The East Boston Little League concluded its 2020 summer season last week with its Senior Division playoffs, as the Blue Jays took home the championship with a win over the Mets in the deciding game of their best-of-three series.
The Mets, coached by Len Cambria, Steve Gear, and Ramon Alcantar, had advanced to finals by defeating the Pirates in their opening round series. The Blue Jays, coached by Daryl Martin, Chuck Cassaro, Jason Dasilva, and Dr. Robert Gilbride advanced by finishing the season in first place for the third year in a row. The Mets took the series opener, 9-6, behind the pitching of Miguel Pimental, who struck out 10 batters in six strong innings. The Mets drew away in a tie game when John Quentin, Francis Guzman, and Santino Perullo all scored in a five-run seventh inning.
Game 2 went to the Blue Jays, 12-3, with Robert Gilbride, Joe Ferullo, and Jason Dasilva scoring three runs each and Johanxi Amparo providing four innings of hitless ball.
The Blue Jays won the deciding game,10-0, behind the once-again dominant pitching of Amparo, who threw a three-hit, complete-game shutout in which only one Mets baserunner reached third. Cam Martin scored three times while Jeriel Cuello, Matt DeCarney, and Carmine D’Amelio each drove in two runs for the Blue Jays, giving the team their third title in four years.
“This group has been so committed and focused, it was a pleasure coaching them,” Coach Martin said. “I’m so proud of the kids, it was a total team effort and a well-deserved championship”.
League President Chuck Cassaro was pleased that the league was even able to provide baseball to the community this season. “Obviously it was challenging having a league this year, but we followed all protocols put in place and were able to provide the kids with something fun to do this summer,” Cassaro commented. He added, “It’s always great baseball played at the senior level with a lot of good players up there. And it showed in the support the league got not only there but in all of its divisions. It was great to see so many faces at the parks and everyone embracing the league. I think the community really was behind the league and appreciated the fact that East Boston was able to play ball this year while so many other surrounding cities did not.” Cassaro’s only regret is the league not being able to hold its annual year-end banquet celebrating the players, due to the current restrictions on gatherings in the state. But he is optimistic that the special celebration can be held again next year.