Malden icon Bob Rotondi, 85, laid to rest, leaving a robust life’s legacy

Coached in Malden Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball for over 60 years; tribute held at park in his name Monday

By Steve Freker

Knowing Bob Rotondi as most in the Malden baseball circle did, what he was most happy about Monday was this: His beloved Knights picked up a big win on the very day he was laid to rest. It also came in the baseball diamond named for him: Robert Rotondi Field.

Following a somber day, which included a funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church in Malden Square and final interment in Forest Dale Cemetery at the Rotondi Family plot, there was still one item on the list. “We decided to play the game as scheduled in Bob’s honor,” longtime Malden Babe Ruth League Field Director Deano Summers explained. “That’s how Bob would have wanted it.”

Who knew that the year Bob left us, his Knights would be in the midst of one of their best starts ever. Heading into Monday’s game versus Summers’ Flames, they stood at a hardy, undefeated 5-0 mark.

Before the game, a collection of Malden dignitaries, including Mayor Gary Christenson, Malden Babe Ruth President Greg Lucey, BRL Field Director Deano Summers, Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Bob Knox, Malden Recreation Coordinator Joe Levine and Bob’s “staff” – a dedicated group of Babe Ruth guys who have been at his side for nigh on a year now, helping with navigating daily life – were all there. Dave Allan, of Malden and Mass. Babe Ruth, gave a brief introductory statement; and Malden High School junior Nathan Morelli delivered a terrific rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s version of the National Anthem/”Star-Spangled Banner” on the electric guitar. Then the game was on.

The Knights got a booming blast off the bat of Dylan Clough and took a quick 3-0 lead they never relinquished, using some solid pitching from Malden High School righthander Billy Gavin to seal the deal on a 4-2 win.

“It was a nice ending to a tough day and a tough week for all us who are missing Bob dearly,” said Summers, who is a 30-year Malden Babe Ruth man himself, and who, along with Bob Rotondi and several others, were charter inductees into the Inaugural Malden Baseball Legacy Hall of Fame this past March, the final honor of many Bob Rotondi had received in his life.

“Last week’s games were canceled to give Malden Babe Ruth time and space to mourn Bob’s passing, but we wanted to get the games going again, as Bob would have wanted,” Summers said.

Following the funeral Mass Monday morning, the morning of the game detailed above, Mayor Christenson delivered a touching eulogy in Bob’s honor at the gravesite at Forest Dale Cemetery, crowning Bob “King of Baseball” in Malden. The text of the eulogy is included in today’s Advocate.

“As we remember Bob Rotondi today, let us celebrate the incredible life he lived and the countless lives he touched. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him, in the fields where he played and coached, and in the community he served so selflessly,” Mayor Christenson said. “Bob will be deeply missed but his legacy will endure. Rest in peace, our King of Baseball. Malden will never forget you.”

The Mayor is correct: Malden never will forget the “King of Baseball.” RIP, Bob Rotondi.