Number of Participants: 22
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $1,859
Event Type: Civic & Community
Activity: Baseball
Date: May 4, 2025
Location:
Swampscott High School
Essex Street, Swampscott
MA
About:
The Swampscott High School Varsity Baseball team, competing in Massachusetts’ highly competitive Northeast Conference, has once again demonstrated its commitment to community service under the leadership of head coach Joe Caponigro.
Coach Caponigro, a dedicated member of the Swampscott ROTARY chapter, has been instrumental in connecting his team with local volunteer opportunities that reflect ROTARY’s mission of “service above self.” One of the key events the team participated in this year was the Dan Cahill/Anchor Food Pantry 5K—a community fundraiser that honors the legacy of Dan Cahill, a beloved Swampscott community member, longtime ROTARY volunteer, and town electrician. Cahill, remembered for his tireless support of local causes, passed away during the COVID-19 years.
Now in its second year, the 5K was founded by Diane O’Brien, incoming ROTARY president and organizer of the Anchor Food Pantry. The event raises money for both a scholarship in Cahill’s name and the food pantry itself. Thanks to Coach Caponigro’s involvement, the Swampscott Varsity Baseball team was encouraged to participate. Registration fees were waived for high school teams, and the players showed up in full force, proudly representing their school and bringing visibility to two important local causes.
In addition to the 5K, the Swampscott Baseball program takes part in the town’s annual Little League Parade, a beloved tradition that kicks off the local baseball and softball seasons. Players from all levels—Freshman, JV, and Varsity—line the streets to welcome the young athletes as they march through Swampscott toward the Little League field. The high school players form a tunnel, offering high fives, encouragement, and a shared sense of community. This year, in a special moment, seven senior baseball players took part in a ceremonial “first pitch” with seven Little Leaguers, bridging generations of Swampscott ballplayers.
Even when the team can’t attend every event—such as a recent initiative by the ROTARY club to make 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for My Brother’s Table food pantry—they remain connected through Coach Caponigro’s leadership and community involvement.
With a culture grounded in both athletic excellence and civic responsibility, the Swampscott Varsity Baseball team continues to set a strong example for what it means to be student-athletes on and off the field.
