ROSEMOND TOURNEY A BIG HIT
By Mark SennaDate of publication: 6/30/2009
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Tournament Results (Word document) Friends, family, coworkers, and many of those who never met Stephen came together this past weekend at M Street Park to help keep Stephen's memory alive while raising funds in support of Stephen's 5 year old daughter, Kaileigh. The tournament was set to begin just before nine on Saturday morning with softball games being played on both M & N Street diamonds. The thirteen team double elimination tournament was made up of neighborhood teams, competitive teams, groups of friends playing softball for the first time in many years, family teams, and a couple of teams that traveled from New Hampshire made up the bracket. Participating teams received a stylish tournament shirt that bore Stephen's number "3" on the back. However, just 12 hours before the start the skies opened up and put the infield underwater and the event in jeopardy. It was said that Stephen was up in heaven looking down on us and getting a good laugh out of the obstacle that was thrown at tournament organizers. However, Lisa Meagher, Denise Allen, Jennifer Lynch and son Kyle worked together and removed the majority of the water from the field. The task was then handed over to the Boston Parks, Steve Forcillo and his maintenance crew (Joe Hallet and Juen Menzez) who were on the field working at 7am Saturday morning. The trio got the field looking the best it has ever looked. Amazingly, they returned early Sunday morning and again got the field in tip top shape. The Rosemond family and tournament organizers thank them for their great work and extend a special thank you to Bernie Lynch, who approved the request. With the field looking great and the teams itching to begin, the games started under foggy skies. Danny Milisi's squad took on Pat Cronin's team from Quincy while Michael Donovan's crew traded hits with the Bill Linehan Club. At the conclusion of the first set of games, the sun began to shine which brought a big smile to the event staff. It was said that Stephen struck a deal with Mother Nature and asked for one good day of weather. As the second round of games came to a conclusion, team members, friends, and family were asked to come to the center field area where the event's dedication and opening ceremony was to take place at noon. It was at this time that Stephen's memory was brought to life through speeches by friends David Kenneally, Chris Woods, and Brian Wallace. There were emotional moments with many of us fighting back tears as we reflected on our loss of such a great friend. At the conclusion, Kenneally impressed us all with a nice rendition of the Star Spangled Banner which was followed by a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Kaileigh and a "play ball" call by Michael Rosemond. The teams got back to playing softball as the spectators looked on while they got to enjoy all of the great amenities (barbeque, music, raffles, face painting, and a dunk tank) that were offered in and around the tents in center field. Stephen would have loved this and it was exactly what the organizers had in mind when putting the tournament together. The day ended with many of Stephen's friends gathered in the tent area sharing memories and reflecting on the time they got to spend with Stephen. While some were partying into the night, brother Michael Rosemond, was said to be icing down his arm after tossing a seven inning 4-hit 3-1 victory earlier in the day - a very good pitching line for someone who hasn't pitched a game in 15 years. As promised by the local weather stations, we were greeted with wet weather on Sunday morning and the conclusion of tournament looked like it would be in jeopardy. By mid afternoon the worst of the weather was behind us and we were down to just four teams - Pat Pickup Club, JA Jubb, Granite State, and the Mike Selig Club. Many believed that it would be the two teams (Jubb and Granite) from New Hampshire that would meet in the finals but the Selig Club had other ideas and knocked off Jubb in a great one run game, 7-6. While that game was taking place Granite State and the Pickup Club were also locked in a tight game with Granite edging out Pickup by the same score. The Pickup Club and Selig Club now locked horns with the winner set to move on to the finals. This one wasn't close as the Selig Club had lost a few players to injuries and other commitments and was not playing with as strong of a team as they had started the tournament with. Pickup hit their way to the finals and was looking forward to their rematch with the Granite State Bulldogs (ASA National Champions). With the Rosemond family looking on from the tents in center field, the two teams took the field with the title on the line. The Pickup Club struck first when Steven Couturier tripled home Charlie Conners in the top of the first. Granite State would tie the game in the second when Ryan Leuxbuex singled home Matt Alosa, who had tripled to left. The score would remain 1-1 as pitchers Jack Rogers and Jake Benoit were getting excellent defense behind them. Andy Kurz put Granite State ahead, 2-1 when he tripled to deep center and was brought home on a sacrifice fly by Dave Gilbert. After a scoreless fifth inning, the Pickup Club was behind and running out of time. Leadoff hitter Conners got things going again when he singled to right and raced to third on Billy MaDougal's single through the middle. Rob Rogers then hit a long drive to right that was snagged by Mark Duncan but the out was deep enough to score Conners from third and tie the game, 2-2. Couturier then followed with an RBI single scoring MacDougal and putting the Pickup Club back in the lead. Rob Moriarty continued the hit parade with a clutch double to right center scoring Couturier and making it a 4-2 game. Granite State threatened to score in the home half of the sixth but had scoring chances taken away by several outstanding defensive plays by the Pickup fielders. Peter Needham at second base and Rob Rogers's diving catch in left field were game changing plays. In the seventh, the Pickup Club put another run on the board when Billy MacDougal singled home Jack Rogers to make it 5-2 game. The side was then retired and they were just three outs away from the tournament title. In the home half of the seventh, Granite State again were stopped again by great fielding as Couturier snagged a line drive destined for the outfield for the first out of the inning. After a single by Leuxbuex, Rogers got the next two batters to ground out and the Pickup Club was your tournament champions. At the conclusion of the game, Mrs. Rosemond presented the championship trophy to the winners and thanked them all for coming out supporting the cause. Peter Needham and Jack Rogers were named your co-MVP's for their stellar play all tournament long. Dave Kenneally concluded the presentation with an unrehearsed speech that brought out a few more tears. Congratulations to the Pickup Club...great job! The tournament would not have been a success without the help of so many friends who gave their time and funds to the cause - thank you! The tournament committee was Lisa Meagher, Tommy Mulrey, Jennifer Lynch, and David Kenneally - thank you! South Boston businesses also stepped up for us and gave and gave. The Boston Beer Garden was very, very helpful before and during the event. Thank you! Chris Lane of Sullivan's - thank you! Laurie Babine, you truly made this all possible - thank you! Paul Adams, who was a union brother of Stephen's was helpful in so many ways - thank you! Kenny McDonough of Hub Ticket Brokers - thank you! Michael Flaherty, Frostie's Village, East Side Hair Salon, Sunshine Tanning, Atlantic Beer Garden, Chuck Feltch, Chuck Allen and the rest of his umpiring crew, and so many more - thank you! A special thank you to the teams and players who gave up their Father's Day weekend to spend time with us - thank you! In conclusion, the event was a big hit because Stephen was a success as a person, an individual, a friend, and a father. His dedication to the South Boston community, love of sports, and friendship will always be remembered as we will honor him each year with a softball tournament in his memory. Stephen will never be replaced but if we can help make up the financial loss then we just might be able to help make Kaileigh's life a little bit easier. ROSEMOND TOURNEY RAFFLE WINNERS
Thank you to all those who bought tickets. Below is a list of winners drawn at M Street Park by Kaileigh and Mrs. Rosemond on Saturday, June 20 and witnessed by all those in attendance. A tournament commitee member will contact those on the list below within the next couple of days to arrange pick up or drop off.
Grand Prizes:
STEPHEN ROSEMOND MEMORIAL TOURNEY NEARS
by Mark Senna The M Street Softball League lost one of its players this past January when Stephen Rosemond unexpectedly passed away. The East Fourth Street native had paid his dues within the league as a player, coach, and eventually earned a championship with the Sidewalk Café. After winning the championship, he decided to trade in his own softball playing time to help coach and teach the neighborhood kids in South Boston's Little League - the O'Brien Club. Stephen was perfect for the role as he knew exactly how to communicate with the kids. He simply got down to their level and showed that he was just like them - a kid at heart. I'll never forget the sight of those same kids donned in their O'Brien game shirts and shedding tears for their lost coach at his funeral. Nor will I, or anyone else who was present, ever forget the eulogy that Tommy Mulrey delivered. In his speech, Tommy taught us all something new that we didn't know about Stephen. His words made us laugh, think, and cry as we all realized that we had lost "one of the real good ones." Outside the church, Dave Kenneally was embracing many of us who usually don't show our emotions. It was a tough and very painful experience folks and it's still hard to believe that he is really gone. At his wake, I was approached by one of his close friends asking if I could help organize a softball tournament in Stephen's memory. Not knowing if it's the right time to honor a lost friend, Stephen's parents were asked for approval. Both agreed that it was a great idea and were moved to tears at the thought of such an event. With the help of many of Stephen's closest friends and family members, the weekend softball tournament/day of celebration will be held at M Street Park on Saturday, June 20. As someone who often played against Stephen, I can personally attest that he loved the challenge that competitive street hockey and softball tournaments gave him. One of his personal favorites was Kenny McDonough's street hockey tournament which was played behind the Murphy rink. Kenny created a great atmosphere for players and spectators alike. It was a "can't miss" event during the summer for any South Boston athlete. We are hoping that our tournament captures some of that same feeling that Stephen would have surely enjoyed while we raise money for his 5-year old daughter Kaileigh. Businesses both local and afar have stepped up to help the cause with donations for raffles (Red Sox tickets, sports memorabilia, hotel getaways, spa treatments, gift certificates, etc…), food, drinks, and their time. All we ask of you is to stop by the park on Saturday, June 20 (10am-5pm) and show your support by purchasing a raffle ticket, food, a cold drink, or a t-shirt. These items will be sold in our tent which will be located in the center field area of the lower park/softball diamonds. The best access to the tent area will be the opening along East First Street between M and N Streets. Families and kids are welcomed and encouraged to attend as we will have a host of events to enjoy. Face painting, arts and crafts, games, a dunk tank, music, are just a few of the events we have planned for the day. As for those softball players who are looking to participate in the tournament itself, we still have three team openings that we must fill. This is a double elimination adult modified pitch tournament using ASA rules and regulations with the tournament continuing through to Sunday, June 21. Get a group of friends together and enter a team. You will be guaranteed two games, t-shirts, and lots of great memories. Team coaches and or managers should contact Mark Senna at 857-204-8855. We look forward to seeing you at the field to celebrate the life of an all around great guy!
STEPHEN ROSEMOND MEMORIAL TOURNEY AT M STREET
By Brian P. Wallace One day I knew I would write a story about my friend Steve Rosemond. It might have been a story about his Little League team winning the championship as he was voted coach of the year. It might have been about Steve getting an award for being the oldest goaltender in the Southie 3 on 3 roller hockey tournament. It might have been about his long tenure as a player and coach in the famous M Street softball league or his legendary pool parties in his backyard. It might have been a human interest story about his incredible knowledge and love of sports or just about his being the best next door neighbor that anyone could wish for. I never, for once, thought it would be about a memorial softball tournament. A softball tournament maybe, but not a memorial one! Steve's death on January 20th of this year shocked and saddened an entire community from the little kids he coached to grown men, who were once kids, on the same line or same team as Steve, to his close knit family and huge extended family. While working for the Boston Water & Sewer Commission clearing snow from hydrants, Steve suffered a heart attack which took his young life way too soon. It's ironic because it was that huge heart which made Steve Rosemond the person he was. He was always helping somebody. He was always pitching in, never asking for anything in return. He was, just being Steve. Shoveling all of his neighbor's sidewalks or making sure their cars were shoveled out just came naturally to Steve every winter. Actually I never had to leave my house if I wanted to know what season was upon us. All I had to do was open my windows. I could tell it was spring time by the excitement in Steve's voice as he talked about the Red Sox, M Street Softball, and Little League. I could tell summer was upon us as Steve and his father Ducky prepared the pool and the yard for a long summer of fun. There was no doubt that fall was turning the leaves and turning Steve's attention to fantasy football and the Patriots. Winter was reserved for his snow blower and talk of the Bruins and the Celtics. These past five months there was considerably less chatter coming from next door and the smiles were forced and shallow. His Little League team, the Astro's, are 9-4 which he would have been proud of and the South Boston Little League family was kind enough to play the 2009 schedule in his memory and have his parents throw out the first ball. A lot of us are wearing hats with the words ROSEY embossed on the back and the Little Leaguer's have the same on their uniforms. I miss getting a play by play description of his games, win or lose, as I headed to my house after a day at the State House or returning for a night time meeting. I miss hearing Steve and Ducky working out back, building a fence, pouring cement, filling the pool or tinkering with the filter. They were as good a team as I have ever seen. I miss his laughter and his voice. It's tough seeing his goalie pads, knowing that he will never strap them on again. I miss watching Steve with his five year old daughter Kaileigh having fun in the pool. It hurts deep inside when I think of Kaileigh growing up without Steve by her side. Although I miss Steve, I will not miss the Stephen Rosemond Memorial Softball Tournament the weekend of June 20th and June 21st. I want to thank Mark Senna and so many of Steve's teammates and fellow softball devotees for helping keep Steve's memory alive and helping his daughter Kaileigh. Steve was a long time member of the M Street Softball League. He was a player, a coach (Bay View Liquors, Harp & Bard) and a member of a championship team (Sidewalk Café). But more importantly he was a great friend to so many players who have played in that league. It's going to be a great event with live music, great softball, outstanding raffle items, prizes, sports memorabilia, vacation getaways, Bruins, Red Sox tickets good food and a lot of friends. It is the kind of thing that Stephen would have loved. So bring the entire family and let's remember and honor the life of one of Southie's finest, Stephen Rosemond. 
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