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.***