NORTH READING — Current North Reading High School baseball player Brady Cullen delivered what many called the most moving speech in the tournament’s history on Friday, August 15, sharing his ongoing battle with a brain tumor called Pilocytic Astrocytoma with over 150 golfers and supporters in attendance.
The North Reading Diamond Club hosted its 10th annual Golf Tournament at the Hillview Country Club to raise funds for Carey Park improvements at North Reading High School and student scholarships. The tournament, which began over 30 years ago, moved to Hillview Country Club in 2015 and has grown steadily ever since.
A picture-perfect day of golf was capped off by an awards ceremony at the Moose Lodge, where winning foursomes collected their prizes. Orzo Trattoria provided lunch.
Brady’s heartfelt keynote address became the event’s highlight as he shared his journey and expressed appreciation for his family, teammates, school, and community. His words resonated with everyone in attendance, from alumni to parents to waitstaff and bartenders, all captivated by his maturity and positivity in the face of adversity.
“I owe my life to everyone in this room who has played a part in building up the North Reading Baseball program and giving me that experience,” Brady said. “Whether you know it or not, all of you didn’t just contribute to the best baseball program in the state, but gave me and all of North Reading baseball players alike the hope, strengths, and skills to navigate through life with compassion and empathy. I strongly believe that your character is molded by one’s environment and the people around you, which explains where I get my resilience and strength from.”
Several current NRHS varsity baseball players attended to celebrate their recent Division 3 State Championship, the sixth title in school history. The audience gave standing ovations while honoring longtime Hornet Coach Frank Carey and current MIAA Coach of the Year Eric Archambault.
“This year’s State Championship would not have been possible without the continued support of the North Reading Diamond Club,” added Coach Arch.
NORTH READING Little League supporters (from left): Nate Schomp, Brian McGoldrick, Alan Lemarier and Nick Rosano are excited to hit the links at the Diamond Club’s annual golf tournament. (Courtesy Photo)
Master of Ceremonies Pat Lee (NRHS ’73) acknowledged the generosity of all Diamond Club sponsors while noting the unmatched history and tradition of success enjoyed by the North Reading baseball community. Lee noted the Diamond Club’s contribution when Carey Park was named the 2025 National High School Baseball Coaches Association Field of the Year for Region 1 (New England and New York).
The 2025 Diamond Club Recognition Awards went to Greg Quercia (NRHS ’83), a longtime supporter of the Diamond Club and recent Grand Slam sponsor through his Chew Dawg Hockey Academy, and his classmate Tim Haynes (NRHS ’83), the esteemed treasurer of the Diamond Club.
All proceeds from the Diamond Club’s live auction items were donated to the Brady Cullen family to assist with his ongoing treatments.
Contributions to Brady’s GoFundMe page can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-bradys-brain-tumor-battle
AWARD WINNERS
Taking first place with a score of 11 under par in a tiebreaker was the foursome of Matt Quercia, Ryan Mahan, Michael Mahan and Cam Doomany.
Earning second place at 11 under par was the foursome of Joe Mancinelli, Jeremy Shore, Joe Capalbo and Josh Hulett.
In third place overall with a score of 9 under par was the foursome of Scott Ellis, Tim Haynes, Greg Stewart and Scott Orlosk.
Winning the Longest Drive contest was Michael Poudrier.
The Straightest Drive winners were Tricia Canavan and Jeff Bryson.
There was a three-way tie for Closest to the Pin between Tommy Cassell, Josh Hulett and Pete Pappasso.