R.J. Libby’s two out ninth inning homer gave the Andre Chiefs a 3-2 come from behind and walk off opening night win over the Reading Bulldogs at Maplewood. Chiefs’ pitching recorded 18 strikeouts in the game. Evan Walsh (5 K’s), Jonathan Richard (2 K’s), Tommy Leone (3 K’s) and Graham Seed (1-0, 8 K’s) held the Bulldogs to just three hits. Tyler Cedeno gave Reading a 2-0 lead with a first inning RBI double and a sixth inning RBI single.

Paul Frisoli (1-0) went the distance, striking out 11, when Alibrandis edged the Middlesex Expos at Trum Field 2-1. Kenny Polanco drove in both of Alibrandis runs in the top of the fourth inning. Zach Kirby (0-1) struck out 10 and allowed just two hits in six innings but took the loss.

John Jennings had a homer and three RBI to lead the Melrose Americans to a 8-3 come from behind win over the Malden Maddogs at Morelli Field. The Americans overcame a three run first inning deficit keyed by a Jared Beradino two run homer. Bobby Losano (2-2, single, double, 2 BB) reached base four times and Mike Sorrentino had two RBI’s for Melrose. Paul Giagrande (1-0) picked up the win with two innings of one hit, three strikeout relief.

Two ICL games are on Thursday’s schedule. The Maddogs host the Bulldogs at Maplewood at 7:45 PM and Blue Sox open up and tangle with the Chiefs in Lexington at 8:00 PM.

Longtime ICL Umpire Joe Pascucci passed away on January 4, 2021.

May Joe Rest in Peace. He will be missed.
Joseph “Joe” Ernest Pascucci, 70, of Middleton, MA passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 4th, 2021. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his three beautiful, grown daughters. Joseph was born in Revere, MA to Antonio “Tony” and Evelyn Pascucci. He was the oldest brother to Stephen “Stevie” Pascucci and Anthony M. Pascucci. As a teen, he loved spending his time playing baseball, football, and hockey and was selected as an All-District in baseball, football, and hockey, which granted him the opportunity to attend Ted Williams’ Baseball Camp back in the 60s. As he got older, he became a professional baseball umpire and was a part of the MLB Gulf Coast League (July 1970 to July 1971), Florida State League (June 1971 to June 1973), Southern League (January 1973 to January 1976), and Pacific Coast League (December 1975 to December 1977), and then moving to Double-A Baseball after, giving him the opportunity to travel to almost every state in the continental US and abroad, including Mexico and South America. According to those who watched him behind the plate, he called balls and strikes like no one else. Joseph worked as a professional baseball umpire for over 25 years.

Aside from being on the baseball field, Joseph was an assistant football coach at Curry College alongside his best friend, Michael Brown, known as “Brownie”. Later in his life, Joseph was a football official for the ANEFO association and other various MA football associations. He never truly gave up on the chance to coach football again and was the Assistant Head Football Coach to Lynn Classical High School.

Joseph was a man who had a passion for serving his community. Joseph served as a Selectman for the Town of Middleton for nine years. In addition, he served as the president of the Eastern Massachusetts Baseball Umpires Association (EMBUA) from 2009-2010. He continued to be recognized as a great community leader and won various community service awards up until the end of his life.

Joseph was also blessed to have three beautiful daughters, Christina Pascucci-Ciampa, Stephanie Pascucci, and Kimberly Pascucci. As a family, they loved to travel to places like Disney World, Niagara Falls, and throughout the Midwest. The girls enjoyed watching their Dad umpire baseball games and sing Earth, Wind & Fire while doing the Pascucci version of “Carpool Karaoke”. Being a loving, caring, and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Joseph and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family, especially his three girls. What he enjoyed most was spending time with his daughters Christina, Stephanie, and Kimberly, playing golf, and bringing love to every meal he made. Joseph was a culinary expert. Always in the kitchen whipping up Italian dishes and delicious meals that filled the belly and heart. He would do anything for anyone – always putting others before himself. His generosity was unsurpassed. Joseph found tremendous joy in the relationships he built with friends and family and will be greatly missed by the many people he loved so much.

He leaves behind his three daughters Christina Pascucci-Ciampa, Stephanie Pascucci, and Kimberly Pascucci. He was the brother of the late Stephen A. Pascucci. Joseph is survived by his brother, Anthony M., wife Joanne, and nephew, Anthony D. Pascucci.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Joseph Pascucci, Intercity Baseball C/O Rick DeAngelis 123 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421.

Visitation Notes:

***All attendees are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and are respectfully asked for no physical contact with the family.***

Tony Pappalardo, who played for many years with the Medford Mustangs, passed away on April 3. Tony was inducted into the Intercity League Hall of Fame in 2011. A true Intercity League legend.

His obituary is below.

PAPPALARDO, Anthony Of Bath, NH, and formerly of Stoneham, MA, passed away on Friday, April 3, in the comfort of his home after losing his battle with cancer. In the last days of his life, he was surrounded by family and loved ones who were able to say their goodbyes and have comfort in knowing he is no longer in any pain. He is survived by his significant other, Cindy Meuse of Bath, NH. Anthony, or Tony as he was known by many, was raised in Stoneham, MA and raised three of his children in town. He was the son of Anthony W. Pappalardo, Sr. and Carmela (DeAngelis) Pappalardo. He was the youngest brother to two siblings: Anna Marchelletta and her late husband Robert, and his late sister Margret Briffett and her late husband Edward. He was the father of 5 children: Michele Conde of Dracut, Anthony Pappalardo of Melrose, Phillip Pappalardo of Billerica, Paul Pappalardo of Phoenix, AZ and Gina Principato of North Reading. Tony spent his early career working in the automobile industry as a car parts manager. He more recently worked in nursing homes as a facilities manager. At the nursing home, he was always entertaining, singing and putting on shows to entertain the residents. He would go out of his way to ensure they were happy and do anything to put a smile on their face. During the last years of his life, he was enjoying his retirement. He was able to live a relaxing, peaceful and quiet life in the small town of Bath. Anyone that knew Tony would say he had a very outgoing personality and loved to be outside. He was always doing projects around the house and yard. He always wanted to stay busy and was never one to sit inside and watch TV. He loved his oldies music and taking long drives during the nice weather. He spent many years playing baseball in the Intercity League on the Medford Mustangs and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2011. He was also known for his love for camping and strong will. He also had love for dogs throughout his life. Together, Tony and Cindy shared two dogs, Marley and Max. Marley had a huge impact on his last years of life and would go everywhere with them. Many of his passions and qualities will continue to live on in his children. Visiting Hours: Due to COVID-19, A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Tommy Mandile, one of the greatest pitchers ever to come out of this area, passed away this week. Tommy played for the Hosmer Chiefs and Medford Mustangs during his ICL career. He played in Chicago Cubs system for many years. At the end of his playing career Tommy became an umpire in the ICL. He was inducted into the ICL Hall of Fame in 2012.

His full obituary follows.

Thomas Michael Mandile, Jr. passed away on his 76th Birthday, March 23, 2020, after a long brave battle with blood cancer.

He was a loving son, brother, cousin, husband, father, uncle, father-in-law, friend and the BEST grampy ever! Tom is survived by those whom he considered his greatest gifts: his wife of 51 years Robin (Adair); his sister Maryanne and her husband Robert Mazaka of Wilmington; his son Tom and his wife Brenda of Winchester; his son Robert (Bob) and his wife Jennifer of Lynnfield and his PRIDE AND JOY ~ his 5 grandchildren Christine, Ann Marie, Irene, William and Ryan.

Tom was born on March 23, 1944, the son of Thomas Mandile, Sr. and Irene (Quinn). He was born and raised in South Medford. He graduated from Medford HS and was drafted as a Pitcher by the Chicago Cubs. Tom pitched in the minors from 1964-68. He made the spring training roster with the big club in ’67 and ’68 where he played with Ernie Banks and pitched against Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.

After retiring from baseball, Tom worked for the phone company for over 20 years. He also worked at the Riverside school for kids in the DSS/DYS system from 1994-2005 where he was a friend and mentor to many.

Sports were always a love for Tom. He loved to play, watch, coach, umpire, and referee. He was the assistant baseball coach at Pingree HS 2000-2018. He was inducted to the Intercity League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. He earned the prestigious President’s Award in 2015 from the Eastern MA Umpires Association. But his most favorite pastime was cheering on all his grandchildren at every field, court, rink and dance floor that he could get to. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed- especially at the Lynnfield DD!

There will be a “Celebration of Life” party to be held at a later date.