2018 was a summer of extreme heat and dry weather followed by a summer of non-stop rain. Neither condition is ideal to run a baseball league, but the NEAA pulled off another successful season.
The 4-year-old clinic headed by Carl Hall fought through some tough weather to deliver our 4 year olds a fun and memorable springtime of baseball. The 5-year-old t-ball league, under the direction of Stevie Siciliano, also delivered a springtime of fun baseball learning to our community.
The 6-7-year-old minor league had their season of games and smiles and with coaches Sean O’Connor running the Tin Cans, Steve Siciliano and Charlie Kim steering the Muckdogs and Brad & Brittany Fogel driving the Mudcats. The 8-9 year old junior league had a great season with Rick Martignetti teaching the Cardinals, Robert DelloRusso taming the Tigers and Greg & Amy Ellrodt leading the Indians.
The junior league culminated with an All-Star game against a 9-year-old team from South Berwick, Maine. That game was a thriller with the North End walking off with a 12-11 victory to wrap up the season of play.
In our 10-12 year old Major League, the Cubs with coaches Joe Bova and Ryan Kenny took home the championship defeating a talented Tiger squad led by Chris Wells, Jon Larson and John Pezzuto. The Indians, led by Mike Martignetti and John Pregmon, also turned in a stellar season.
After the major season was over, the NEAA entered a 12u team in the Boston City League and took home the championship to cap the summer in style.
There was also our first ever girls softball program. Chuck Bilikas, Janine Martignetti and Carl Hall along with others coached up a roster of 22 young ladies on the fine art of women’s softball. The girls had a great time and loved all the learning. We are hoping for even more girls next year and a chance to travel and play teams from other communities.
The NEAA old boys Dodgers Program also had a great summer. The 15u Dodgers led by Mike Martignetti and Ryan Carvalho went to the finals of the RBI league before succumbing to an undefeated Angels team by scores of 4-3 and 3-0 in the finals. Those same Dodgers also made their annual pilgrimage up to North Adams to play in the 100th game of the LaFesta Exchange. The boys made it a memorable milestone with a 6-4 9-inning victory. Joe Bova and Evan DeLillio were named co-MVPS.
The 21u Dodgers made their annual tour of Massachusetts and finally got eliminated in the final four of the Lou Tompkins All-Star baseball league. Coached by Dom DiCenso and Robert Pantaleo the Dodgers were hit with a slew of injuries, but kept fighting back until eventual champions Lynnfield brought their season to an end.
Overall, it was a great year of baseball. We look forward to our new fields in 2019 and more fun baseball.
