STORY & PHOTOS BY MARY GETTENS
Close to 100 people gathered at the Stonehill softball field on April 10 to honor the late Ken LeGrice, the softball team’s long-time coach who died of cancer in May 2021.
Former players, some who flew in for the ceremony, and current players mingled before the 9:30 a.m. ceremony where a plaque honoring LeGrice was unveiled.
Stonehill College President, Father John Denning C.S.C. began the ceremony with words of welcome and thanked everyone who attended.
Father Tim Moulton then led a prayer and blessed medals of Father Andre Bessette, who was the first canonized member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, that were distributed to attendees. LeGrice wore a similar medal while in the hospital for treatment.
Danielle Ricci, a 2008 softball alum, and former pitching coach, who has been heavily involved with the softball alumni association, announced the Coach Ken LeGrice Award, to be given to a softball team member who set an example of dedicated public service, leading with both the mind and the heart.
Later, before the noon game against St. Michael’s College, the Brockton Police Honor Guard walked across the field and stood atop the softball diamond during the National Anthem. LeGrice was a lieutenant on the Brockton force for 34 years.
To start the game, Ken’s sons Benjamin and James had the honor to throw out the first pitch.
Katie Rayner, who graduated in 2020 and was a star pitcher, flew in from North Carolina to attend the event.
“It was a beautiful tribute to Coach Ken. He deserved to be celebrated the way he was on Sunday. The amount of people who came out to celebrate and honor him is just a testament to the kind of person he was and the impact that he had and will continue to have on the Stonehill community and beyond,” Rayner said.
Ricci said she was impressed with the turnout. “He was such a family man and I love seeing the Stonehill family continuing to stay connected."
She said she was honored to announce the award in LeGrice’s honor.
I got pretty choked up at one point, but having the other alumni standing behind me felt so special. This award is great way to keep his memory and legacy alive,” she said.
