Monday, January 24, 2011

Thomas' Fiesty Temper Hits Homerun For Brockton Youth Sports

By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—For more than 50 years as a player, coach and over-all volunteer for Brockton’s city baseball, softball and basketball leagues, George Thomas’ hot-temper and fiery personality has led teams to victory, made things happen as a one-man fundraiser and league official, and on the way has helped other young hot-heads learn the finer parts of a game.
Thomas, 75, was honored Thursday night Jan. 20 during a fundraising event for his decades of service that has not only resulted in helping to lead Brockton youngsters down a positive path, but also the placement of his name on the new baseball field at the Mary E. Baker Elementary School on Quincy Street.
“You don’t do it for a reward. You do it because you have to and want to,” Thomas said to a gathering of more than 200 people at Joe Angelo’s Café after several family members and friends recounted how Thomas taught them how to live life and play sports during a more than 40-year career of volunteerism.
On a lighter note, Thomas joked--as he stood on a stage under blue, red and white stage lights--that he had told his wife Sheila (pictured at right with Thomas who is getting a kiss from daughter Sherrie Rioux) during their 52-year marriage he would someday be in lights and she would sarcastically respond “how the hell are you going to do that,” and it turns out his love of sports, family and friends had found him—to his infinite surprise--under the spotlight.
“This means so much to me. I’m so proud to have a baseball field named after me,” Thomas said, adding, “I’m so thankful I’m here to see it,” he said.
The event was held to honor the field being named for Thomas and to raise money for a new electronic scoreboard at the field, estimated to cost about $10,000.
The night was full of laughter, food, music, and memories of a man who began playing baseball on the diamonds of Brockton as a young boy, as a player for Brockton High School and went on to play fast-pitch softball when was stationed in Korea with the U.S. Army. In 1957, after being discharged, he returned to Brockton and began coaching Little League baseball and youth basketball.
For more than 50 years, Thomas could be found between 6 and 9:30 p.m. either at one of the city’s baseball fields or basketball courts. Thomas now lives in East Bridgewater with wife Sheila, who he said has been behind him all of the way.
“It’s a lucky thing I did in my life 52-years ago when I married her,” Thomas said.
During the event, Ward 2 City Councilor Thomas Monahan gave Thomas—a lifelong family friend—gave Thomas a baseball signed by all of the players from the 1981 men’s adult “A” League Championship team that initiated a decades-long friendly joke between Monahan’s father Thomas “Popeye” Monahan, who died in 2003 and Thomas over $500 and championship jackets for the team.
“He’s like a link between me and my father,” Monahan said. “It meant a lot to me,” he said. (Monahan is pictured in top photo with Thomas who is tossing the baseball in the air)
Not only did Thomas receive the signed baseball, he also was given a proclamation from the State Legislature presented by state Rep. Michael Brady, (pictured at right with microphone) who joined the night's band, "Just Two Guys," on stage for one of the songs, making the duo into a trio, dubbed, "Two Guys and a state Rep." by one audience member.
One of Thomas’ numerous grandchildren, 19-year-old Alicia Thomas, who lives in Enfield, Connecticut, said she is close to both her grandparents and is honored to be able to join her aunts and uncles--Thomas has four children: Michael, Thomas, Sherrie Rioux and Debbie Thomas-- cousins and family friends in honoring a guy who has stayed young at heart and will always be remembered by generations to come.
“If I’m a having a bad day my Granddad always makes me smile,” Alicia Thomas said. (Pictured below in back row with a handful of Thomas’ grandchildren)
Laura Galligan, who is a family friend in many ways, said she knows a side of Thomas that isn’t as well known as his coaching and volunteerism in Brockton sports.
Galligan said as an elector at Christ the King Church, a Catholic Church in Brockton, Thomas has reached out to the community in more ways than they know.
“He is a very spiritual man—very humble, kind passionate and caring,” Galligan said.
Thomas said when he was a teenager playing in the city’s basketball league an opposing player fouled him hard and the referee didn’t call a foul.
Thomas said he went after the ref and after pushing him, the referee “went flying” and the man sprained his ankle.
Thomas said not only was he suspended for the rest of the year, he learned that he needed to control his temper and learn another part of the game.
“We’re not only teaching baseball, but also teaching what life’s all about. You’ve got to teach sportsmanship,” Thomas said.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Rox Hot Stove Banquet Friday Night

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—The Brockton Rox will have a semi—Boston Red Sox reunion this Friday night during the team’s annual Hot Stove banquet that this year features new Rox manager Bill Buckner, Red Sox pitching legend Bill “The Spaceman” Lee and former Red Sox manager Jimy Williams.
"The Hot Stove Banquet is always a great opportunity to get together during the off-season and talk baseball, said Rox Chief Executive Officer Chris Carminucci in an email. “We're lucky to have three Red Sox legends on hand, and it should be a great evening," he added.
The event will be held Friday, Jan. 21 at the Shaw’s Center beginning at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $60 per person and includes dinner.
There will be raffles, prizes, and a question-and-answer session with the panelists. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Room to Dream Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Tickets are going fast, but some are still available by visiting the Brockton Rox website.

1970 Boxer Football Video Recalls BHS Early Days

By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Brockton High School football coach Peter Columbo is always looking for new ways to improve his team.
Saturday night Peter Columbo received a dose of his father Armond’s coaching medicine from a DVD of old 8mm films from the 1970 team that went undefeated the first year Armond took over and went on to win the first high school Super Bowl in 1972.
“This team is historic,” Columbo said. “This team goes on to prominence and we are carrying on the tradition,” Columbo said moments before the DVD was played on numerous TV screens in a private room at Joe Angelo’s Café.
Following the showing of the DVD that mostly displays the 9 games the 1970 team went on to win during an undefeated season, Columbo said it makes him look forward to next season.
“They played some great football,” Columbo said, noting he was in junior high when the film was made. “It’s impressive and inspiring,” he said.
The 1970 team was undefeated, but because the Super Bowl did not exist yet, did not earn that title although a banner marks the team’s achievement.
When the high school Super Bowl tournament was launched in 1972, Brockton High won the first two.
The 30 to 40 former players, past and present coaches, school officials and volunteers who attended Saturday night’s intimate showing of the new DVD watched as images of Brockton High School in the 1970s flashed on the screen.
Many laughed and joked as they recalled students and teachers, remembered the remarkably 1970s gym shorts and T-shirts students had to buy and wear to join in on physical education classes and scanned the football scenes either for themselves or friends.
The 39-minute video mostly shows highlights from the football team’s season from 1970to 1971.
Gary Leonard, President of Save our Sports, a non-profit foundation that raises money for high school sports programs, named numerous players and what they are doing now.
Many are area businessmen and lawyers, others have moved away, including one player who is now in Egypt working as a renowned artist.
Leonard also played on the team as center and lineman.
Bobby Bonnette, who turns 80 this year, (Pictured at right) has been a constant figure on the sidelines for more than 40 years and continues to do all he can to help the team, including selling 50-50 raffle tickets during Saturday's dinner and film.
"I'm one of those little guys who couldn't play,but I can do this and still do all I can to support the team," Bonnette said.
Brockton High Athletic Director Thomas Kenney said the DVD’s are available to anyone who is interested. The cost is $10 and can be purchased through the high school athletic department and by calling at 508-580-7546 or by email at thomaskenney@brocktonpublicschools.com.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Benefit Supports Brockton High Sports

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Save Our Sports, a non-profit organization that supports Brockton schools sports program, will host a " Night of Champions II," Saturday, Jan. 15 with this year's celebration highlighting the Brockton High School 1970 football team that went 9-0 for the season and the first year Coach Armond Colombo took over the team and began an era of Boxers' success.
Brockton High Athletic Director Thomas Kenney said attendees will be in for a treat during the night when the group unveils the first showing of a DVD presentation made from old 16mm film Coach Colombo took that depicts opening activities at the high school in 1970.
"It really takes you right back to that time. I've watched it three or four times now," Kenney said.
When the 1970 football team went undefeated, Kenney said, there was no high school Super Bowl, but when it was enacted in 1972, the team was unstoppable.
"Brockton won the first two Super Bowls," Kenney said.
The event takes place this Saturday, Jan. 15 at Joe Angelo's Cafe beginning at 6 p.m.
There will be a buffet and all who attend will receive a DVD copy of the commemorative video as a souvenir.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance by calling 508-580-7540 or they can be purchased at the door.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Brocktonians Step Into Mixed Martial Arts Ring

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Two Brockton men will be fighting for titles Saturday night Jan. 8 at the Mansfield Holiday Inn for the American Fighting Organization championships.
Brockton resident Steve Dunn will challenge for the welterweight championship and Brockton native Shawn Galano will challenge for the heavyweight title.
The AFO is a mixed martial arts league based in New England that was recently named "Promotion of the Year" by the Boston Herald.
For ticket prices, reservations and schedule of bouts click here to visit American Fighting Organizations website.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Bill Buckner To Take Helm Of Brockton Rox

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--The Brockton Rox announced Tuesday Jan. 4 that 22-year major league veteran Bill Buckner will be the club’s field manager for the 2011 season.
Brockton Rox CEO Chris Carminucci said in a prepared statement having Buckner as head coach is a move he hopes will help propel the team to a championship.
“He’s well-known and well-respected by New England sports fans, and has an incredible wealth of knowledge about the game. Our fans and players are in for a great experience in 2011," Carminucci said.
Buckner said he is looking forward to hitting the field and returning to a game he loves.
“I’m excited to spend the summer in back in Massachusetts with the Rox,” Buckner said in the statement. “I’ve been looking forward to getting back into baseball, and it should be a good season,” he said.
Buckner, 61, was driven from the area by heartbroken and, in some cases over-the-edge and revengeful fans who could not accept the Game 6 loss during the World Serie in 1986 when Buckner misplayed a ground ball at first base. The Mets went on to win Game 6 and won the World Series in Game 7.
Since the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007, many hard feelings have dissipated and Buckner has been a welcome visitor to the area and now, Rox officials say, will use his extensive baseball knowledge to lead the Brockton Rox.
Buckner's career began in 1969 and ended with his retirement in 1990.
Buckner played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, California Angels and Kansas City Royals, amassing 2,715 hits, 498 doubles and 1,208 RBI. He led the National League with a .324 average in 1980, 35 doubles in 1981 and 38 doubles in 1983. A superb contact hitter, Buckner never struck out more than 39 times in a season.
Buckner made appearances in the World Series with the Dodgers in 1974 and the Red Sox in the infamous 1986 run. In 1981 he was a N.L. All-Star.
After his retirement, Buckner served as a hitting coach with the Chicago White Sox from 1996 to 1997.
A Vallejo, Calif. native, Buckner was a second-round choice of the Cubs in the 1968 draft after playing college ball for Arizona State University.
“It’s a great day to to have Bill Buckner join our organization,” Rox CEO Chris Carminucci added.
In 2010, Brockton went 54-39, second-best in the league, and reached the playoffs for the fifth time in the club’s history.
Three Rox players were selected to Baseball America’s All-Independent Team after the season, making Brockton one of just two independent clubs--out of over 60--with three players on the list.