1962 BASEBALL TEAM YEAR OF INDUCTION: 2009 Through the school’s first four years (1959-1962), some teams came close but none ever claimed an official championship -- until the 1962 baseball team came along. In the same spring the New York Mets came into existence, Steinert athletics came of age when the Spartans claimed the Central Jersey baseball title. That was as far as any team could go in those days, as county tournaments and the Tournament of Champions did not yet exist. The championship was a perfect way for Steinert to cap a season of “firsts.” “We had a new home field that was finally in use, with a semi-fence put up in right field,” DiGiuseppe said. “We also wore new flannel uniforms that year.” By season’s end, the team looked as good as the uniforms. And that solitary banner looked even better, as it signified the start of something big. Dick Leber was the head coach and his pitching staff was comprised of John Griffiths, Ron “Swampfox” Nicklow, Dan Capell and Joe Herbert. Harry Hutchins was behind the plate. Infield regulars were Capell at first, Jerry Migliacci at shortstop and DiGiuseppe at third; while Wayne Huston and John Gnandt were regulars in the outfield. Tom Calvanelli, Tom Vasti, Joe Herbert, Gary Kater and Harry Clugston were effectively utilized at various positions. Click Here to enlarge the team photo. RETURN TO THE HALL OF FAME MEMBERS PAGE