by John LaPlaca
Just a few short weeks ago, these 10 year old little
league all-stars from East Boston were hardly taken serious enough to compete in
the Mayor’s Cup Baseball Tournament. Their entry into the series came at the
last minute, when one of the parents insisted they sign up… But that was a few
weeks ago.
Today they are celebrating victory!
Their Cinderella
story became real last Saturday afternoon when East Boston defeated the highly
touted Parkway team, 4-3, to capture the entire Mayor’s Cup challenge. In fact,
they finished the season as the only undefeated team in the city, winning most
of their other games in overwhelming numbers:
vs. Savin Hill, 12-2
vs.
Parkway II, 12-2
vs. South Boston, 9-7
vs. North End, 9-2
vs. Parkway,
4-3
Lead by manager Jason DaSilva and coaches Eldon Thomas, Nick Salerno,
and Nick & Mike Mosca, the boys made it look easy.
Through regular and mandatory practice these caring East Boston parents/ coaches
were able too keep these allstar players as sharp as they were during their
regular season.
And the hard work paid off.
Behind the dazzling pitching of Jason DaSilva
Jr, John Quinton, Jaden Marshall and Yonaxi Alcantara came some powerful and
consistent hitting by players like Sal Vigliotta, Chris Testa, and Nick
Mustacchio Jr. whose amazing performances were often complimented by the
aggressive base running of Johanix Amparo.
“I have never seen a more
dedicated and enthused group of young baseball players”, said Nick Mustacchio
and his wife Lisa, who together, hosted a backyard barbecue and pool party for
the boys last Sunday at their home.
“It was a real pleasure attending their games. These kids and their coaches
deserve recognition for their time and proud representation of East Boston”.
Parents all agree.
The defensive, near perfect infield held together
by catchers Ryan Thomas and Chase Whiteknact and quick shortstop plays by Ruben
DeLeon was without flaw. Outfield cooperation by Stephen Smith and others left
onlookers stunned.
The team went on to participate and compete in the
recent Jimmy Fund Tournament, but was eliminated in a narrow defeat last
weekend, ending a very spine-tingling summer.
 |
Pictured from left to right
Front Row:
John Quinton, Sal Vigliotta, Chase Whiteknact, Christopher Testa, Stephen Smith, Nicholas Mustacchio Jr.
Back Row:
Coach Eldon Thomas, Jason DaSilva Jr., Ryan Thomas, Jaden Marshall, Johanix Amparo, Manager Jason DaSilva, Coach Nick Salerno
Missing from photo:
Yonaxi Alcantara, Ruben (Neal) DeLeon Jr., Coach Nick Mosca, Coach Mike Mosca
Photo by John LaPlaca (Contributing writer) can be reached at john@realtyVentures.biz
Phone 617.201.1800 |
