FROM SECOND BASE AT THORNTON TO THE DUGOUT AT FENWAY
Chris Stasio’ 09 may have the best office in the world. No, it’ s not a penthouse with a view of Central Park or an office overlooking Casco Bay. It’ s the dugout at Fenway Park.
Chris is Director of Major League Development for the Boston Red Sox, and while many youngsters dream of playing for the Sox, the former Thornton second baseman knew at a young age that his journey to the majors would take a different path.“ From a pretty early age, I was fixated on the idea of working in a baseball front office,” he recalls.
An internship with the New York Mets during his Junior year at Northeastern University gave Chris a valuable foot in the major league baseball door along with invaluable networking opportunities.
After graduation, Chris landed in the Red Sox organization, working in player development and advance scouting before heading west to Los Angeles. Wearing Dodger blue and serving as a Professional & Advance scout, he watched and reported back on other organizations’ top prospects and the Dodgers upcoming opponents, both in the regular season and the playoffs.
In 2020, Chris returned to Beantown and the Red Sox front office.
His previous role, Assistant Director of Player Development, regularly brought him to Red Sox minor league teams to work closely with players and staff. He was also involved in the selection of players in the annual draft.
The Portland Sea Dogs were a regular stop in his travels.“ Similar to the players, Chris worked hard with the minor league players and staff and made a distinct impact,” says Geoff Iacuessa, president of the Sea Dogs.“ He is an outstanding person and worked hard to earn his spot with the major league staff.”
These days, Chris is in the dugout during home and away games( wearing number 91) and works closely with players and staff, including manager Alex Cora. He’ s involved in several areas, from onthe-field skill development to performance science and analytics, he says,“ ultimately, in a support role to players and staff, I’ m hopeful to help with anything I can, to put our players in the best position to succeed night in and night out.”
The son of longtime headmaster Carl Stasio, Chris looks back fondly on his time at TA. Chris and nephew, Sawyer, on the field“ Growing up at Fenway following a Red Sox game. on campus was everything to me— having my dad as headmaster and being surrounded by students, faculty, and coaches created a unique environment that shaped who I am” says Chris.“ When I reflect back on that experience, the memories are so overwhelmingly positive, and I feel incredibly grateful for that upbringing.”
His sister, Jenny( Stasio) Parise’ 03, and her family live in the on-campus dorm named after Carl, whose vision brought the international program to life.“ My dad’ s impact on both the city and the TA community is lasting and meaningful.” says Chris.
What’ s next for Chris? While the future may hold a position with greater responsibilities with the team, he’ s happy and enjoying his current role.“ Right now, I’ m focused on being fully present and continuing to learn from the people around me,” he says.“ The past few months have been an incredible learning experience— I’ ve absorbed more from this group of staff and players than I ever could have anticipated. We’ re really hopeful to compete into late October.”