Hometown Hero Welcomed Back After World Series Victory
Cheered by a crowd of more than 300 townspeople and lifelong friends, Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Richie Hebner received a triumphant homecoming yesterday, complete with honors, accolades, and a police escort. Hebner played a pivotal role in the Pirates’ world championship run, blasting two home runs to help clinch the National League pennant and hitting three additional homers during the team’s four victories in the 1971 World Series.
Yesterday’s festivities kicked off with a police escort accompanying Richie and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hebner, from their family home at 510 Nahatan St. to a bunting-decked rostrum in front of Town Hall. The sports star was greeted by a high school marching band featuring a color guard, flag bearers, and majorettes, while struggling to push through hordes of enthusiastic Little Leaguers clamoring for autographs and handshakes.
Speeches, Tributes, and Multi-Sport Talents
Local dignitaries and former coaches gathered at the podium to praise both Hebner’s athletic achievements and his enduring ties to the Norwood community. Town Manager Walter A. Blasenak and Superintendent of Schools Philip O. Coakley heaped praise upon the infielder, with Coakley calling him “perhaps the schools’ most illustrious graduate.”
Speakers also highlighted Hebner’s exceptional multi-sport background as a student at Norwood High School. Coaches recalled that his prowess on the ice as a high school hockey player was so pronounced that he was offered a contract to play professionally with the Boston Bruins. Ultimately, Hebner chose baseball, building upon a foundation that began in the Norwood Little League, Babe Ruth League, American Legion baseball, and varsity high school squads.
Awards and Commendations
During the ceremony, Hebner was presented with several tokens of appreciation and civic pride, including:
- The Key to the Town
- A replica of the Town Seal
- Official copies of two resolutions of commendation approved by the Massachusetts House of Representatives
Hebner indicated that he planned to remain in Norwood for approximately one week to visit with friends and family before returning to Pittsburgh.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
-
Norwood Debate—Which Is Hebner’s Top Sport?-May 12, 1965
Is Norwood High’s Richy Hebner a better baseball or hockey player? Sixteen‑Year‑Old Richie Hebner Dominates Diamond and Ice In a town that knows its sports and takes pride in its athletes, there is no debate about the brightest young star currently wearing Norwood’s colors. Everyone in Norwood agrees that Hebner, a 16‑year‑old junior, excels in…
-
‘Skip’ Lockwood To Stay With Majors-This Day in Norwood History-April 14, 1965
Claude (Skip) Lockwood of Norwood has been kept by the Kansas City Athletics on the Major League roster for the coming year: Lockwood thus joins a select group of Norwood athletes who have played in the major leagues. Others who have played on major league teams were Ray Martin, Charlie Bowles, and Marty Callaghan. Callaghan…
-
Braves Win LL Pennant On 6-1 Victory Over Indians-This Day in Norwood History-July 8, 1964
The Union Savings Bank Braves defeated the Westover Indians 6-1 at Pleasant Street Field to claim the 1964 Norwood Little League title before a massive crowd. Behind a masterful two-hitter from Pete Tamulonis, the Braves capped off their dominant 15-win season with a championship performance.
-
“Skip” Lockwood Signs With A’s For Huge Bonus; Assigned To Midwestern League-This Day in Norwood History-July 2, 1964
This Day in Norwood History-July 2, 1964-“Skip” Lockwood Signs With A’s For Huge Bonus; Assigned To Midwestern League
-
Braves, Indians To Clash Thursday For Norwood Little League Crown-This Day in Norwood History-July 1, 1964
This Day in Norwood History-July 1, 1964-Braves, Indians To Clash Thursday For Norwood Little League Crown
-
“Skip” Leads Norwood To Little League State Finals-This Day in Norwood History-June 17, 1964
Story of The Amazing “Skip” Lockwood By now it’s history. Every sports fan across the country has heard the news that “Skip” Lockwood of Norwood has signed a $100,000 bonus contract with the Kansas City A’s of the Major League. He has put the town of Norwood on the map all over the country even…
-
Carrabino NHS Diamond Leader-April 4, 1963
William (Bill) Carrabino, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Carrabino of 52 Saunders road, will captain this year’s Norwood High baseball entry in the Bay State Baseball League. Bill will again be patrolling left field for the locals as he did last year. He is a left-hander all the way and possesses one of the…
-
Marty Callaghan First in Big Leagues from Norwood-October 4, 1962
By FRANK WALL Marty Callaghan is certainly a “must” in our sports biography series as he was Norwood’s first ballplayer to play in the Major Leagues. He played four years of outstanding baseball in the majors and 11 years in the minors, and is considered the best player ever to come out of Norwood. Reading…
-
Ortins Cop Local Rec. Softball Championship-August 30, 1962
Ortins Cop Local Rec. Softball Championship Ortin’s Sporting Goods softball team, had just won the Norwood Recreation League championship, and Manager Jack Walker was happy. “You know softball isn’t as soft as many people believe,” he observed. “We’ve been hit hard with injuries all season. Pete Wall suffered a broken leg, I had a broken…
-
Meet The Nitros-Pete Dixon-August 23, 1962
This Day In Norwood History-August 23, 1962-Meet The Nitros-Pete Dixon
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.