East Boston Little League Opening Day ceremonies set for Saturday, May 2
By Cary Shuman
East Boston Little League will hold its Opening Day ceremonies on Saturday, May 2 at noon at Festa Field.
EBLL President Nick Free, a teacher in the Boston school district, said the league has a sizable increase in enrollment this season with more than 150 players (boys and girls) participating on 15 teams in three divisions, Major, Minor, and Farm.
Mayor Michelle Wu, State Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Adrian Madaro, and City Council Vice President Gabriela Coletta Zapata are invited guests to the Opening Day ceremony.
“I’m excited for East Boston Little League’s opening day this Saturday with an increase in enrollment boosting this year’s rosters,” said Madaro. “I have fond memories as a kid playing in East Boston Little League, having fun and learning valuable lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. It’s especially cool to have my older son, Matteo, gearing up for another baseball season. I’m grateful for everyone working hard this year to provide that same experience to youth, and I can’t wait to catch a game.”
Free is being assisted in the leadership of the organization by vice president Brian Lynch, board member and concession stand director Alexis Cervasio, and board member Bill Rinaldi.
A graduate of prestigious George Washington University, Free is beginning his fourth season as president. He played Little League Baseball in East Haddam (Conn.), a small town on the Connecticut River.
“My father (Stephen Free) was the president of our local Little League as well,” said Free.
Nick and Tiffany Free’s son, Catcher Free, 10, plays for the Major League Giants team and the BASE 12U travel team. Their daughter, Phoebe Free, 4, is starting her first season in the Farm League, with Tiffany making her debut as the team’s coach. Their son, Holden Free, 13, is an EBLL graduate who now plays school lacrosse.
All EBLL players will be attired in brand new uniforms for the 2026 season. “We have the most team sponsors we’ve had in a long time, and their banners will be hanging proudly on Saturday,” said Free. “This league is a really big deal for me, and I’m really passionate about the success of our organization moving forward.”
Free said he is hoping to relaunch the East Boston Girls Softball League next year.