PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
Michael Cotraro, his son Nick, and his father Rich have each played in an Agganis All-Star game.
By KATIE MORRISON
LYNN — One of the special aspects of the annual Agganis All-Star games is that every year, a new group of young athletes gets to wear the uniforms bearing Harry Agganis’ name.
These athletes learn about who Agganis was, and what he accomplished. And his legacy continues to be passed down through generations, ensuring he is never forgotten.
At the same time, new traditions become established. To see an example of all that at work, look no further than Sunday’s 22nd-annual All-Star baseball game.
Nick Cotraro, an outfielder for Beverly High, went 1-for-1 for the South in his team’s 11-6 loss. Being recognized as an Agganis All-Star is nothing new in the Cotraro family; Nick’s father, Michael, was selected to the football and baseball teams (though he only participated in the football game) in 1992. Years before that, Michael’s father Rich, Nick’s grandfather, played in the eighth annual Agganis Classic football game.
Rich Cotraro said that at the time he was selected, he was just happy to be recognized for his talents. But by the time Michael was selected 23 years later, Rich had a new perspective on the importance of the games.
“By then, I heard and learned more about Harry Agganis, and what a great athlete he was, in multiple sports, and what a great man he was,” Rich said. “So it meant more for me that he was selected to play in that, knowing what Harry Agganis did and how he was.”
Rich said he learned a lot about Agganis from Beverly’s Frank Forti, who has been involved in youth and high school sports in the town for over 60 years. Forti, 90, actually saw Agganis play, and told Rich first-hand stories of Agganis’ prowess. But the number of people who actually saw Agganis play is ever-dwindling, which reinforces the importance of keeping the memory alive.
“(Forti’s) got these stories, and when he passes away, if this doesn’t get passed down and passed through, these records are gone,” said Rich. “It’s unbelievable what (Agganis) accomplished. It makes me feel insignificant when you look at what he accomplished in such a short period of time.
Michael said that he’s glad his son gets to have the experience that he did 24 years ago, and that the legacy behind the games makes it even more special.
“Having positive role models is a big part of sports, and growing up and doing well in life in general,” said Michael. “Continuing to play the right way and practicing good sportsmanship and to be positive influences in your community, giving back. It’s all part of it.”
For Nick, the focus right now is obviously on the fact that he got the chance to play one more time with his friends, teammates and even some of his rivals.
“It was great to come out here and play with all the guys we’ve played with for four years,” he said. “It’s a great place to have your final high school game, and it’s pretty cool to have my dad and grandfather here, since they played in these same games in high school.”
There’s no doubt that his dad and grandfather were proud to watch Nick play, and the significance of the Agganis games are not lost on these three generations of athletes.
“I’m still, to this day, learning more and more about Harry Agganis and what he stood for,” said Rich. “It’s an honor all the way around for me, my son and now my grandson to play. It’s a fantastic feeling.”
