Welcome

Welcome to the Boston Park League's web site. America's Oldest Amateur Baseball League.

The auxiliary web site is still available at:
http://groups.msn.com/bostonparkleague

Email:
Walt Mortimer Secretary Treasurer
bostonparkleague@comcast.net

Boston Park League Game Cancellation Hotline # 617-840-7621

League News

A Request to Boston Park League Hall of Fame Members:

The league would like to establish in 2009 an email group listing of all Hall of Fame members who have internet access, which will be kept on file by the Secretary Treasurer. We wish to keep you informed with updated information regarding the league. Just send us an email message, identifying yourself, update contact info if necessary, to bostonparkleague@comcast.net.

The Boston Park League held its 27th Annual Alumni Reunion - Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday evening, November 14th, 2008, at Lantana's in Randolph, Ma. A cocktail reception began at 6:30pm, followed by a family style roast beef & turkey dinner at 7:30pm. 265 guests were in attendance, including the family and friends of the 5 newest inductees into the Boston Park League Hall of Fame, and those recognized with Special Awards for their outstanding achievements. The 2008 league All Star Team was also recognized and presented with awards. All award recipients are listed below.

Many of the Hall of Famer's of past years were there to welcome the class of 2008, and renew old friendships with former teammates and opponents. Each of the current teams in the league were well represented with their players in support of the league. Jerry Trupiano, the former voice of the Boston Red Sox on radio, was the master of ceremonies for the 7th straight year.

Listed below are the 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees, Championship Trophy recipients, Special Award winners, and the 2008 All Star Team.

2008 HOF Inductees

Mary Ellen Grossman, General Manager, Grossman Marketing Club (formerly Mass Envelope)
Derek Grudinskas, player/manager,Palmer Club
Dave Proctor, outfielder, ADSL
Dave Smith, shortstop, Towne Club
Zach Soolman, pitcher, Larkin Club

Championship Trophies

William J. Stewart Jr. Championship Trophy - Grossman Marketing
Hal Crosby Regular Season Championship Trophy - Carlson Club

Special Awards

1. Bob Cusick MVP Award - Marvin Malaret, Carlson Club
2. Dick Casey Sportsmanship Award - Bob Austin, Stockyard
3. Huck Geary Achievement Award - Owen Carlson, Carlson Club
4. Red Johnson Alumni Award - Armand Veneziano, Latin Academy Baseball Coach
5. Dan Roberts/Dick clegg Umpires award - Jim Kelly, West Roxbury
6. Gerry McCarthy Coaches Award - Franz Strassman, Grossman Marketing
7. Thomas Yawkey Sportsman Award - John "Sugar" Whelan, Charlestown
8. Bill Benson Rookie of the Year Award - Ben McBride, Hines/ADSL
9. John Kelliher MVP in the Championship Series - Scott Hampe, Grossman Marketing
10 Johnny MacDonald Defensive Player of the Year Award - Josue Feliciano, Carlson Club
11 Jean Yawkey/BPL Baseball College Scholarship - Geury Alonzo - Irish Village/Salem State

Rob Zeytoonian, President of The Zorian Bat Co., presented a custom made inscribed bat to Stewart Park of Stockyard, as the MVP of the Annual All Star game, played against the Intercity League on July 13th, 2008 at Tufts University.

Wednesday August 27, 2008 Grossman Marketing was down 2 games to 1 to the Carlson Club, in the best 4 out of 7 championship series, shifted gears, and proceeded to take the next 3 games, to win the 2008 Boston Park League Baseball Championship. Carrying on the tradition of Mass. Envelope, the winningest team in Park League history, the franchise name change in 2008 got Grossman Marketing back to the winners circle, but it took 8 long years to get there.

Congratulations to General Manager Mary Ellen Grossman, Field Manager Franz Strassman, and to his players in bringing home the bacon. Also to General Manager Owen Carlson & Field Manager Rich Figueroa & his players of the Carlson Club for a fine effort in finishing the regular season with the best record, but pulling up a little short in the Finals.

Greg Digirolamo did an outstanding job in promoting and organizing the 9th Annual Dick Clegg - Howie Stein Golf Tournament, held on July 28th, 2008, at the Easton Country Club. 72 golfers participated, with many of our current and past players out there enjoying the day and supporting the league. The sun was out, some of the swings were smooth and fluid, some were not, but a good time was had by all. Greg himself busted one on the longest drive 18th, and walked away with the prize and bragging rights for the year. Congrats to Scott Keurulainen, Josh Tobin, Ken Kozak, and Allan Donaruma for defending their team title with a 12 under. Joe Clougherty of ADSL was closest to the pin. We sincerely thank our sponsors for their continued support, and are listed on our golf link. Our thanks also to the Easton Country Club for their cooperation, and having the course in such great shape.

Obituaries

Thursday November 20, 2008 - Bob Kurkjian died this morning at the age of 85 at his home in Merrimac, N.H. Bob was an integral part of the Boston Park League for over 40 years, culminating with his induction into the Park League Hall of Fame in 1984.

Bob, who teammates called "Lefty", was a first baseman with the Linehan Club & the Crosby Club in the 40's and 50's. When his playing days were over, he turned to umpiring, and became very successful on a high school and college level. He was considered one of the best umpires in the Park League. He became President of the New England Baseball Umpires Association. When he decided to stop umpiring, he was named the Commissioner of the Park League in 1987, and held that position till 1990. A Dedham native, Bob loved the game, and left an indelible mark on the whole Boston baseball community.

Funeral arrangements are in the Boston Globe today (11/21/08) (Click here for Boston Globe notice.), with both the wake and funeral being held in New Hampshire. There will be a brief memorial service at Mt. Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury, on Monday afternoon at 1pm, November 24th, 2008.

Tuesday October 7, 2008The league was just notified that 1983 Hall of Famer Tony Karem died on September 1st, 2008. Tony played for the Bryan Club of Roslindale in the 40's & 50's, and was one of the most consistant hitters of his time. An outfielder who could very simply hit in his sleep. He would hit the ball where it was pitched, stroking balls all over the ballpark. A career 400 hitter, he was in the second class of Hall of Fame inductees, indicating the respect the league had for his baseball ability. Tony was also a world class candlepin bowler, holding the record of 14 consecutive weeks of competitive bowling on television's channel 5. He was inducted into the Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame. Tony was a barber by trade, owner of the Oakdale Barber Shop in Dedham for 26 years.

Thursday October 2, 2008 We are sad to learn that one of our Hall of Famers, Tony Marmo, passed away on September 30, 2008. Tony was an outstanding player from East Boston with the Crown Burners, winning the Park League Championship in 1948 & 1949. He also played for the Jeveli Club.

Tony was known as a solid high average hitter, a run producer, and a good glove. He was inducted into the Boston Park League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987. Tony was an organizer, founding the E.B Tornadoes football team, he promoted amateur athletics for both men & women in the East Boston community, and was very active in numerous charities for children. He also was a member of the Park League Hall of Fame Committee for many years. Click here to read complete Boston Globe notice.

2009 Boston Park League Officers:
President - Walt Bentson
Commissioner - Eddie Miller
First VP - Jim Cody
Second VP - Steve Busby
Secretary Treasurer - Walt Mortimer
Consultants - Dr. Robert G. Wilkinson, Jeff Toussaint, Tony Langone, Joe Peters

Check out the Schedule and Standings page and the Statistics page for up to date schedule and statistics information from 400Hitter.com.