Hillary Matthew Bossier

2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame Legend Member

 

Hillary Bossier, a long-standing member of our church community, was recently inducted into the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Hall of Fame as a Legend member.   In the December 2024 ceremony, Hillary was one of only two Legend inductees.  To be recognized as a Hall of Fame Legend member, one must have made significant contributions to the SWAC and to college athletics during its first 50 years of existence (1920-1970), in addition to meeting other criteria used in rigorous reviews by a selection committee.  Below are highlights related to his induction into the SWAC Hall of Fame.

Hillary Bossier, a native of Edgard LA, graduated from Second Ward High School.  While pursuing his studies at Grambling State University, he also excelled on the baseball diamond, including the following:  

• Recognized as an NAIA All-American at the pitcher position.
• Led the nation with a 0.53 earned run average in 1961, as Grambling State University claimed its first-ever Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball title.  
• Once struck out 17 batters during a seven-inning game against the Alcorn State Braves.
• Signed with the Midwest minor-league affiliate of the New York Mets, going 6-2 in 1962 with 71 innings pitched.
• Is a member of the Grambling State University Legends Sports Hall of Fame

Many of us know Hillary and his extraordinary achievements in baseball and more broadly his contributions in our local community through teaching and athletics, coaching and mentoring our youth.  After graduating from Grambling with a bachelor’s degree in physical education (minor in Social Studies), he joined the faculty of Second Ward High School, was head baseball coach and defensive coordinator in football. He later achieved a master’s degree in secondary education and served as a Supervisor of Instruction in the St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools. And of course, we also know that Hillary married to his college sweetheart, Myrtle, also a long-term educator in our parish -- now together for 61 years.

Well done, Hillary!  Congratulations and thank you for your many years of engagement and service to the children and community of St. John the Baptist.