LYNN — On this day, the spotlight was on the man behind the microphone, as City officials, former athletes and coaches paid tribute to John Hoffman with the formal dedication of John Hoffman Way.
More than 60 people gathered Monday morning for the unveiling of the street sign at the Locust Street entrance to the Harry Agganis Athletic Complex, consisting of Manning and Fraser Fields. The road is now named for someone who has been broadcasting Lynn high school sporting events for four decades. There is a similar sign at the Ford Street entrance to Manning.
“We’re here to show how grateful we are for John’s contributions for many years,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said. “It gives us an opportunity to thank him on behalf of countless student-athletes he made feel seen and valued. When John Hoffman called their name (on the air) it made their day.”
Speaking on behalf of the high school athletic directors in the city, Jeff Newhall of St. Mary’s said in addition to describing the action of thousands of sporting events over the years, Hoffman has gone out of his way to meet and get to know the student-athletes. “That’s something special,” Newhall said.
Hoffman is a 1956 St. Mary’s graduate.
Lynn Classical alumnus Anthony Seaforth, who works with Lynn students on academics and athletics through the Seaforth Movement, called Hoffman “the voice of a generation” due to his commitment to the City and its student-athletes.
Former Lynn English hockey coach Al Melanson presented Hoffman a Boston Bruins game jersey with his name and the number 40 on the back, signifying the length of his tenure as a broadcaster of Lynn sporting events.
“The beauty of this is all the friends I’ve made,” said the 86-year-old Hoffman, who was joined at the ceremony by his daughters, Cathy Hoffman and Christine McCarriston, and nephew, Joe Savia. His wife of 60 years, Jean, died in January.
Other speakers at the event included School Committee Vice Chair Lorraine Gately, who was a driving force behind the City’s decision to honor Hoffman, Sen. Brendan Crighton, City Councilors Brian LaPierre and Brian Field and former Lynn English standout and Classical football coach Brian Vaughan.
In addition to broadcasting Lynn high school and youth games, Hoffman was the play-by-play announcer for Everett High football for more than 20 years, calling all 12 of the Crimson Tide’s Super Bowl wins. His father was the PA announcer at the old Braves Field and Fenway Park and his brother was the longtime sports editor of the Daily Item.
