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    Times Staff
  • 3 days ago
    • Categories: Galleries

National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame Massachusetts Chapter Holds Induction Banquet

The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame held its Induction Banquet Sunday, Oct. 25 at Kowloon restaurant in Saugus.

East Boston native Johnny Pizzi was the recipient of the Tony DeMarco Spirit and Achievement Founder’s Award. Pizzi is a professional comedian and magician and has volunteered his services for numerous charitable organizations.

Massarotti has been a preeminent member of the Boston sports media since starting his career at the Boston Herald in 1989. He is a co-host of the highly popular “Felger and Mazz Show” and host of “The Baseball Hour” on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Massarotti is a graduate of Waltham High School and Tufts University.

Ring is a former professional baseball player in the Detroit Tigers organization. Following a stint as a manager, coach, and scout with the Tigers, Ring brought his coaching and leadership skills back to the Malden area where he coached the former Malden Merchants and the Augustine A’s in the Intercity League. He led the A’s to several championships and was inducted into the ICL Hall of Fame.

Steve is a graduate of Malden Catholic High School and attended UMass/Amherst on a baseball scholarship.

Well-known comedian Dave Russo was master of ceremonies. Vocalists Joey Canzano and Billy Pezzulo provided outstanding musical entertainment.

Chapter President Dave Caizzo, who played in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, delivered the opening remarks.

Former Boston Red Sox star Rico Petrocelli and his wife, Elsie Petrocelli, were special guests in attendance.

Johnny Pizzi and Kowloon owner Bobby Wong.
NIASHF Hall of Fame inductee Tony Massarotti and former Boston Red Sox star Rico Petrocelli.
Johnny Pizzi and his sister, Marilyn Girling.
Jim Rao presents the NISDHF Hall of Fame Inductee Award to his longtime friend Tony Massarotti.
Media Specialist Marcel Haddad, NIASHF Treasurer Paul Solano, NIASHF Dave Caiazzo, and longtime sports historian Bob Hyldburg.
Award recipient Johnny Pizzi (right), pictured with his nephews Jim Crowley (left) and Pat Crowley, and his niece Tricia Crowley, at the NIASHF Massachusetts Induction Banquet.
Tony Massarotti, co-host of the No. 1 sports talk radio show in Boston, “Felger and Mazz,”, pictured with Andy Wong, owner of the Kowloon.
The honorees, Johnny Pizzi, Dennis Ring, and Tony Massarotti.
Award recipient Johnny Pizzi and family, pictured at the NIASHF Induction Banquet at Kowloon.
Johnny Pizzi, pictured with family and friends at the Induction Banquet.
Legendary Boston sportswriter and radio talk show host Tony Massarotti receives a birthday cake on his special day at the Induction Banquet.
Professional comedian and magician Johnny Pizzi and former Boston Red Sox star Rico Petrocelli.
NIASHF inductee Dennis Ring, a former professional baseball player in the Detroit Tigers organization, pictured with his proud family at the Induction Banquet held Oct. 25 at Kowloon.
Times Staff:
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