year: Luigi Natale – Tigers
Finally each team had one player chosen by their coach for the Uncle Fred Carangelo Award:
- Cubs: William White
- Indians: Michael Detemple
- Cardinals: Steven Griffin
- Tigers: Carlo Crocini
The season was a great success and the NEAA appreciates all the efforts of the players and the support of their parents. We are especially grateful to all the volunteer coaches, assistants, instructors and the commissioner. Special thanks to our pre-season Instructor Chuck Bilikas who practices for a few weeks with all the players and coaches.
We would also like to honor our sponsors: St. Agrippina Feast Society, St. Anthony’s Feast Society, Regional Review Newspaper, Tomasone Club and North End Against Drugs for sponsoring our entire minor league program. Gary Pedi and Lavanderia and Mike’s Pastry made generous donations to help defray the cost of the uniforms.
More photos below by Rebecca Griffin:
