When walking into Fenway Park, the culture and aroma of Boston quickly embraces the souls of lively fans. From Fenway’s Green Monster to the awkward Pesky Pole, the historic ball park becomes instantly distinguishable celebrating the trophied history of the Boston Red Sox. Players come and players go, but one face remains constant in part of this culture throughout the years: Wally the Green Monster. Similar instances can be compared with that of Pat Patriot, or Lucky the Leprachon. There is no secret: mascots embrace the invigorating emotions that come with sports cities and towns like Boston.
Like Boston, the Hingham community is filled with passionate students and fans of the treasured Hingham High School sports teams. From the crisp fall air, to the warmth of the spring, the Hingham community remains consistent in providing passion and fandom to all Hingham teams. Unlike many towns with generic team icons, Hingham’s branding as the Harbormen/women has connected the historic roots of a Boston Harbor town to their pride in sports. The name and image of the Harbormen/woman is universal for all sports teams, and oftentimes logos and images have been created to represent the fighting spirit of all the different sports teams. It becomes apparent of this culture with one step into Hingham High’s gymnasium with a large depiction of the Harborman/woman, painted in the 1970s, on a vast wall.
It was not until the home opener of the 2025 Hingham Football season, September 12th, did this iconic character come to life. With the stands packed with a prideful community, the Harbormaster made an entrance and appearance, ringing the bell to welcome the team onto the field. It is evident that Hingham thrives off of care and emotion in the aspect of team sports. This is the case for the introduction of the new Harbormaster mascot — invested Hingham football captain Charlie Shape and his father Andy Shape (Parent Booster) wanted to bring the Harbormen/women image alive in the name of town spirit. When talking about the process Charlie Shape mentioned, “The idea of creating a mascot was really a collective idea by the football boosters, however my dad and I had the privilege in creating this design to bring it to life. I really hope this mascot is used for a variety of sports throughout the years!”
Different perspectives share similar excitement on the introduction of the Harbormaster. Senior Hingham Wrestling captain Ryan Spahiu, who was in the Red Army section on Friday night, commented, “It was really a surprise for most people. As a wrestler I am excited to see it in support of our matches this winter. I really think this is a great outlet to add support for all teams across Hingham High.”
With a loaded schedule of sporting events this fall, keep your eyes peeled for this new iconic Hingham sports figure, and make sure to cheer on all of the passionate competitors that represent the town that many are proud to call home.
