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.
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| 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 |
