Coach Paul O’Malley was honored at Dorchester Baseball’s opening day ceremonies on Sat., April 25, 2026. Seth Daniel photo
Dorchester Baseball marched from Malibu Beach to McConnell Park under clear skies last Saturday morning (April 25) with hundreds of eager Little Leaguers ready to begin season play on opening day.
While some of the young sluggers – already attached to teams and friend groups aligned with baseball – had plenty of experience playing in the Major Leagues division, other youngsters were making their first foray onto the diamond Saturday.
“I think I’m going to hit the ball today,” said Stefan Stamenkovic, a first-year T-ball player. But his best buddy, Sky Lam, had a different idea. “I’m going to throw the ball,” he proclaimed.
Meanwhile, older friends like CJ Parker and Liam Leahy had their own thoughts on the season. “We’re definitely going to win it all this year,” quipped Leahy, of the Major League Cubs.
The Boston Fire Department Color Guard led the large parade of energetic players, parents, coaches, BFFs, and best buddies along the boardwalk on a brisk, sun-splashed morning in Savin Hill, where a DJ played music, free ice cream was served, and the opening ceremonies were ready to unfold.
BFFs Olivia, Clare, Margaret and Mira were ready to kick off a season of T-ball. Seth Daniel photo
“It’s a beautiful day and better than getting rained out last year,” said League President Phil Deeney. “It’s one of the best days of the year and certainly one of the best on our Little League calendar…To our players, this is all about you today, so enjoy it and take it all in – work hard, have fun, be good teammates and listen to your coaches this season…You guys will make memories here that will last long after the season ends.”
Elected officials in attendance included Mayor Michelle Wu, state Sen. Nick Collins, state Rep. Dan Hunt, and City Councillors John FitzGerald and Erin Murphy.
This Opening Day also marked the ninth year since the Cedar Grove and Savin Hill Baseball organizations merged to form the larger Dorchester Baseball League, and as a tribute, the league honored legendary Cedar Grove Pirates Coach Paul O’Malley.
His charges won many championships during his 30-plus years of tutelage on baseball. The Pirates had an unforgettable three-peat championship run between 2010-2012 that is still the talk of the neighborhood.
Paul O’Malley, at center, holds up a $5,000 check donation from Jim Keefe at Trinity Financial and the Maneikis Group. With him, from left: Dorchester Reporter Co-Publisher and former State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, Charlie Maneikis, Mayor Wu, Councillor FitzGerald, Sen. Collins, Councillor Murphy, League President Deeney, and Rep. Hunt. Seth Daniel photo
“To quote Coach O’Malley, ‘Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard,’” said firefighter Robert Flynn, a former player for O’Malley. “To quote former players, ‘Mr. O’Malley was a passionate coach whose dedication to Dorchester youth baseball never wavered. He made the game fun while offering honest, constructive feedback that helped us grow as players.’”
League officials used the occasion to announce the addition of a new Pirates team to the Majors Division of Dorchester Little League. The news accompanied $5,000 donations from Jim Keefe of Trinity Financial and the Maneikis Companies to establish a scholarship in O’Malley’s name.
Major League Giants player Lenox Wright warmed up on McConnell field before the first game of the day. Seth Daniel photo
The tribute concluded with Coach O’Malley – surrounded by his family – throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the season.
“Play Ball!” yelled hundreds of children after the first pitch was collected by the catcher. And just like that, the 2026 season was off and running with several games taking place throughout Saturday afternoon.
Friends Sky Lam and Stefan Stamenkovic were bundled up and ready for their first day of baseball.
Dawnmarie Giltner with players Harley and Finn Giltner. Seth Daniel photo
With American flag in hand and the National Grid tank in the background, Juliette Salo was so excited about the new baseball season that she burned some energy taking laps around Malibu Beach on Saturday before the Little League Parade started. Seth Daniel photo
Fernando Gonzalez tightened up the cleats for his son, Edgar, before the parade. Seth Daniel photo
Nolan planted a flag on the beach with the National Grid tank in the background as his friend wandered off. Seth Daniel photo
As members of the Boston Fire Department Color Guard took their place behind second base, two admiring T-ballers looked on.
Rey Courtis rode on the shoulders of his dad, Patrick, into McConnell Park.
League official Charlie Maneikis, Max German, and Father Doc Conway.
Coach Paul O’Malley, at center, was surrounded by family members, former players, and current Pirate players at home plate on Saturday.
Retired Boston Public Schools music teacher – the 2012 Teacher of the Year – Cliff Tetle returned to play a rousing rendition of the National Anthem prior to the games on Saturday.
Little Emil Mejia stepped triumphantly on home plate after taking an opening ceremony lap around the bases. Seth Daniel photo
Brittany Owens and her daughter Ivy rounded third base on Saturday during the opening ceremony trot around the bases. Seth Daniel photo
