Gambale grateful to be entering Medford Mustang Hall of Fame

Steve Gambale is rounding third and heading all the way home, once again.

The former Medford High baseball star is sliding headfirst into his rightful place in the Mustang Hall of Fame.

Gambale will be among 22 new inductees honored at the 2025 ceremony and banquet, Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Irish American Hall in Malden.

“It feels good,” said Gambale, 41. “It caught me off guard. I wasn’t really expecting it, but it’s an honor to get into the Hall with all the Medford legends that are there. I’m really looking forward to sharing this with my kids.”

Gambale will be in great company. This year’s induction class features a wide array of Medford High sports legends. The star-studded group includes record setting swimmer Brian McIver (’86), Thanksgiving Day football MVP James Meagher (’96), and girls soccer standout Rachel (Rainho) Perry (’89).  Medford High’s current assistant athletic director, Perry will earn a double induction as girls soccer player and coach.

The night will also honor MHS hockey hero and boys soccer star Jay Garrity (’03), and Greater Boston League girls soccer scoring champ Emma (McNamee) Rios (’08).

In addition, the event will spotlight three-sports superstars such as Alaina (Mitrano) Buldini (’04), Michelle (Enos) Ferrer (’04), Jennifer (Bove) Allard (’09), and Jessica (Kearn) Regan (’00). Gridiron giant and top wrestler Matthew Sullivan (’16), along with the brother and sister tandem of Jake Porrazzo (’13) and Adrienne (Porrazzo) Cronin (’15), will be inducted, as will longtime golf, volleyball, and tennis coach Ray Dyer.

Gambale is quite familiar with a few of his fellow inductees.

“I know Rachel Perry very well,” said Gambale. “She was assistant AD when I was coaching in Medford. Jay Garrity, who is no longer with us, was an excellent hockey player. I can’t speak highly enough about Jay. I’m just sad I won’t get to see him. Ray Dyer was my gym teacher in middle school. He was always one of my favorite people of all time. I can’t wait to see Ray. That’s what I’m looking forward to most, seeing people I haven’t seen in years.”

The Mustangs will also honor four sports teams. They include the 1983 Medford High baseball team, the 1985-86 and 2005-06 boys hockey teams, and the 2007-08 MHS cheerleaders. Chris Murphy (’04) and Frank Zizzo (’74) will receive the Community Service Award, with David Nichols (’69) earning the Distinguished Alumni Award.

A four-year letterman in baseball and two-year letterman in basketball, Gambale shined on the baseball diamond. The slick-fielding shortstop broke into the varsity lineup in his freshman year. He quickly became a steady contributor on a MHS juggernaut, culminating with Medford’s Greater Boston League championship his sophomore season, during the spring of 2000.

“Medford baseball was huge back then with the rich tradition that it had,” said Gambale, who was a secondary starter behind staff ace Nick Tucci but was primarily the team’s everyday shortstop. “We had an excellent pitching staff that year and obviously pitching wins championships. The energy we had at practice and in the clubhouse, we were a bunch of guys that got along who were pushing for each other. There was a lot of selflessness on that team. Those were the ingredients that got us cooking.”

The Mustangs 2000 team featured an array of talent from Tucci, Jimmy Monagle, and Pat Gigante, to David Foley and Ryan Baker, and fellow sophomore Darren Josey. The team reached the state semifinals that season before bowing out to St. John’s Prep. Gambale still has the team photo, amazed at how it was 25 years ago.

“You don’t get anywhere without your teammates,” said Gambale. “They brought high energy day-in and day-out. The chemistry was there. It was an amazing time to be a part of Medford baseball. We didn’t put a lot of pressure on each other, but we battled. It was like going to war with the boys, stepping inside the lines.”

A Boston Herald and Globe All-Scholastic, Gambale earned his keep as a three-time Greater Boston League All-Star. The two-time Mustang captain sported a .468 average his junior year, while hitting .432 his senior season, en route to becoming the Mustangs all-time hits leader.

Tucci previously set the record at 106 the year before, with Gambale surpassing his former teammate with career hit 107 during a 12-1 win over Somerville on May 6, 2002. He ended his senior year with 113 total hits.

“That’s what happens when you play four years varsity,” said Gambale. “You have more opportunity to get more hits. It was something I didn’t even realize until someone mentioned I was getting close to it. When you’re playing the game, you’re having fun and competing. You do it because you love it. [The record] sort of just happened.”

“Back then, it was very competitive and the GBL was stacked,” he added. “Peabody. Everett, everyone was good.”

He’s happy the record is intact all these years later.

“I’m pretty sure it’s still standing,” he said. “I haven’t really followed it, but I’m sure I would have heard. I don’t know how many other freshmen are playing varsity. That contributed to it. Having those four years definitely helped.”

Graduating in 2002, Gambale continued to play college ball at the University of Maine in 2003, when his career was nearly sidetracked due to drug and alcohol abuse. He managed to overcome those issues, however, with baseball pulling him through some dark times.

“I think all of us face trials and tribulation in our lives,” said Gambale. “I’m fortunate and grateful for everything I went through. It helped me develop in ways I may not have if I didn’t. I’m a firm believer in things happening for a reason. I wouldn’t have a beautiful wife and three beautiful kids if I didn’t take the path that I took.”

Today he looks back a wiser man because of it.

“I’d tell everybody to avoid those pitfalls,” he added. “Life is life, but to use another cliché, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. We learn from our mistakes. Do I wish I took an easier route? One hundred percent, but you know what I mean.”

As it turned out, Gambale rediscovered his love of the game back at Playstead Park serving as a coach under Mike Nestor. The longtime MHS baseball coach tabbed Gambale as one of his assistants, coaching for three seasons.

“That was amazing,” said Gambale. “I credit Mike Nestor so much. He literally brought back and was instrumental in getting me to find that love for coaching. It was an amazing experience to come back to Medford and give back to the community that gave so much to me growing up. It was very special.”

Gambale has now taken his love of coaching to the next level as the current owner operator of Canes New England, a travel baseball program where he coaches teams, and trains baseball players from 10U to 17U.

“It’s demanding,” said Gambale. “It’s a lot of work as program director, but we have a lot of youth programs. We have [10- to 14-year-olds] that play in a local league and do tournaments. Our high school teams play in regional and national tournaments. We’re trying to get guys into college. It’s a showcase-style travel program, getting guys in front of college coaches and professional scouts. It’s amazing to still be in the game doing something I love.”

He’s looking forward to renewing acquaintance with some familiar faces at the ceremony.

“It’s definitely something that I’m proud of that I get to share with my family,” said Gambale. “I thank the Medford Hall of Fame Board for inducting me and thank Medford for making me into the man I am today. I’m looking forward to the honor, and maybe even get some good food out of it too. We’ll see.”

Medford Mustang 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

Here is a closer look at the other Mustang Hall of Famers to be honored.

Jennifer (Bove) Allard

A girl for all seasons, Bove excelled as a girls soccer, softball and hockey captain, all three years. The three-time GBL All Star was also a Helen Ellard Award winner, and Angel Torrez Award recipient.

Michelle (Enos) Ferrer

Enos earned a total of eight varsity letters, four years with girls basketball team, three in softball and another in girls soccer.

A two-time captain in both softball and hoop, Enos was also a two-time GBL all-star on the diamond. Her crowded trophy case includes the Unsung Hero, Leadership Award, Mustang Club of Medford Scholarship, and Felley Damily Award (M Club).

Jay Garrity

A four-year letterman in both hockey and soccer, Garrity was a consummate gamer, earning the captaincy on both teams.

The slick-skating center was a three-time GBL all-star on the ice. The soccer striker was also a two-time GBL all-star. He also earned elite status as a two-time MVP his junior and senior year, in both sports.  In addition, he also earned the Steve Miller and Bud Stillman Award (M Club).

Brian McIver

A four-year letterman, McIver set the standard by which all other Medford High swimmers are measured.

A state champion in both the 50 and 100 freestyle, the Mustang MVP currently holds 10 school records in the pool. He also helped the squad record four GBL records at the time of his graduation in 1986. A Boston Globe All-Scholastic in 1985, McIver was a four-time GBL All-Star in 1986. The Friends of MHS Sports Award (M Club) winner continued to excel in the college arena, as New England record holder in 50 and 100 freestyle swim for UMass Amherst.

“Brian still has the majority of all the Medford boys swimming records,” said current Medford High swim coach Mary Judge. “When you graduate high school almost 40 years ago and the majority of your records still stand, that’s amazing.”

Emma (McNamee) Rios

A four-year letterwinner in girls soccer, McNamee was a two-time GBL All-Star with a nose for the net.

She scored 31 goals and 28 assists her senior season, enroute to earning the Greater Boston League MVP award. McNamee continued to rack up an impressive array of accolades earning Eastern Mass All-Star status multiple times, as well as the Francis Pelosi Award (M Club).

James Meagher

A three-year letterman, captain and running back in football, Meagher rushed for a 1000-yards his senior season. The GBL and Harry Agganis All-Star secured numerous awards including the Thanksgiving MVP; Team MVP, Steve Miller Award (M Club), coaches awards, Centrella Award (MVP Revere Games). He also lettered two-years in track.

Alaina (Mitrano) Buldini

A natural born leader, Mitrano was a team captain and four-year letterwinner in soccer and indoor track, while earing three more letters in softball. A two-time all-star in all three sports, the Saragosa Award winner placed second in the GBL in batting. Mitrano also mastered the hurdles finishing first in the Greater Boston League her junior and senior seasons.

Adrienne (Porrazzo) Cronin

Adrienne Porrazzo was an MHS girls hockey pioneer.

The team captain joined a Medford program in its infancy as an eighth grader, playing six varsity seasons, including five as GBL All-Star. In addition, she played four-years for both the girls soccer and lacrosse team. The three-sport captain was a three-time GBL All-star in those two sports as well. Her many accolades included the Helen Ellard Award, MIAA Sportsmanship Award, Academic All-Star, Mass. State Coaches Assn Award and the Globe Phelps Scholar Athlete Award.

Jake Porrazzo

A three-sports athlete, Jake Porrazzo earned two letters each in football, baseball and hockey.

A GBL All-Star pm the gridiron his senior year, Porrazzo was tabbed the team’s defensive MVP.

In the baseball field, the Jay Harry Smith Award winner batted .451 his senior year, with three homers and 30 RBI.

The GBL MVP in baseball was a two-time GBL All-Star, and Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic. On the ice, the two-time GBL All-Star netted both the Boston Bruins MIAA Sportsmanship Award and Shawn Bates Scholarship.

Rachel (Rainho) Perry

A two-time inductee both as player and coach, Rachel Perry shined on the soccer field.

A four-year letterwinner and team captain, she was a defensive stalwart for the Mustangs. The four-time Suburban League All-Star and MVP was noted as the league’s best defensive player.

Perry went from Mustang player to coach from 2009-14, leading the squad to countless GBL titles and six state tournament appearances. She sported a 61-25-12 career record, including an undefeated GBL campaign in 2010, shutting out every league opponent.

Coach Ray Dyer

A versatile coach, Dyer fronted the golf team from 2005-22, with stints as a volleyball and boys tennis coach.

He led the Mustangs golf team to a handful of GBL championships in 2008-09, 2011-13, and was named Boston Globe Coach of the year in 2009.

1983 Medford High baseball team

The 1983 MHS baseball team stands alone as the only undefeated team (20-0) to ever take the field. In 20 games the GBL champs scored 232 runs.

Stacked with talent at every position from GBL MVP Steve Silvio, and fellow All-Scholastic Warren Olsen, all-stars Shawn Murphy, David Delfino, Steve Centrella and Steve Napier, these Mustangs demonstrated skill, determination and an undeniable chemistry.

2005-06 Medford High boys hockey team

Coach Chuck Allen’s squad posted the program’s first and only undefeated regular season (18-0-4) since 1936.

Winning the GBL championship for the first time in 15 years, the Mustangs punched it’s ticket to the Super 8, advancing to the Final 4.

In addition, the team captured back-to-back MIAA Sportsmanship Award winners.

1985-86 Medford High boys hockey team

One of the most accomplished teams in school history, the Mustangs sported a remarkable 18-2 record, capturing both the GBL and the D1 North State Sectional Championship.

Led by team captain Mark Steritti (‘86), Joe Sacco (‘87), Daniel Bates (‘88), Brian Walsh (’86),  Larry McGayhey (‘87), Ned O’Keefe (‘86) and goaltender William O’Brien (‘87), these Mustangs set the standard by which all other team’s have been measured.

2007-08 Medford High Cheerleading team

These Mustangs were only team in the history of Medford High School that placed first for all four major competitions, culminating with the state championship title.

Most of the team suffered a major setback a few years earlier with the death of teammate Ashley Burns. They overcame that tragedy, pushing each other further as a team

Chris Murphy

A Community Service recipient, Murphy has been President of Medford Football Boosters since 2015, board member since 2011, secretary 20012-14, MHS alumni association outstanding young alumni award 2016, M Club Golden Mustang 2024 Silvio Cella Foundation grant 2016.

A concession stand worker at many MHS football games, he’s been instrumental in raising money and promoting programs, including the Steve Mascoll Scholarship.

Frank Zizzo

A Community Award recipient, Zizzo has been Medford Rec Hockey President for 25 years. He’s played an integral role in getting the Medford girls hockey program off the ground, donating jerseys and equipment for the inaugural season.

David Nichols

A Distinguished alumnus, Nichols was a three-year letterman in soccer, track and lacrosse.

A junior on the 1968 Eastern Mass Soccer championship team, Nichols netted two goals in game against Brockton in 1969. He was a member of inaugural lacrosse team as a junior, and interscholastic team as a senior. On the track, the hurdler was part of an undefeated GBL championship team He was also one of four Gold Medal hurdle relay team runners in Eastern Mass track Relays.

The 2025 Medford Mustang Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Irish American Hall in Malden.  Tickets will be on sale for $65 per person. Tables of 10 are available to reserve.  Businesses and community members are also invited to purchase an advertisement in the banquet program book. For tickets or to submit an ad, contact Meg Richard at mustanghalloffame@gmail.com.