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One of the best high school baseball teams in the Boston area resides at 100 Maxwell St. in Dorchester, Massachusetts, the home of the Boston International Lions. Coached by Johan Villalona, who has built and developed the program over the last 12 years, the Lions have become a force in Boston Public School (BPS) baseball. “It took years to build this program to its current status,” said Villalona, the reigning BPS Coach of the Year, following a 10-5 record in 2024.
A semifinal loss to eventual state champion Boston English in last year’s BPS playoffs has only driven Villalona in his pursuit of making it to the state baseball tournament this year. The Bronx native credits his wife Laura, who coaches the girls’ softball team at the Neighborhood House School, and children, son Elijah and daughter Luna, for providing the home stability needed to help him succeed at his job.
“I love my family and teaching the game of baseball. I love what I do and am happy to be at Boston International High,” said Villalona. “This year’s team is young, works hard, and is very respectful of the tradition we are trying to build.”
The Lions pitching staff has thrown two shutouts this year. PHOTO: TONI JACKSON
The coach continued, “One of the difficulties of my job is program organizing. You work to build a program and hope that you can keep your good players who you develop from transferring to other schools with more flashy programs. Young people are wowed by better facilities, prettier campuses, and such. It is hard to keep them from the lure of such luxuries. I don’t blame them. We all have dreams of wealth and a better life.”
“But that is not reality. When you come from a poor background, you have to work hard to get the things you want; that is reality,” said Villalona. “Coming from New York to Eastern Nazarene College changed my life. Four years of college will do that for you. My journey to college started when I went to a baseball tryout camp. I wasn’t invited, but I had the courage to walk onto the field and join the group of invitees. I was recognized by the coaches, who saw some talent in me. The door of opportunity was opened to me, and I charged through it. Baseball provided an opportunity for me to go to college and make a life for myself. I tell my players that the story of my journey is similar to the one that they are on. I stress to them that loyalty is one of the most important qualities they need to succeed. I tell them that I have stayed here for the last 12 years because I am loyal and committed to this school. I hope they feel that same commitment and respond in kind.”
The former dean of students added, “I know every student in this school from being a dean, but as a physical education teacher I feel even closer to the students on a daily basis. Growing up, I didn’t have someone to emphasize the importance of academics as well as sports. I am trying to be that voice in my students’ and players’ heads that says, ‘You have to take school seriously if you want to succeed in life as well as baseball.’ Due to my Hispanic heritage, I can communicate on a social and cultural level with the young people placed in my care here at B.I. Being raised in a household that spoke Spanish, my toughest challenge was to learn to speak the English language. Following a four-year playing career at Eastern Nazarene College, I knew I wanted to give back something to this game that I love. Coaching provided the opportunity. And I plan to do this job as long as God lets me.”
Lions coach Johan Villalona speaks to the team. PHOTO: TONI JACKSON
Coach Villalona’s current team has an 8-2 record, with both losses coming to Charleston High. They are two games ahead of last year’s state champions, the Boston English Bulldogs.
His team is led by star players Bryan Pimental, a pitcher and infielder, Soniel Nivar, a third baseman, Bryan Arias, an infielder, Edwin Polanco, an outfielder, and a talented group of other core players.
“My dream for this team is to make it to the state baseball tournament and go as far as we can in our pursuit of the ultimate goal, the MIAA state baseball title,” said Villalona.
For a man who still competes in a very competitive softball league in Weymouth, Massachusetts, he tries every day to instill the love of baseball into the minds of his young players.
“This is an incredible game that I want my players to love and understand. I still play it and will always try to teach it,” he said.
Johan Villalona is a man of color who is making a difference in the lives of the young men who play baseball on his high school team and the students at Boston International High School. Baseball is one of his tools for reaching his players. The story of his life’s journey is the message that he passes on to every student he teaches at BSI.
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