Salvatore Punzo

Baseball
Shortstop
(1963-66)

Inducted 2004

Salvatore Punzo left his mark on the University of New Haven as a great leader and team player.  He was the first shortstop to play in a Charger uniform in the inaugural varsity season in 1963.  A four-year starter, who is remembered by Coach Vieira as one of the most hard-nosed player he’s ever coached.  His competitive spirit was instrumental in leading the Chargers to a 93-17-2 record during his four-year career.  In 1965 he helped lead the team to the postseason for the first time in school history, advancing to the NAIA regionals.  During that season he hit .321 with 36 hits and 36 RBIs.  In 1966, as a senior, Punzo led New Haven one-step further advancing to the NAIA World Series after winning 28 games.  As a senior he hit .310 with 41 hits and 20 RBIs.  He finished his New Haven career with 121 hits, 64 RBIs, 106 runs scored and 46 stolen bases.  His leadership is still evident today in his role as Principal of East Rock Magnet School in New Haven, CT.