Billy Baker Field Dedication Honors South Boston Legend Who Built a Community Through Soccer
Under a crisp blue sky and the sound of bagpipes, dozens of family members, friends, former players, coaches, and community leaders gathered at Moakley Park to celebrate the naming of Billy Baker Field — honoring the man who, nearly four decades ago, founded the South Boston Youth Soccer League and forever changed youth sports in the neighborhood. Jack Baker, Billy’s youngest son, opened the ceremony with humor and heart. “My mother thought 20 or 30 people would show up, and she was worried about parking,” he said to laughter. “Obviously, more than that showed up.” After young South Boston resident Eve Polaski performed the National Anthem — a nod to the long-standing tradition Billy started at every league opening — Jack shared stories that captured [...]