THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 26, 2024 Page 7 CHAMPIONSHIP | FROM PAGE 1 Being one of the few people in the community of Malden who can easily be referenced by his first name only – à la Prince, Elvis and Beyoncé – Scarano was bringing the late Bob Rotondi right into the celebration party on Kezer Field at Pine Banks Park. The Knights, backed by some steady pitching from a tag-team pair of hard-throwing righthanders, Dylan Clough and Colin Belloise, and some clutch hitting by Max Fernandes (2for-3, 3 RBIs), captured the 2024 Malden Babe Ruth League City Series Championship Wednesday with a 7-3 win over the Flames before a large crowd at Pine Banks Park. Scarano noted that the opposing team was led by longtime manager Deano Summers: “The Flames played a great game and this was a rivalry Bob cherished, when he was able to play against his great friend Deano. Bob and Deano have been the main guys for Malden Babe Ruth for years and years. They have done so much for the families of Malden.” Bob was at Opening Night in mid-May, when his Knights started the season with a win over these Flames but, sadly, MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 6 stay square! Postscript 3: When life settles down a bit, I will present “Part Two” of my Butch Gennetti homage. But until then, I leave with these words from longtime BG admirer Debbie Gray-Silvestri: “So, today I attended a home of love, laughter, and grief. Thank you, John Cagno, for opening your home for your family and friends of your uncle Butch Gennetti. He definitely was one of Edgeworth’s icons. He will be missed forever. He was the most upbeat man I ever met. Always willing to help and solve a sitCemetery after the game. “The players thought it was a great idea; they’re excited about that just like they are so happy they were able to win the championship for Bob,” Freni said. Thirty-year-plus Babe Ruth Field Director and Flames manager Deano Summers, gracious in the loss, said it was a fitting tribute to Bob. “We miss him so much, but it is great that his final team are sending him out in style by honoring him with this championship.” The Knights team includWINNING IT FOR BOB: The Malden Babe Ruth Knights, coaches and Mayor Gary Christenson pointed skyward in memory of Bob Rotondi after winning the championship on Wednesday. (Advocate Photo/Steve Freker) passed away on June 2 after battling serious health issues for much of the past two years. He was 85. This was his 60th season as the field manager for his beloved Knights and he knew he had something special. Even Bob, though, could not have predicted that this 2024 team would run the table through the regular season and playoffs, a perfect 17-0 uation. His love of family was unconditional, friends as well. He treated everyone with the same respect and kindness. This man’s dance moves were smooth and easy, like really gracious in a way of no other. His love of life shined like no other. The love of woman (well let’s just say it was numerous). Those walks in Edgeworth, my friend, you were the first of the Hooters in a male form with your high-rise shorts (my husband Richie’s words). I love you for your whole being my friend. Rip forever! I will never forget you. My sincere condolences to his immediate family Peggy, Lisa Gennetti Lipani, Dina Aluminum Everett 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum overall, capped by Wednesday’s title win. “I don’t think it has been done before, going undefeated all the way in a season,” said another longtime Knights assistant coach, Paul Maccioli, who played for Bob’s team way back in the day, as did his two sons after him. “These kids were on a mission this year and they came to win Gennetti Robinson, Sal, Carla Gennetti Svendsen, and Maria.” Postscript 4: As we approach the 94th Annual Feast of Saint Rocco, we once again take time to remind ourselves how blessed we are to keep this tradition of ours alive for these many years. When a group of Italian immigrants living in Edgworth assembled for the first time in 1929, it was to honor a tradition they brought with them from their homeland of Italy. We often think how proud they would be to know that their memory is alive and well in 2024. The spirit of San Rocco lives in our hearts; this gives us the strength to carry on the tradition of our forefaevery night, they wanted to win for Bob,” Maccioli said. After the game, another assistant coach, Marc Freni, who also played in the league – in the early 1990s – and whose son Tyler was part of this year’s championship run, relayed that the whole team and coaching staff had signed a ball that he and the team intended to place on Bob’s headstone at Forest Dale thers. Mille grazie, many thanks to all of you for being part of the San Rock Festa tradition and supporting us throughout the years. Please join us once again on August 9 through 11 for “The Feast”! The greatest event in the ed Collin Belloise, Emmanuel Caidor, Aidan Clarke, Chase Clough, Dylan Clough, Lucas Evans, Noah Faria, Max Fernandes, Tyler Freni, Billy Gavin, Eudy Paulino, John Van Campen, Samuel Wanyama and Luke Wood. Manager was the late Bob Rotondi and coaches are Andy Scarano, Paul Maccioli and Marc Freni. After the game, following the perfunctory team photo commemorating the title win, the whole team and coaches, as well as Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, pointed to the sky, signaling their mission accomplished for Bob Rotondi, knowing he was looking down on another league championship win for the Knights. city of Malden for over 90 years! —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to The Malden Advocate and can be reached at PeteL39@aol.com for comments, compliments or criticisms. RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM Celebrating 66 Years in Business! Summer is Here!
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