City dedicates basketball courts to late Robert “Ace” McCarrick

By Barbara Taormina

A crowd of city officials, athletes and residents gathered at the basketball courts next to the Harry Della Russo Stadium last week to rename and dedicate the site to a Revere legend. The city has renamed the facility the Robert “Ace” McCarrick Basketball Courts in honor of local hero Robert “Ace” McCarrick, who built Revere youth sports into the thriving and dynamic program it is today.

Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hinojosa proposed the courts be named after McCarrick last fall. The City Council enthusiastically agreed.

“He was an ‘ace’ guy who did every sport and was a referee and a player. He did everything that is right for the citizens of Revere,” said Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky at that council meeting.

Hinojosa emceed the dedication and spoke briefly about McCarrick’s work and accomplishments. “He was the guy,” said Hinojosa. “Ace used basketball as his generosity and kindness.”

McCarrick, who was born and raised in Revere, worked in the city for more than 70 years before his death in 2018. He was named three times the most valuable player of the New England Catholic Tournament while playing for Immaculate Conception High School in the early ‘50s. He went on to become a coach and athletic director at Immaculate Conception, Revere High and Dom Savio and Pope John XXIII High Schools. In Revere, he served as assistant recreation director, coach, umpire, referee and league administrator for more than 40 years.

Hinojosa recalled that back in the ‘80s and ‘90s every summer night there were 20 men’s basketball games playing out on the Hill Park courts. “And we’re talking about A-list players,” said Hinojosa. “At the same time, he also ran a 20-team softball league. To put schedules like that together and to do it for 40 years was extraordinary. And he did it without any thanks.”

Hinojosa remembered McCarrick as a warm-hearted leader who saw local sports as a way to bring the community together.

Robert Marra, who spoke on behalf of Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe, who could not attend the dedication ceremony, said McCarrick devoted his life to people who play sports, especially basketball. “To these courts will come players of all ages and skill levels, playing this international sport while portraying Revere’s rich ethnic diversity. This is a place of growth and physical challenge. It’s the kind of place Ace would love.”

Keefe said McCarrick’s life was a basketball life. He was a catalyst and advocate for Revere youth sports. He had his hand in every sports program that came out of Revere Parks and Recreation. “The games played on these courts are part of Revere’s past and future,” said Keefe through Marra.

McCarrick’s son, John, also spoke at the dedication, which he called overwhelming and fantastic for him and his family. McCarrick said his father was aware of a void in the city’s sports programing and launched the first girls hoop and softball leagues. “He believed everyone deserved the chance to be part of a team and experience athletic competition,” said McCarrick, who added that his dad would be so proud of the Ace McCarrick Basketball Courts.

“He sincerely loved being here watching all of you play. To my dad, basketball was much more than an opportunity to play a game. He created and supported an inclusive culture. He taught us all we have a responsibility to enhance our community. His approach was always all in,” McCarrick told the crowd.

And with that, Hinojosa climbed a ladder and unveiled the new Robert “Ace” McCarrick basketball court sign and Revere grew a little tighter by celebrating and sharing the memory of a local hero.

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