The North End Athletic Association kicked off the 2016 baseball season with a fabulous opening day on Saturday, April 30th. The park was full of young baseball players, the families, friends and supporters of the NEAA. The sun was shining and it was a glorious day for baseball. Three games were played one from the newly formed Junior league and two Majors games.
At 12 Noon the first game was paused to have our annual 1st pitch ceremonies and to honor Louis Cavagnaro, NEAA President. Louie has been volunteering for the NEAA for over 50 years. Along with Louie’s family, many former NEAA players, coaches, directors and past presidents were in attendance. Senator to be (in 10 days) Joe Boncore, Representative Aaron Michlewitz and City Councilor Salvatore LaMattina attended the festivities to both honor Louie and to celebrate the children getting ready for another great season of NEAA baseball. Before the first pitch the National Anthem was sung by two young ladies who attend the North End Music and Performing Arts Center Marlo & Lina Walsh.
Thanks to the many sponsors we had a free BBQ for all who attended and Joe The Balloon Guy was there making balloons for all the kids.
Special thanks goes to the volunteer helpers who cooked, served and sold raffles tickets all day: Kenny Lanza, Michelle Petrigno, Lillian Ferullo, Maryanne Tordiglione, Damien Perez, Freddy Carangelo and Patricia Romano. Also thanks to the Post Gazette for creating a wonderful opening day flier/program. Lastly, a special thanks to the Boston parks Department and Mayor Walsh for doing a great job keeping our field ready to play!
This year we also welcomed the Boston Public Market and R.U.F.F. to our program. They handed out information about the organizations and gave away goodies all day long. RUFF is the Dog Group in the North End who work tirelessly to educate both dog owners and non dog owners about their animals and also help us keep the park clean.
The Boston Public Market, located on Hanover and Blackstone Streets, run by new Executive Director Cheryl Cronin – a former NEAA Parent and wife of longtime coach Jack Cronin, is a great place to shop for fresh food and more began a nice partnership with the NEAA and the North End and will participate in many events with us.
We are grateful to our longtime Team Sponsors: The Regional Review Newspaper, St. Anthony’s Feast Society, St Agrippina’s Feast Society and the Tomasone Club, as well as League Sponsors The Boston Police Athletic League and North End Against Drugs.
Baseball will be played virtually 7 days a week down the park, stop by and watch these fantastic, fun, family friendly games. The schedule is available at neaabaseball.org.
