WORCESTER— Worcester Bravehearts President Matt Vaccaro doesn’t just run a baseball team — he’s batting cleanup for the community, too. Quinsigamond Community College thinks that’s worth celebrating, and this week, they did just that, handing Vaccaro their latest Community Impact Award for his team’s off-the-field work with local youth and nonprofits.
The award, announced by the college on May 8, highlights the Bravehearts’ work on programs such as “Ticket to Read,” which encourages literacy by offering prizes to children who read 10 books. The initiative, a joint effort with the Worcester Railers, is one of several community-focused programs the team has supported under Vaccaro’s leadership.
“I’ve always been passionate about baseball, but also about my community. When we can combine both, it’s a win-win,” Vaccaro said in the announcement. “We want to give back as much as we can.”
Vaccaro, who also serves as president of Massis Staffing Solutions, took over as Bravehearts president in February 2024. He credited his staff with the success of the team’s outreach work and noted the importance of player involvement.
“These collegiate players were kids not too long ago,” he said. “Now they are striving to make it in baseball and in their lives.”
Alongside reading initiatives, the Bravehearts have supported local Little League teams, hosted educational game nights, and donated post-game concessions to Woo Fridge and area food pantries. The team will also partner with the American Heart Association for a fundraising walk on June 7 to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.
QCC’s Community Impact Award, created in 2023 by the college’s Director of Community Engagement Sean Harris, is presented each athletic season to a local individual or group making a difference for youth in Central Massachusetts.
“Several people from different groups in the city suggested Matt and the Bravehearts for our Community Impact Award, and that’s exactly what we look for—organizations whose work helps everyone in our community,” Harris said in the release.
Vaccaro received the award during QCC’s final home baseball game of the regular season. The event also recognized contributions from the QCC Foundation, which helped fund a new scoreboard, and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr., who provided $10,000 for field improvements earlier this year.
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