Thomas Healy
Class of 2011
Canton High School, 1970 – 2010
Tom began his career as a freshman coach in 1970 and in 1977 he was appointed as the Varsity Baseball Coach. His stay at CHS lasted for 40 years. His teams competed in the very competitive Hockomock League winning over 300 games, and winning league championships in 1980, 1988, and 2004. Fourteen of his teams were selected for post-season tournament play, including a South Sectional Championship in 1995 and as finalist in 2003. Tom’s teams were selected three times to receive the Sportsmanship Award by the Hockomock League.
Described as a CHS institution, nonetheless Tom is characterized as low-key and humble. His demeanor has always been that of a quiet man, but behind lies a man willing to work hard for success. Persistence, hard work, and loyalty describe what the players and community felt Tom brought to the CHS baseball program.
One notable athlete that progressed under Tom’s tutelage was Bobby Witt, who played with Texas, Oakland, Florida, and Arizona. In 2001 Witt earned a World Series ring with the Diamondbacks.
A Social Studies teacher for 35 years at CHS, Tom felt that the experience he had on the field made him a better teacher and vice versa because he got to know the students both in and out of the classroom.
Tom can be proud that his ongoing connection to his players as many of those connections have lasted over 40 years and many of his former players consider Tom as their friend.