NEWPORT, RI – University Orthopedics proudly sponsored Opening Night for the Newport Gulls, celebrating the team’s return to Cardines Field as reigning champions of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL). The much-anticipated evening brought fans together for a thrilling start to the season and supported an inspiring cause—raising funds for The Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
A Championship Welcome
The Gulls took the field for the first time since their championship victory, energizing the crowd and reaffirming their standing as one of the NECBL’s premier teams. With the stands filled and the stadium buzzing, the night served as both a look back on past triumphs and a hopeful beginning to a promising new season.
University Orthopedics: The Team Behind the Team
As the official orthopedic provider of the Newport Gulls, University Orthopedics continues to support the team’s performance and health with expert medical care. Leading that effort is James O. Maher III, MD, an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at University Orthopedics and the team’s physician. Alongside him is Dave Pezzulo, PT, a physical therapist deeply involved in the team’s recovery and conditioning programs. Their roles are critical to ensuring athletes stay healthy and competitive throughout the season.
University Orthopedics’ involvement goes well beyond the clinic. On Opening Night, Dr. Maher, PT Dave Pezzulo, and CFO Dave Paller joined a young cancer survivor—a symbol of hope and strength—in delivering ceremonial first pitches. Their presence underscored the event’s dual mission of celebrating sport and supporting children fighting cancer.
Supporting The Tomorrow Fund
In keeping with the community-first spirit of the event, Opening Night also served as a fundraiser for The Tomorrow Fund, which provides daily financial and emotional support to children undergoing cancer treatment at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Contributions from fans and sponsors are helping brighten the lives of young patients and their families during some of their most difficult moments.
“Being part of this night was truly special,” said Dr. Maher. “From treating elite athletes to standing beside a brave young cancer survivor, it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—health, hope, and community.”
A Season of Promise
As the 2025 season begins, University Orthopedics is honored to once again stand alongside the Gulls—not just as sponsors, but as true partners in health, performance, and purpose. With teamwork at the heart of everything we do, we’re looking forward to another exciting season of baseball and community engagement.
To learn more about our partnership and our sports medicine expertise, visit universityorthopedics.com.
About Dr. Maher
James O Maher III, MD is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University. He is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Dr Maher specializes in the treatment of student, recreational and professional athletes. His comprehensive approach to treatment includes medication, activity modification, physical therapy or surgery. Dr. Maher uses the arthroscope to do minimally invasive surgery of shoulders, knees and ankles.
Dr Maher works with professional tennis players as the chief tournament physician for the ATP World Tour at the Tennis Hall of Fame. He treats professional sailors as an orthopedic consultant for the Volvo Ocean Race. He is also the team physician for Salve Regina University and the Newport Gulls Collegiate Baseball Team.
Dr. Maher is a member of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.