Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 31, 2024 ‘Meet Us at the River’ M Malden High Baseball’s most successful season in 30 years continues Win over Revere in fi nal regular-season game pushes record to 16-4, most wins since 1994 alden River Works is hosting a “Meet Us at the River” event on June 1 from noon4:30. This event is funded by the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program to create “a space and place” and to bring attention to the upcoming Malden River Waterfront Park at 356 Commercial St. behind the Malden City Yard (DPW). Parking is available across the street at ABCD Learning Center (359 Commercial St.). It is not necessary to register, but is very helpful with planning: Click on the QR code on the fl yer or click on: https://www.givepulse.com/event/448701 Meet Us at the River is a free event for everyone and is family oriented. The event features: ● 12:30-2:00: Branches Steel Orchestra, a Boston-based steel drum orchestra with Maldonian musicians ● 1:00-2:15: pontoon boat rides by Clean River Project ● DJ Tyrone, who will be setting the rhythm throughout the day ● Free food by Malden’s Caliente Mexican Grill and Boston Ice Cream Truck (yes – free ice cream, too!) ● Fun activities by community-based organizations: Story time with Malden Reads, free smoothies and veggies from the Malden Community Garden, environmental science with Mystic River Watershed Association, Action Items from Extinct Rebellion, Friends of the Malden Public Library will have books to share; Stoneham Boys and Girls Club to promote a June Kayak Paddle Pop-up date on the Malden River ● 2:45-4:30: Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, who have performed in Malden’s Summer Festivals, will be cruising the Malden River on the pontoon boat, and folks can enjoy the music from the riverbank. This is possible thanks to a Malden Cultural Council Grant. Join the fun! And let’s line the Malden River shores with people and joy! The Malden High School Varsity Baseball Team has had plenty to celebrate this season – including all the families – together on a recent Senior Night. (Courtesy/Blue and Gold/Shuyi Chen Photo) By Shuyi Chen Malden High Blue and Gold E xpectations have been shattered by the Malden High baseball team this spring. With a now 16-4 record, they were looking to make a state tournament push after breaking their 11-year tournament drought last season. Two seasons ago, the team managed only four wins. However, a strong core of players who have stuck together and persevered has allowed them to elevate each year, winning 11 games in 2023 and now 16 with a 3-0 win over Revere last Friday. The team opened the year with a big win over Salem Academy Charter, who is managed by former Malden assistant Mike Barbati. Somerville handed the Golden Tornados their fi rst loss. After a rebound victory against Chelsea, Malden managed an 8-6 victory over Lynn Classical at Fraser Field, the team’s fi rst win against any Lynn opponent since the pandemic. They then dropped a game to Revere before finishing out the week with a Chris Serino Tournament Championship, handling both Greater Lawrence Tech and East Boston with ease. The next week, the Golden Tornados struggled with two close losses to Lynn English and Medford. Still, they took a big victory over Everett during the stretch. Sitting at 6-4, not many would have guessed what followed. Over the next few weeks, Malden took down all of their GBL opponents, winning 10 straight games, including league champions Somerville, Lynn Classical, Everett, Medford, Lynn English and Chelsea. This impressive 10-game win streak solidifi ed a second-place GBL fi nish for the team, which they have not done since the late 2000s. Led by Head Coach Steve Freker, assistant coaches Mike DiCato, Phil Cook and Mike Nicholson and senior captains Ryan Coggswell, Ezechiel Noelsaint and Jake Simpson, there have been vast strides in all areas of the game. The team has received great pitching from Jake Simpson, freshman Ryan Bowdridge and sophomore Ryan McMahon. Junior Chris MacDonald and sophomore Billy Gavin have picked it up with the bats this year. Junior Bo Stead has been excellent behind the plate, preventing scoring chances all over the fi eld. Brayan Jose has improved steadily all year in the outfi eld and at the plate. Sophomores Matt Candelario Da Costa (12 stolen bases), Joe Hatch, Eudy Francisco and freshman Tommy Cronin (7 hits, 5 RBIs) have all made key contributions. Also successful in the classroom Coach Freker notes that the team had one of the highest average GPAs in the state. Coggswell and Noelsaint were named to the National High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Academic Team, an incredible accomplishment that honors their determination within the sport. “We have gotten great leadership from our captains – Ryan, Jake and Zeke – and important contributions from everyone on our roster,” said Coach Freker, who was also coach of the 1994 team decades ago. “We are very grateful for all the support we have gotten from the families of our players, our own student fans, the most we have ever gotten, and Mr. Conefrey and Ms. Marquardo from Athletics and our school administration. It’s been quite a year and we want to keep it going in the state tournament, too.” For the first time in a long time, Malden has a chance to do some damage in the MIAA Tournament, which opened yesterday with a road trip to Needham. Malden baseball is most certainly back on the map. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net
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