Virtually every night of the week you can see the North End Athletic Association’s youth baseball program in full swing at both the Langone and Puopolo Parks on Commercial Street. On a recent evening, I had an hour or so to spend at the park and watched some of the Major’s game at Langone Park and the Minor’s Game at Puopolo Park. There were over 50 players and twice as many friends and family members in the stands. It was an awesome sight. The parks were alive with children playing baseball. The kids made great plays in the field. I witnessed a nice hit off the fence at the Major’s game with the right fielder tracking down the ball, throwing it to the cutoff man, who in turn got it to the second baseman to hold the runner to a double. A lot of thought and coordination going on there!!
A few minutes later I walked over to the minor’s game and saw a tiny little guy at first base make a nice play on a ground ball and tag the base to get the out. Not bad for a 5 year old!
The NEAA programs have blossomed under the leadership of Ralph Martignetti and all of the NEAA’s fantastic VOLUNTEER Coaches – neither who get enough credit on a daily basis!
In a short time, the older children in our program will begin their season, ages 13 to 21 in 4 different leagues. I hope to spend sometime watching these teens play as they are turning what they learned at the lower levels into some great baseball on the big diamond!
It was clear, the rain had stopped, the fields were full and the children of the NEAA were having a lot of fun – a fantastic sight for all of us to see!
Take some time over the next month or two and come down to the park and watch some great baseball by these young boys and girls and give them your support!
Will do JR. Thanks for the suggestion and for a great article!