Farewell to Hill Park

Hill Park on Park Avenue, named in memory of U.S. Sgt. James G. Hill, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Revere residents.

For the Revere High School softball program, it has been the varsity’s home for decades. So many great friendships began on the softball diamond and continue today. There have been many memorable moments – from the phenomenal pitching performance of former RHS great Jen Wells, who helped the Lady Patriots upset a Bishop Fenwick team and program that would win the next seven Division 1 state championships – to last Thursday’s state tournament game when senior Aliza Anderson had a dramatic walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth to beat Lowell after freshman Ally Hinojosa had tripled to start the inning.

There have been men’s and women’s softball leagues at the park, basketball leagues on the adjacent courts, and tennis – and the park has served as the site of pre-game preparations for our Pop Warner teams before their games at Harry Della Russo Stadium next door. Revere Powder Puff teams have used the park for their practices as well.

But Hill Park is rounding third and heading for home – although there will be one final and fitting tribute called “The Last At Bat – A Farewell to Hill Park,” to be held June 22 at 10:30 a.m. Peter DiGiulio and Lenny Orlandello are running this wonderful event that is expected to attract many old-time and more recent softball players who enjoyed competition on the Hill Park diamond.

Hill Park will make way for a brand new Hill School that will replace the McKinley School. There will be no more softball games played at Hill Park, but the memories of this field and this focal point of Revere athletics and good times will live on for years to come.