Medfield native inspires people with disabilities

MEDFIELD, Mass. — If there was a hall of fame for ceremonial first pitches, Peter Filosa might be a shoo-in.

He has thrown out 15 ceremonial first pitches, from the Cape Cod League, to the minor leagues, all the way to the big leagues.

Filosa’s first pitch was at Fenway Park in 2003, shortly after he wrote a letter to the Red Sox professing his love for the game.

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“I got to get a hug from Doug Mirabelli, who was my ceremonial first pitch catcher. It was a dream come true,” Filosa said.

The 39-year-old Medfield native is among the 61 million Americans, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, living with a disability.

In Filosa’s case, he has an intellectual and developmental disability.

“I think Peter’s showing people and giving them a new experience meeting someone with special needs and who’s advocating for himself and for other people with special needs,” said his mother, Anne Marie Filosa.

Peter is a longtime state ambassador for the Best Buddies program and often speaks at schools and events to empower those with disabilities.

He even has his own television show on Medfield TV, called Special Times with Peter Filosa.

He interviews local politicians and other guests.

Peter has met with many politicians, including Gov. Charlie Baker, Senator Ed Markey and former Congressman Joe Kennedy III.

Peter has received proclamations by the Town of Medfield and the State Senate for all the work he’s done to give those with disabilities a bigger voice.

“It’s great to be an inspiration to others and show people that I can do a lot of different things,” he said.

Peter was an extra in two movies shot in Massachusetts: Grown Ups and The Fighter.

He hopes to be in more.

If you have a Positive Massachusetts story idea, contact Boston25 anchor Chris Flanagan at POSITIVELYMA@BOSTON25.COM.

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