Mary Hines isn’t praying for Rajon Rondo’s sprained ankle to heal just because she’s a long-time Celtics fan. Boston’s Parks Department spokeswoman also hopes for Rondo’s speedy recovery because the point guard and Red Bull are donating $500 per Rondo steal to refurbishing basketball courts around the city.
“I jump up every morning and look at the sports page hoping his ankle heals very quickly,” Hines said of Rondo, who is expected to be out for two weeks. “If his ankle gets healthy again, we could raise up to $90,000. I want everyone to pray over his ankle.”
Rondo, who is second in the league in steals with 2.4 per game, was scheduled to be on hand yesterday to unveil the program at Malcolm X Park in Roxbury, which will receive the first $15,000 donation resulting from Rondo’s first 30 steals.
The event, however, was canceled due to weather.
Other courts scheduled to be refurbished include Smith Playground in Allston/Brighton, Ramsey Park in the South End, Fallon Field in Roslindale, Harambee Park in Dorchester and Jim Bradley court in Back Bay/Fens
“These courts get a lot of use, these parks are loved to death,” Hines said. “They’re heavily used. [Basketball is a] good activity and good activities push bad activities out of the park.
“I’d much rather kids work off their aggression bouncing a basketball than hanging out on a corner.”
