On Saturday July 11, 2015, the temperatures in
Foxboro topped 90 degrees. It was a dry heat—one
that you could feel on your shoulders through your
shirt. Many were sweating long before the opening
face-offs and hundreds of proud parents and
supporters fought for some shady space under the
MBYLL tents. Yet in the confines of the hallowed
Gillette Stadium, the true sizzle that afternoon came
from the collective talents of the 2015 Mass Bay
Select All-Stars, gathered from all corners of the
league to finish off the season in a truly memorable
exhibition.
In a year in which a record number of MBYLL
programs participated in Mass Bay Select League,
the organization welcomed an unprecedentedly
large number of All-Stars to take part in the annual
end-of-season tradition. 112 Select teams were
invited to nominate two athletes to attend the All-
tar Games before (and for the first time in its history
after) the final Boston Cannons home game.
Programs, specifically head coaches, were asked
to send representatives of their team: those with elite
lacrosse skills and leadership qualities that best
embodied the town's spirit. U15 teams received one
8th grade and one 7th grade nomination. U13 teams
sent one 6th grader and one 5th grader. Some
allowed the players to vote, others left the decision
up to the coaching staff. But the result was 200 of
the brightest players in the league congregating in
Southeast Massachusetts for the MBYLL Mid-
ummer Classic.
In his first year as Co-Director of Mass Bay Select
but third year as All-Star Coordinator, organizer Joey
Picard began planning for the four games in mid May.
A new venue for the Cannons and therefore a new
venue for the Mass Bay Select All-Stars, Gillette
Stadium was an exciting new twist on the games.
"As wonderful as Harvard is and has been for the
Mass Bay Select All-Stars, we were so excited about
hosting these games at Gillette, home of the four-
time Super Bowl Champions," said Picard. "It did, however, add some new logistical challenges and required some early planning to bring these games to such a large and austere facility."
New to the 2015 installment was the addition of an all 5th grade game. Additionally, the league changed the coaching selection process and formula for splitting the teams. Designed to make the day as enjoyable for the players and fans as possible, a few minor adjustments better aligned with the league's goal to provide an enriching and balanced experience.
All-Star coaches were selected by peer recognition. All Mass Bay Select coaches were asked to nominate an opposing head coach whose style, actions, and words best promoted the philosophy of
The Stars Align: An Afternoon at Gillette Stadium
by H.L. Porter
Photographs courtesy of Elizabeth Carroll, Gerry DiLuzio, Bob Flynn, and Joseph J. Picard
30 The Scoop / Summer '15