When Pine Hill Little League All-Star Colin Reddy was asked to make a speech after receiving the Sonny Man Hill Sportsmanship Award, the Breed Middle School eighth grader said, “Thank you.”
Reddy didn’t have to say much: his sensational Little League career, capped off by winning the Lynn Home Run Derby and the Gallant Tournament MVP Award, combined with his sportsmanship, leadership, and academic excellence, said it all about why he received the city’s most prestigious youth sports honor.
Council President Dan Cahill brought the city’s greetings and congratulated Reddy and the award finalists, Steve Strangie (West Lynn). Matt Leonard (Wyoma), Will Hunter (West Lynn), Andy Duverge (Lynn Shore), and James Polonia (East Lynn).
Pine Hill president Jill Avery praised Reddy for his performance on the field, dedication to his team and being a respectful young man.
“We’re so proud of Colin – we don’t know of another player who deserved this award more than he did,” said Avery. “He’s such a great kid with a great heart. He’s such a dedicated player and he can certainly hit home runs. The league is excited for him and we’re so proud of him.”
Colin’s father, Matt Reddy, president of the Lynn Firefighters, thanked the Hill family for sponsoring such an important citywide award.
“Thank you very much to the Hill family,” said Mr. Reddy. “This is truly a great honor for Colin and he’s a great kid. They set the bar very high for this award with the great people associated with the award and giving back to community and hopefully Colin will do the same in the future. They’re just a great family for doing this and we really appreciate it. We thank Mrs. Hill very much.”
Felicia Reddy was thrilled by her son’s selection for the Hill Award.
“I’m extremely proud – he’s a great boy and works really hard in everything he does,” said Mrs. Reddy. “He’s very humble and he’s a great kid. He wakes up happy every day and has a great outlook on life. What you see is what you get with Colin Reddy.”
Colin Reddy did speak with reporters after the award presentation ceremony.
“I’m really honored, I wasn’t expecting it,” said Colin, who learned about his nomination after a City Series game in which he hit three home runs. “I knew how big this award is because my brother [Liam Reddy] won it two years ago.”
While Little League mergers have been a hot topic in Lynn, Reddy said he wouldn’t trade in his years in Pine Hill Little League and being coached by Dan Gisonno for anything.
“It’s the best league and I loved playing there and the coaching friendships I had there,” said Colin. “Dan Gisonno is a great coach and he taught me a lot about baseball and I couldn’t have gotten here without him.”
Colin also thanked his parents. “They were great supporters and I couldn’t have been here without them either,” said Colin, adding that he looks up to his brother as a role model.
Colin is currently playing fall baseball for the Breed Middle School team. He will enter the Greater Lynn Babe Ruth program next season. The rising 13-year-old baseball and hockey standout said is leaning toward attending St. Mary’s High School where he would join his brother as a student.