Vito Colapinto, a 1940 Bristol High graduate, played both basketball and baseball at the Park Street School before playing those sports and football in high school. The football team his senior season was one of the best of that decade, while the basketball team won 13 straight and the league title.

It was baseball though, where he really excelled. A pitcher, known both as “Lefty” or “The Sun-tanned Italian,” he pitched a state tournament game that went 16 innings. He lost, but hurled the complete game in striking out 17 and giving up only five hits.

Following high school, he played for a number of baseball teams as well as New Departure basketball. In baseball, he played on the Bristol Hoboes, Bristol Elites, Jack’s Radio, and Cobras. He was all-league on numerous occasions, while on a league title-winning team.

Watch The Video