Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 24, 2025 ~ Malden Musings ~ The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (MA Chapter) Induction Ceremony By Peter Levine T he National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (Massachusetts Chapter) Induction Ceremony on Sunday, October 5, at Anthony’s on Canal Street was wicked pissa according to reliable sources. One of the more reliable sources, old friend Dave Caiazzo, gave me a firsthand account of the glorious afternoon. Take it away, Cai: “It was, without question, the most unforgettable sports banquet Malden has seen in years. The room was packed with familiar faces — former Augustine A’s everywhere you turned, joined by an impressive lineup of ex-professional athletes. The energy was electric. For a few hours, everyone in attendance was a kid again, caught up in the memories, the joy, and the stories that just kept coming. “Joe DiSarcina and Al Fornaro delivered powerful, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and John DiBiaso — this year’s Tony DeMarco Award winner — captivated the crowd with his trademark passion and humor. Being asked by Joe (DiSarcina) to introduce him was a true honor for me. It gave me the chance to share a few stories from our championship years with the A’s — those legendary seasons that still stand as the gold standard in ICL history. “At one point, a guest came up to me and said, ‘Sir, I felt like I was part of the team, even though I wasn’t.’ That’s how magical the night was. It wasn’t just a banquet — it was a time capsule, transporting us all back to the days when the game was played the right way. Back when coaches also played the game themselves and taught it from the heart. “Seeing old friends like Frank Mid-grade Regular 2.73 3.35 3.37 $3.47 Full Service ULS $2.99 Order online at angelosoil.com Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 Kerosene Now Available! Nuzzo, John Capra, and John Romboli — stars from those great Everett High teams — added to the nostalgia. And when Coach DiBiaso and Coach Fornaro swapped stories, the crowd hung on every word. DiBiaso’s recollections of legendary Everett coach Moody Sarno were absolutely priceless. “Simply put, this was the kind of sports event you just don’t see anymore — not in Malden, not anywhere. It was a night of celebration of athletic excellence, friendship, and tradition. Thanks to everyone who supported our NIASHOF organization, and to those who helped make the auction and raffles such a success. Together, we raised an incredible amount of scholarship money to help local kids chase their college dreams. Be prepared before the next power outage. NIASHOF President David Caiazzo and Red Sox Hall of Famer Rico Petrocelli (right) “An unforgettable night of pure Malden magic.” It is said in “Malden Musings”... • In the “singing seems to help a troubled soul” department... The Reminisants blew the roof off City Hall Plaza and the ghost of the old Strand Theatre as the last 2025 act to appear at the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series. A full house witnessed the Rems at their very best, and the atmosphere was downright festive with free ice cream, pizza and raffles. Thank you, gentlemen, for never failing to give your very best to Malden. See you next year. • One hilarious moment in the Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535. Call 866-852-0221 to schedule your free quote! life of the I.A.C.C... It’s Sunday morning and the regular crowd shuffles in (where did I steal that line from?) and take their rightful place at the bar. A hobbled Danny Siraco is putting on his regular Sunday Morning One Man Show; laughing loudly and gesturing wildly and like the madman that he can sometimes be. So, anyway, those sitting at the bar — as Sunday morning tradition dictates — are busting each other’s beans. Bigly! Then out of nowhere Danny blurts out for all to hear, “I’m just not as needy as you guys!” Joe and I didn’t catch what preceded this comment, but the place bust out with one of the loudest guffaws I have heard down there in quite a long time! Danny, you are a true Malden (via Somerville) original, my friend! Get better soon. • John Macdonald — via Facebook — was kind enough to share some priceless memories: “Our crowd spent our best years in Malden Square from Jenny’s Pizza by the Strand Theater (directly across the street from where City Hall sits today), back down to Bells Donut Shop and Signor Pizza and the Palace of Sweets where Alvin Long sold the Globe at midnight on Saturday nights from the middle of Pleasant St. I grew up in ‘The Square,’ and learned things I never spoke of. LOL” Thank you for sharing, John. • Wicked Good Song of the Week: “Passing Through” — performed (live) by Leonard Cohen (1973). • Martha Bartlett speaks via the wonderful world of Facebook: “Reading this (Irish American Labor Day Road Race 2025 article) brings to mind the beginnings of the Irish American Club. It started in O’Neil’s Drug Store (Charles & Gale). My uncle Ed O’Neil, Arthur Breslin, John McCallen, Tom Kelly and a fifth were the founding fathers and sadly, at 85 names escape me at times. The first was at a Victorian around Florence St. The stained-glass window in the lobby was from this house, which FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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