By KEN HAMWEY
Staff Sports Writer

Tom Hammann is an assistant varsity coach in basketball at Hopedale High during the winter and he pivots quickly in the spring, taking on the role as a varsity assistant for Millis High’s baseball team. 

The 60-year-old Hammann, who excelled in both of those sports at Bellingham High in the early 1980s, takes no money for coaching — no salary, no stipend. He’s strictly a volunteer and he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Hammann isn’t unique but he sure is a rare breed. He’s approaching his 16th year as an unpaid Hopedale assistant to varsity coach Tony Cordani, and last spring he assisted Millis coach Jack Nally for the first time. It was Nally’s first head-coaching post and Hammann just wanted to help a friend.

Often asked why he works for free, the personable Hammann cited two reasons.

“I do receive something back,’’ he emphasized. “I get lots of joy seeing kids succeed in sports, or in the classroom and in daily-life situations.’’

Hammann also likes seeing the two programs use money that he would get to buy what’s needed to meet expenses — like uniforms, equipment, or busing costs. “It’s kind of like winning a 50-50 raffle at a football game,’’ Hammann added. “You win but you give the money back to the program.’’

However, Millis Athletic Director Derek Phinney insisted Hammann accept money. Hammann reluctantly accepted but hopes to return next spring for no pay.

His volunteer work is a labor of love and Hammann definitely qualifies as Bellingham’s gift to Hopedale basketball. The Blue Raiders ended their season in March 2020 by sharing the Division 4 State title with Abington after the MIAA canceled all playoff finals because of the coronavirus. That co-championship was Hopedale’s first in the program’s history.

“Last year, we had a chance to capture a second State crown but we lost to Pioneer Valley Regional,’’ Hammann said. “We won three tourney games but couldn’t win in the final. That season was a thrill because of the journey. We beat some good teams.’’

A fan favorite, Hammann is liked by the players and respected highly by Cordani. “Tom is a great guy who’s developed excellent relationships with the players,’’ Cordani said. “He’s helped us so often and his knowledge of the game is a huge asset.’’

Hammann’s savvy and his keen ability to relate to players, whether starters or reserves, make him a valuable asset and obviously a key piece in the Blue Raiders continual success.  

“My role is to be supportive, especially for the kids who don’t get much playing time,’’ Hammann said. “I try to emphasize the value of teamwork and when I’m asked for advice, I’m happy to give it.’’ 

The players relate well to Hammann, obviously because he’s easy-going, talks softly, and knows how to build confidence.

Hammann doesn’t sit near Cordani or jayvee coach Josh Euglow during games. He sits at the opposite end of the bench. “I don’t want too many cooks in the kitchen,’’ he emphasized. “There’s no reason to have three coaches talking to the kids. Every year, one of the players is designated to sit next to me for every game. We talk about the game in progress, about strategy and even things that aren’t game-related.’’ 

Hammann’s high school days

During his playing days, Hammann was the spark that ignited a championship basketball team during Bellingham’s 1982-83 season. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound point guard guided the Blackhawks in stylish fashion, always getting the ball into the right hands at the right time. Hammann kept the engine purring, the link to the squad's top shooters — Cliff Lander and Roger Canestrari Jr.

The results were magnificent — a 17-3 record and the TVL title. At one point, the Blackhawks were 15-0. Hammann averaged 12 points and eight assists that season. Lander starred at center, Canestrari was a phenomenal off-guard, and Mike Reed and Pat Tannen were quality players at forward. Kevin Winship often got lengthy stretches of playing time off the bench.

“I was proud to be one of the captains," Hammann said. "We were a classic run-and-gun team. Everyone knew their role and no one complained about how many points they got or didn't get. I took the quarterback reins gladly when [coach] Jim Bonollo handed me control.’’

Hammann had some super efforts for the Blackhawks.The Holliston game was one he recalls fondly. “We were playing in a packed house in Holliston,” he noted. “It was a close game and Canestrari fouled out. They kept fouling me late in the fourth quarter. I went to the free-throw line and sank 12 straight shots to give us a one-point win. I was intent to stay calm and never thought about missing any of them. I ended with 22 points and 12 assists.’’

When Bellingham opened the tourney against Oliver Ames, it won easily — by 28. Hammann finished with 15 points and 10 assists. The season ended in a loss to Rockland.

Also a star in baseball, Hammann played second base for three seasons, hitting .400 as a sophomore and finishing with a career .340 batting average. “Our teams were .500," he said. “My top thrill came as a sophomore against Holliston. I got a winning RBI-single off all-star hurler Rich Glickman in a 3-2 victory.’’ 

After high school

After graduation, Hammann went to Dean College for two years, playing basketball and baseball. A second baseman, he excelled, hitting .300 for two seasons. In basketball, he played guard in a reserve role. After getting his associate degree, he enrolled at UMass-Dartmouth where he majored in history. 

In 1994, Hammann started his own construction company — Hammer's Roofing Co. In 2008, he was hired in Hopedale as the facilities manager for the town’s three schools. He retired from that post in 2020. 

“When I played sports, my philosophy was to work hard and learn from every practice,’’ he said. “When you work hard, good things usually happen.’’ 

These days

Bellingham will host the Barry Hutchinson Memorial Basketball Tournament later this month and Hammann always enjoys returning with the Hopedale squad. “It’s always nice to be back, coaching against my alma mater,’’ he said. “I’ve known TJ Chiappone [Bellingham’s hoop coach] for 30 years.’’

The father of five children, Hammann firmly believes it’s better to give than to receive. 

Two months ago, in October, he was volunteering out of season. He helped Cordani run a youth basketball camp at Hopedale Elementary School. “We worked for four Sundays, from 5 to 8 pm, with three different grade levels,’’ Hammann noted. “It was fun instructing kids from grades 1-8.’’ 

Tom Hammann’s giving nature isn’t unique and his caring style truly is a big plus in this day and age.