MILFORD NEWS: Remembering Hopedale's Bob Wood

January 15, 2006

By Ken Hamwey

Milford Daily News Correspondent

Bob Wood was one of Hopedale High's quality pitchers during the middle 1960s.

The 6-foot-1, 155-pounder, who played on the Blue Raiders' 1963 undefeated team (14-0) as a freshman, became one of the aces of the staff his junior and senior years when he helped coach Harry Brown's team post .500 records.

Wood relied on a sidearm fastball that often elevated his strikeout total to double figures, and his 4-3 and 5-2 records his final two seasons usually included a few one-hitters and two-hitters.

"I'll never forget the first game I pitched my junior year," Wood said from his home in Hopkinton. "I was matched against Bellingham's Glen Gariepy, who was as impressive on the mound as he was on a basketball court. Glen was a hard-thrower. We stayed close but lost a close, 3-2 decision. I was pleased because I held my own in a tough debut."

Wood, who hit .300 and got his share of doubles and singles, usually saw opposing team's top pitchers.

"Blackstone High had a star pitcher in Bill St. Jean," Wood recalled. "He threw a slow curve that was very much a junk ball. We hooked up twice in classic duels, and I was fortunate to be on the winning end both times."

Wood, who played one year as a reserve forward in basketball, wasn't a regular on the unbeaten title team his freshman year, but he still rates the experience as his top thrill.

"I got some at-bats, playing as an outfielder, but just to be a part of that group was an honor," he said. "It was great to experience the spirit and close-knit atmosphere we had. Roger Hebert coached that team. He was excellent, one who really knew the game."

Wood played his final two seasons for Brown, a coach he also admired.

"Harry didn't have a lot of players to recruit, but he knew the basics and how to teach the sport," Wood said.

Wood was recruited to play at Assumption College by Joe O'Brien. Skipping his freshman year to get a sound footing in academics, Wood started on occasion but turned out to be a solid relief pitcher.

"I got a start against Brandeis and went all the way for a win in one game," Wood recalled. "I started and lost a 4-3 decision to Brown and also had some quality innings against Providence College."

Wood graduated from Assumption in 1970 and was hired to teach history and geography at Hopedale later that fall. He eventually headed the social studies department and last year, after 35 years on the staff, retired as assistant principal.

Wood, who is married and has two daughters, plans to spend his leisure time with his family, playing golf and skiing.

A hard-working role player, Wood made sure he never strayed from his philosophy -- be prepared, play hard and play fair.

"I had quality coaches and good role models, especially my late parents (Robert and Florence)," Wood said. "And, I worked with fine administrators like the late Chick Sayles and Bob Pagnini."

And, there's no doubt that the tenets he learned in athletics -- like working with teammates, battling adversity, and setting goals -- helped Wood immeasurably in his role as an administrator at Hopedale.

"The things you learn in sports and competition carry over to real life," Wood said. "As dean of students, I often saw my role being similar to a coach. You work with people and try to achieve goals."

"Bob Wood was a high-caliber pitcher for Hopedale, and he also gave the Blue Raiders quality efforts as a teacher and administrator.