Councilor Ed Flynn Files Resolution to Rename Soccer Field in Saunders Stadium in Honor of Billy Baker

BOSTON – At this week’s Council Meeting, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a resolution in support of renaming the soccer field within Saunders Stadium to the Billy Baker Soccer Field. Billy Baker, a native Bostonian born and raised in South Boston, was widely known for his dedication to bringing soccer to the youth of South Boston. He worked diligently for years to make his dream a living reality. In 1985, he established the South Boston Youth Soccer League, with the mission of enabling “the ongoing development of youth soccer players in an inclusive, safe, affordable and fun environment.”

For three and a half decades, Billy led the South Boston Youth Soccer League as President and was committed to the growth and success of the league by collaborating with other suburban community sports leagues, attending countless meetings with Parks and Recreation officials, completing permit applications, preparing for games every Saturday and Sunday morning and recruiting coaches and referees. He was also deeply committed to making the soccer league affordable for every child by soliciting funds from community businesses, merchants, and government officials to purchase jerseys, trophies and year-end gifts. Later, Billy established a sports collaborative with other fellow leagues in order to open and operate a snack bar and restrooms at Saunders Stadium.

Through Billy’s tireless dedication to his duties as league president, South Boston Youth Soccer registered up to 1,300 players per season ranging from ages 3-18. Beginning each season, an Opening Day Parade of Athletes consisting of players, led by an Honor Guard, would proudly march around the track and field at Saunders Stadium with teammates and signs representing their team mascots. Although these events included many dignitaries including mayors, senators, elected officials and professional athletes throughout the years, Billy’s focus always remained on the players of the South Boston Youth Soccer League.

Well after his own children had grown up, Billy Baker remained the one constant presence of the South Boston Youth Soccer League. Throughout his life, he consistently devoted his time and efforts at a moment’s notice to ensure that children from the neighborhood had the opportunity to participate. The success of the league today is a testament to his unwavering dedication to bringing soccer to the youth of South Boston and their families.

“With little fanfare, Billy Baker selflessly devoted much of his life to ensuring that all children in South Boston had the opportunity to participate in playing soccer. Billy’s steadfast dedication and commitment to the people of South Boston allowed generations of his neighbors to be able to experience the joy of competing in youth sports, to be part of a team, and feel more connected to their neighbors and community. In short, Billy’s vision also helped our youth develop and learn how to become good citizens and neighbors,” said Councilor Flynn. “When the people of South Boston think of youth soccer, they think of Billy Baker’s service to our community. There is no one more deserving of having the soccer field within Saunders Stadium at Moakley Park named in their honor.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and

[email protected].