When George Castiello decided to step down as president of the Everett Little League (ELL), the venerable youth sports leader sought out Brian Savi as his would-be successor.
Savi was flattered by Castiello’s endorsement, and Savi was elected by the board as the new president in October.
“We had a conversation and George thought I would be the right person to take over for him,” said the 52-year-old Savi who earned 10 varsity letters in soccer, wrestling, and baseball at Dedham High School and works in construction. “I have very big shoes to fill as president. George has been instrumental in Everett Little League for 40-plus years. He is an honorary board member for life, and he’s the reason I decided to become president.”
Savi has been involved in Everett Little League for four years as a Major Red Sox assistant coach, an assistant coach of the 12-year-old Williamsport All-Star team, and head coach of the Jimmy Fund baseball team. He was the safety officer for the 2022 season.
A resident of Everett since 2006, Savi said he is excited to take the reins of the program that houses 200 players ages 5 to 12.
“We have an excellent board and we’ve done a lot of work over the winter, and we’re looking forward to a great season,” said Savi.
Savi said ELL will be hosting a professional wrestling show on Feb. 24 at the Everett Recreation Center. The event is a fundraiser for the league.
The league is holding an off-season baseball instructional clinic this Saturday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Everett Recreation Center. Other clinics are scheduled for Feb. 4 and Feb. 11. Parents can register their children for the 2023 season at the clinics, with a 20 percent discount given to early registrants.
Interestingly, Savi’s 12-year-old son, Nicky, is one of the league’s top returning players. As an 11-year-old, Nick was selected to the Williamsport 12-year-old team last season.
And there’s great news for Nicky and other players in his age bracket. His father, Brian, hopes to launch Everett Junior League and Senior League divisions for players ages 13-16.
“We’re trying to start a new program to keep Everett kids involved in baseball after their 12-year-old seasons,” said Savi.
Everett Little League has received statewide recognition for its fundraising work in relation to the Jimmy Fund Tournament. Everett led the entire state in funds raised for the charity. Baseball players Nicky Savi and AJ Palazzo led the way as the No. 2 and No. 3 fundraisers, respectively, in New England.
Other recently elected officers include information officer Kat Mason, fundraising coordinator Patricia Savi (Brian’s wife), board member Michael Graham, concession stand coordinators Vico Naimo and Rosie Torres, equipment managers Darren Costa and Billy Kotsiopoulos, and public relations officer Stephanie Smith.
The Opening Day parade and celebration for the 2023 season will be held on Saturday, April 29 at Sacramone Park.