Braintree Babe Ruth Coach Seeks Council Seat

Carl Zingarelli, a longtime Braintree resident and volunteer for Babe Ruth, will run for the District 5 Town Council seat this fall.

Zingarelli is the only formally announced candidate so far. Ronald DeNapoli, the current district councilor, has yet to say whether he will run again. DeNapoli has missed more than 50 percent of this term’s council meetings because of what he said is a heart condition.

After moving to Braintree from Mattapan when he was three years old, Zingarelli went to Monatiquot School, East Middle School and Braintree High School. His first job out of high school was with Braintree Glass and he later went on to a career in the 1990s in auto sales.

Zingarelli retired on disability from a general manager position with Norwood Saab about a decade ago and in the years since has continued to spend much of his time volunteering for Braintree Babe Ruth. He is now both a coach and a coordinator for the teams, helping schedule games and practices, collecting necessary medical documents and other information from players and working to prepare for tournaments.

Earlier this year, Zingarelli was one of two bidders on the Petersen Pool and Rink complex at Braintree High School. He said his goal was to bring together a group of financial backers, including a sign sponsor, and build a complex that also included a function hall, driving school, baseball school and renewable energy features.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan has yet to announce his vendor selection for the project, though Zingarelli said even if he is not the final choice he would like to collaborate with the selectee to ensure a good outcome for the town. 

Zingarelli said he will focus on youth, education, veterans and seniors during his campaign. During the race he will also reach out to constituents through “Greet Carl” events to find out what most concerns them. Rather than leading with his own issues, Zingarelli said he would like residents to lead him. 

“I would listen to anyone who lives in any district,” Zingarelli said. “I’m not running for a seat… I’m running for the people’s seat.”

Mayor Sullivan has overseen a successful transition from one form of government to another and has been especially adept at managing Braintree’s finances, Zingarelli said. His goal, if elected, would be to improve on that for District 5 and leave his constituents completely satisfied with their lives.

“I’m proud of this town, and I know it sounds corny, but if you cut me I bleed blue,” Zingarelli said.

He will host a campaign fundraiser July 18 at Granite Grill.