Portsmouth High School Student Throws Out the Ceremonial First Pitch at a New Hampshire Fisher Cats Game

Sam Vitali was recently honored as a recipient of the Bellwether Community Champion award, presented to individuals who have made a positive impact in the lives of others and their community. On June 27th, he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats game and was celebrated during an on field, pregame presentation.

Vitali, a sophomore at Portsmouth High School, organized a “Shoe Support” sneaker drive last Fall to benefit the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL), an organization that provides various athletic programs for the city’s youth who come from lower income families. The idea was a result of Vitali’s Grandfather’s memories of the PAL organization of his youth. Vitalie recognizing the need for athletic sneakers for many children in the area, he challenged students at middle schools in Greenland, Rye and Portsmouth to donate gently used athletic shoes and other footwear. Through his efforts, Vitali collected dozens of athletic shoes for MPAL.

The “Shoe Support” drive is not the first time Vitali has given back. In 2012, he and his father personally delivered dozens of sneakers to the Staten Island Police Athletic League following the devastating Hurricane Sandy, which significantly damaged the area.