Hingham High School Looks to Hit Back to Back to Back Home Runs

Hingham High School collected more baseball and softball equipment than any other school in the state the last two years and they’re looking to do it again.

The school has won the only two Double Play campaigns that have been organized by Jordan's Furniture and the Red Sox Foundation.

This year students will be collecting more gently used baseball and softball equipment until Friday, April 5, 2013. A collection bin will be located in the Main Lobby of the high school and will accept the following items: bats (metal only); fielding gloves; batter’s helmets; catcher’s equipment (chest protectors, shin guards, masks, gloves); cleats (metal or plastic); and baseballs and softballs (new).

HHS Assistant Principal Rick Swanson, who coordinated the last two collections, said all items will be distributed to underprivileged children in Boston through the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program.

Last year Swanson said the school raised so much equipment that it filled the back of his pick-up truck.

 “The opportunity to participate in sports can - and should - be a part of everybody's childhood,” Swanson said after winning last years’ campaign. “There's so much that can be learned on a baseball diamond. Every American boy and girl should have the chance to experience these things regardless of where they grow up.”

With the victory last season, HHS students Shauna Sullivan, Ryan Linehan, Rob Madden, Kevin Minassian and Elizabeth Sypek were honored on Fenway Park in a pre-game ceremony before  a game against the Oakland Athletics.

The High School also donated their prize of a Jordan’s Furniture gift card to the Gordon Gala, a fundraiser for HHS senior James Gordon, who was battling cancer. In 2011, they used the grand prize to enhance their teacher’s lounge. Red Sox mascot Wally “The Green Monster,” also visited the school after each victory.