There wasn’t any doubt that after John Hoffman completed his remarks at the podium on a day in which his legendary sports broadcasting career was recognized by the City of Lynn that he would flawlessly return the microphone to its stand.
John Hoffman has been brilliant behind a microphone for all of the more than 40 years that he has been the preeminent voice of high school sports in the city.
And they came from all arenas Monday to herald and say “thank you” to John Hoffman, who has entertained and informed Lynn with his professional calling of high school and youth sports games and events for Lynn television.
It was heartening and exhilarating to hear former Lynn English and Northeastern University football great Brian Vaughan, former Lynn Classical and Bentley University star Anthony Seaforth and former Lynn Classical and Colby College standout, State Sen. Brendan Crighton, tell the gathering that they couldn’t wait to begin their high school athletic careers and hear John Hoffman call their games and say their names.
School Committewoman Lorraine Gately said the road to the naming of John Hoffman Way began when she received a call from well-known Lynn hockey coach Al Melanson requesting that the city “should do something for someone that has dedicated his life to Lynn sports and that was John Hoffman.”
“John Hoffman will be honored today, which he deserves – congratulations, John,” said Gatley.
Councilor-at-Large Brian LaPierre said, “We are here just in awe of a living legend, John Hoffman. His name is synonymous with sports and character, athleticism and academic and scholastic aptitude for decades in our beautiful city of Lynn. If you had your name called by John Hoffman during an athletic event here, you were considered special. This man cares about our city, cares about our youth – decades of contributions by the Hoffman family, surpassed even by Dad and generations before that. And this is such a great honor to be on a beautiful morning celebrating John and all he has done for us and our community.”
Mayor Nicholson continued the praise of Hoffman, who was clearly touched by the outpouring of respect and love from his city.
“I just want to say on behalf of the City of Lynn how excited we are for this moment, how grateful we are for John’s contributions over the many years,” said Nicholson, a former Division 1 college wrestler at Princeton University.
St. Mary’s High School Athletic Director Jeff Newhall spoke on behalf of the city’s coaches and student-athletes who have enjoyed so much the play-by-play of games in every sport, praising Hoffman for his dedication and commitment, and to his broadcasting position.
John Hoffman humbly approached the podium for his remarks. His daughters, Cathy Hoffman and Christine McCarriston, and nephew, Joe Savia, looked on proudly from the audience.
Hoffman told the assemblage that 40 years ago he saw in advertisement in the newspaper seeking sports broadcasters. With the encouragement of his wife, Jean, he went to learn more of about the broadcasting position. He called his first game, and the rest is history.
John Hoffman has brought so much joy to so many student athletes in Lynn for so many years.
John Hoffman Way located between two renowned fields – Manning and Fraser – is the perfect honor for a man who symbolizes the importance of high school athletics and excellence.