Sports 05-24-2016

Boston Neighborhood Basketball League

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced that registration is now open for the 47th annual season of Boston’s summer basketball league, the Boston Neighborhood Basketball League (BNBL), kicking off on Tuesday, July 5.

BNBL has three divisions each for boys and girls: 13 and under, 15 and under, and 18 and under.

Encompassing recreation, sports and community engagement, BNBL real value is helping make Boston a happier and safer in the summer months by providing a physical outlet for youngsters throughout the city.

 Over 1,800 players on 174 teams will participate in this year’s league at 23 sites throughout the city. BNBL is played at Boston Center’s for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers and selected city parks. The 2016 BNBL season ends with the championship games played in mid-August.

BNBL also offers a free Pee Wee Developmental program for boys and girls ages 6 to 11. For more information, email Michael Mitchell at [email protected] or call 617-961-3083. To register online go to leagues.bluesombrero.com/bprd.

NEAA Baseball Coordinator discusses Opening Day

By Phil Orlandella

A fabulous opening day schedule was held by the North End Athletic Association (NEAA) at Langone Field on Commercial Street.

“Warmer weather helped fill the stands for the 2016 kickoff baseball season,” Baseball Coordinator John Romano noted. “The park was full of young baseball players, their families, friends and supporters of the Association.”

Three games were played, a newly formed Junior League and two Majors League games.

About 12 noon, the Junior League was paused for the annual first pitch ceremony and to honor NEAA President Louie Cavagnaro for his over 50 years of volunteering with the community group. He is currently the NEAA President.

Cavagnaro, along with his family, were joined by former NEAA players, coaches, directors and past presidents for the ceremony.

Local officials, Senator Joe Boncore, Representative Aaron Michlewitz and Counselor Sal LaMattina were also in attendance. LaMattina presented Cavagnaro a Council Resolution recognizing him for his many achievements.

Before the first pitch Marlo and Lina Walsh of the Eliot School and the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) performed the National Anthem and received a standing ovation.

“Joe the Balloon Guy made balloons for all the kids,” Romano said. “Ruff and the Boston Public Market participated handing out information and treats. The Market also had characters of fruit and vegetables entertaining the crowd and handed out free coupons.”

A free barbecue including sausage sandwiches, hamburgers, chips, cookies and water was provided to all players and attendees. Kenny Lanza, Michele Petringo, Lillian Ferullo, Maryanne Tordiglione, Damien Perez and Patricia Romano volunteered for the day, according to Romano.

He thanked the Majors team sponsors: The Regional Review, Ted Tomasone Club, Saint Anthony’s Feast Society and the Saint Agrippina’s Feast Society and the Boston Police Athletic League and North End Against Drugs (NEAD) for sponsoring the newly formed Junior League.

He noted, “The Boston Public Market, Executive Director Cheryl Cronin, and former NEAA parent and the wife of longtime coach Jack Cronin for beginning a partnership with the Association.”

NEAA Update by John Romano

NEAA SEEKING ALL STAR GAME SPONSORS

The North End Athletic Association (NEAA) is seeking sponsors for the 2016 Majors Youth All Star Game to be held on Friday,June 24th at 7pm under the lights at Langone Park.  We are looking to raiser $2500.00 to help cover the cost of pizza, soft drinks and snacks, All Star hats for each of the All Star players and coaches, umpires for the game, a balloon artist and face painter and medals for the players.

No donation is too small!  A donation of any amount can be made out to the NEAA and mailed to:

NEAA

C/O John Romano

30 North Bennet Street

Boston, Mass. 02113

All donors will be listed in special All Star Game flier program.  We thank you in advance for your support.

NEAA to Honor 2 long time supporters at the 2016 All Star Game

The North End Athletic Association (NEAA) will honor former coach, umpire, Director and President Phil Orlandella and former coach, umpire and current all around volunteer Michael “Mikey Fud” Giannasoli at this years’ NEAA All Star Game on Friday June 24th at 7pm on Domenic Campochiaro Field at Langone Complex.

“These two gentleman have dedicated a good part of their adult life helping the youth of the North End not only in sports but more importantly sponsorships,” stated NEAA Coordinator John Romano. We are excited to extend this honor of naming an All Star team after each of these awesome men.”

The game will be played under the lights showcasing its’ best players in the 9 to 12 year old age group.

It will be a fun night with free pizza, soft drinks, snacks and more for all of the league players and family members in attendance.

“We hope to see all of the past NEAA players. coaches and volunteers come down the park that night to help us honor Phil and Mikey”.

Rain date is Saturday June 25th at 7pm.

North End Sports

Cardinals and Cubs stage an early season classic

By Ralph Martignetti

 The rain finally cleared, the sun came back out and the Cardinals and the Cubs got to take to the field for game two of their season. Both teams won on opening day and took their 1-0 records to Langone Park for an early season battle.

The Cardinals sent ace Nico LaColla to the mound and the Cubs countered with their southpaw ace Peter Shea.

Peter Shea took to the hill and he looked sharp. Jo-Jo Brienze and Joe Everett both hit hard grounders to start the game but 2nd baseman Jackson LeBlanc was solid both times and threw out the would be Cardinal base runners.

After a hit batter Shea struck out the Cardinal 4 hitter and completed a scoreless top of the first inning.

Richard Bova led off the bottom of the first with a double to right center field and the Cubs were in business early. Knowing this would be a low scoring affair Nico LaColla knuckled down and struck out the next two Cubs. With two outs and Bova now on third base John Paul Giorgio singled to drive him in and the Cubs took a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the 2nd the Cardinals threatened putting LaColla and Liam Finn on base but Shea struck out the next Cardinal for the third out of the inning.

LaColla went back to the mound and struck out the side working his way around a walk to Niklas McHugh.       Shea struck out the side in the top of the third and ended his day with 3 innings pitched and 6 strikeouts

but more importantly a 1-0 lead after three innings. LaColla struck out two more Cubs in the third and ended his day with three innings pitched and 7 strikeouts.

In the top of the 4th John Paul Giorgio took over the pitching duties for the Cubs. Cardinal 3rd hitter Colm Vraibel greeted him with a hard smash single to shortstop. Colm advanced to third on two stolen bases.

With the tying run on third and nobody out Colm’s brother Eamon dropped down a perfect squeeze bunt scoring Colm and tying the game at one.

With two out in the inning the Cardinals were trying to take the lead. LaColla walked and was singled to third by Steven Griffin. The Cardinals then went to the well again as Liam Finn dropped down a perfect bunt. Cardinal pitcher John Paul Giorgio pounced on the bunt and having no play at first base wheeled and fired a strike to home to cut down LaColla at the plate.

Eamon Vrailbel took the mound for the Cardinals in the bottom of the 4th. Giorgio greeted him with a double to left-center. With one out William Santoro singled driving in Giorgio and the Cubs reclaimed the lead 2-1.

Giorgio struck out the side in the 5th and Vraibel got the Cubs in order in the 5th and the game went to the last inning with the Cubs leading 2-1.

     Jo-Jo Brienze led off the 6th with a single down the third base line. With one out Colm Vraibel ripped a ball in the gap in left-center field. Brienze scored from first on the play to tie the game at 2 and Vraibel rounded third and attempted to score. The throw was slightly offline and Vrailbel slid in safely giving the Cardinals a 3-2 lead.

      The Cubs came to bat in the bottom of the 6th and Colm Vraibel took the hill trying to close out the game. After striking out the first Cub, John Paul Giorgio ripped a line drive to left that looked destined for extra bases. Luca Orlandi came out of nowhere to make a spectacular catch and retire Giorgio. The crowd erupted at Orlandi’s catch. Vraibel got the final out on a pop out and the Cardinals claimed the victory 3-2.