Opening day at Langone Park in the North End was held on Saturday, April 28th. Community leaders, elected officials, families and friends honored Robert “Teddy” Tomasone for over 50 years of supporting the North End Athletic Association (NEAA) among many other youth causes in the neighborhood. Tomasone is also well-known for hosting the annual Christmas Fund Luncheon for seniors and local residents in need and 40+ years of the North End Christmas Parade.
Mayor Marty Walsh offered remarks to the crowd where he thanked the NEAA and explained how wonderful the day was to celebrate the community. Record enrollment and more families in the neighborhood have allowed the NEAA to expand, including the first all-girls softball league. North End little league opening day is a full community event with a free barbecue for everyone.
John Romano, NEAA Coordinator, expressed his gratitude for Tomasone, “No one has done more in the North End than Teddy”. He’s our Chief Fundraiser, not just for the NEAA but for the Christmas fund and other North End events. He’s done so much for North End kids.” Also on hand from the NEAA was Commissioner Ralph Martignetti and Kathy Carangelo.
State Representative Aaron Michlewitz, a former NEAA baseball player/coach explained that “it takes a village to get things done in the North End and Tomasone passed down to generations the ability to get things done”. He went on to say that “the kids in the neighborhood would not be where we are today without his dedication to the kids in the North End”.
City Councilor Lydia Edwards applauded the decision of the NEAA to launch the first year of girls softball in the North End. “It is great that the NEAA is inclusive of girls. It is incredible for me to see kids come together to lead and participate”. Edwards also presented an official citation from the Boston City Council honoring Ted Tomasone.
State Senator Joe Boncore was also spoke at the festivities, thanking Tomasone and the NEAA for their work in the community. After an earlier “first pitch” mishap in Winthrop, Rep. Michlewitz joked with the crowd about how happy he was that Mayor Walsh was here because “State Senator Joe Boncore is such a great senator that he doesn’t have time to practice throwing baseballs.”
Greg Henning, candidate for District Attorney shared his excitement for opening day. “I used to play baseball for the NEAA. Langone Park feels like a second home for me.” Henning received an endorsement from State Representative Aaron Michlewitz at the event.
Maura Gross from the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) did a beautiful job belting out the National Anthem.
See the full little league baseball and softball schedule for the North End Athletic Association here: http://neaabaseball.org/2018games.html
Seems like just yesterday we were playing errors and stickball with Teddy in the Prince St playground . Congratulations and Thank you Teddy for your commitment to the youth of the NE over the many years.Like fine Italian wine you have aged well.
I remember all of yoy 50 years agolllllllllll .CONGRATULATIONS TO tOMASONE. mY NAME is Mario Siciliano of 2675 ..WEST Agate Ave Unit 328 Las Vegas Nv89123 Ph702 639 8620. You pobrably dont remember me I was manager of The Christy Club baseball team a long time ago.
Congratulations Teddy and thank you for all your help and time you have given to the north end