Tufts Baseball Leads By Example

Medford, MA (June 13, 2012) – As the youngest of three brothers, Max Freccia never knew what it was like to take on a “big brother” role. After hearing from a fellow team member about the opportunity to partner Tufts Baseball with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay and help mentor youth in the local community, Freccia knew he wanted to be a part of it.

“With two older brothers who were such positive role models throughout my childhood, I wanted to pass on this experience to a little brother of my own,” said Freccia, a sophomore at Tufts University and Tufts Baseball player.

Within a few months, under the leadership of Tufts Baseball Coach, John Casey, Max Freccia and fellow teammate Christian Sbily rounded up 12 teammates to start the first successful Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay partnership with a local college sports team.

“When Max and Christian conveyed to their teammates the joy they felt working with their respective Little Brothers and the impact they were having, the team was eager to step up and get involved,” said Coach Casey. “We are just thrilled to be a part of such an impactful program”.

Once a week, the team travels to the Cambridge Public Schools where they hang out with their “Little Brothers”, play games or just catch up and talk. Both Freccia and Sbily have noticed significant changes in their Little Brothers Chris and Tyrec since the program started, including an increased confidence and a newfound interest in going to college.

 “When I first met my Little Brother Chris, he was extremely shy,” Sbily added. “Now, he really attacks his daily school activities, reads at advanced levels and recently began creating some very impressive drawings. He walks with his head held high because he knows he can accomplish anything if he believes in himself.”

For as much as the team has given to their Little Brothers and the community, the expe­ri­ence has been just as rewarding to the Tufts Baseball and its players.

“My friendship with Tyreec has been a wonderful experience. He has such a positive attitude that rubs off on everyone around him, including me,” said Freccia. “I have grown as a mentor and leader, and I hope he has learned as much from me as I have from him”.

Big Brothers Big Sis­ters of Mass­a­chu­setts Bay says its orga­ni­za­tion is in great need of more vol­un­teers like Freccia and Sbily. With over 1,000 boys in the area waiting for mentors, the program is currently seeking other teams or programs in the area to get involved.

Freccia and Sbily said par­tic­i­pating in the pro­gram has served as an incred­ible com­pliment to their athletic schedule and has allowed them to reflect on the things that lie beyond campus life.

“We intend for this relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay to remain with Tufts Baseball for years to come,” said Christian. “It’s something that should be passed down from class to class not only within the Tufts Baseball program, but through other teams in the Greater Boston Area”.

To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or how your team can get involved contact Thomas Bentley at TBentley@bbbsmb.org or visit http://www.bbbsmb.org .