Sports 05-05-2015

NEAA U21 Dodgers playing big roles in college sports

 The NEAA U21 Dodgers have several players doing big things for their college teams. Two lifelong North End men, who have played in the NEAA baseball program since age eight, are getting ready to wrap up their seasons and return to the Dodgers for summer baseball. Vincent Lopriore is starring at Curry College as a top of the rotation starter for the Colonels. Vin has pitched at an extremely high level all year and was also conference pitcher of the week during the season for a one-hit gem he threw. Vin has been a staple in the Dodger’s rotation since he was 13 year’s old and has played a major role in leading the Dodger’s to championships in the RBI league, Lou Tompkins All-Star League and the base Hitz league. Vin will be the number one pitcher in the Dodger’s stable this summer.

 Mike Martignetti has been the starting first baseman for the Fitchburg Falcons all season. With his glove and his bat Mike has played a big role in helping Fitchburg to qualify for their conference tournament. Mike has been a lynchpin in the Dodger’s line-up since turning 13 and is a middle of the order power bat and the defensive signal caller for the 3 time Dodger champions. Mike is wrapping up his junior year at Fitchburg and will be returning to the Dodgers for one more summer stint. He and Vin are expected to be Dodger captains this year and lead the team on their quest for another championship.

Baseball Opening Day a Smash Hit

Regional Review Staff

The NEAA baseball program had a fantastic opening day! All 5 games were played by children ages 6-12.

In the early game the Raptors and the Mudcats put on a show for the early risers with a great display of hitting and defense.

After that game concluded the Grasshoppers took on the Tin Caps. Once again the skills of the 6-8 year olds were on display and all the fans were entertained.

The Minors wrapped up the three game set with the Muckdogs taking on the Hooks.

All six Minor teams did a fantastic job.

After the Minors games concluded the opening day ceremony, dedicated to Ralph Martignetti Sr, took place. John Romano, Aaron Michlewitz and Sal LaMattina all spoke and Trinity Martignetti threw out the first pitch in memory of her grandfather.

 The free BQQ began and the majors kicked off their season with the defending champion Cubs taking on the Cardinals. It was a well-played game and in the end the Cubs finished with an 8-4 victory. In the nightcap the Indians scored early and often to beat the Tigers.

A great time was had by all and the NEAA is looking forward to an awesome season.

Team sponsors include: Saint Anthony’s Feast Society, Saint Agrippina Feast Society, Tomasone Club and the Regional Review newspaper.

League sponsors include: In Memory of Francesco Capone, Star Market, Boston Police Athletic League, North End Against Drugs, Geico, Good Sports and Stop and Shop.

Opening Day Sponsors: Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Senator Anthony Petruccelli, City Councilor Sal LaMattina, Family of William White, Mary & Phil Orlandella, Robert Dello Russo, Francine & James Gannon, Gregory & Lisa LeBlanc, Post Gazette Newspaper, Angelo & Maryanne Picardi, Chad & Nicola Wolfson, Lori D’Elia & Domenic Coppola, In Memory of Ralph DeMarco, Kyle & Julie McHugh, Scott & Gina Usechek, Nick Bartolucci, Ames & Jason Forish, Anonymous Friends of the NEAA, Axelrad Family and the Law Offices of Daniel Toscano.

Opening Day Sponsors: Vincent & Denise Sablone, Lombard Family, Tansino Family, Kruppa Family, Prinn Family, Comella Family, Michelle Petrigno, Lisa & Joe Rubino, Knights of Columbus #1513-Ausonia Council, Gary Forziati and Mangia Mangia’s.

NEAA T-Ball opens season for 4-5 year-olds

By Phil Orlandella

The North End Athletic Association (NEAA) T-Ball League for four and five–olds is underway.

This season, T-Ball has attracted the most players in some time and is the feeder system for the Minor League which feeds the Majors (Little League).

Ralph Martignetti, NEAA Little League Director capably assisted by Coach Jim Carey and other volunteers will run the T-Ball program.

  T-Ball takes place every Saturday morning at 10am at Langone Field on Commercial Street.

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