WESTFIELD – Following last month’s bombings at the Boston Marathon, and the terrifying manhunt that held metro Boston captive for days, it seems as though the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts has chipped in to come to the state capital’s aid.
Now the varsity and junior varsity baseball programs at St. Mary’s High School are looking to do their part in aiding the Hub, announcing that their home game on May 18 against Mount Greylock will be dedicated to helping The One Foundation, a relief effort created by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.
The Saints will be selling t-shirts during both games, with all proceeds going to those most affected by the tragedy on April 15.
“The boys are trying to raise money and give their support to those who need it,” said St. Mary’s coach Troy Collins. “The seniors are really behind this effort, and it gives them a lot of joy to help.”
It has become a bit of a tradition at St. Mary’s to host a benefit night during the baseball season, as this marks the second season the Saints have banded together for a worthy cause on the diamond.
Last season, the boys came to the aid of their beloved skipper, and decided to sell t-shirts to raise money to benefit Nancy Rheaume, Collins’ mother-in-law, who was battling stage III breast cancer at the time. The boys faced off against Westfield Voc-Tech and, after a jv and varsity contest, raked in almost $3,000 for their custom designed pink tees.
The Saints, who are in the midst of a fantastic season (10-0 at press time), are no stranger to community service, having already conducted a pitch-hit-and-run event for local little leaguers that drew a crowd of almost 100 kids earlier this season. Collins praised the efforts of his players, both on and off the field.
“These seniors are on another level,” Collins said. “This is such a strong group, my most talented team yet in the nine years I’ve been here.”
As the Saints continue their march to the postseason, you can bet on two things remaining constant: exciting baseball and a commitment to helping those most in need.
