NORWALK, Conn. -- Norwalk resident Tom Chiappetta has been selected to enter the Connecticut Amateur Softball Association's Hall of Fame.
Chiappetta, a Stamford native, and the other Hall of Fame inductees who will be honored at the CASA Hall of Fame awards dinner on Sunday, Sept. 27 at the Costa Azzurra Restaurant in Milford. Social hour will be at 4:00 pm with dinner following at 5:00.
This year's other honorees are Jim Carey of Shelton, Larry Deschaine of Plymouth, Nelson Eddy of North Haven, Stephen (Spider) Eldridge of Farmington, Joseph Languell of Torrington, Michael Matarazzo of West Hartford, Buddy Phelps of South Lyme and Kevin Russo of Shelton.
As this year's Bernie Iassogna Award winner for service to Connecticut softball, Chiappetta's biggest contributions to CASA came on the administrative side.
In the early 70's at age 15, he got his start in supporting softball when he kept score and did newspaper write ups for the legendary Stamford-based Shoreline League, which showcased some of the best teams in the Fairfield County area. '
Chiappetta joined the CASA slow pitch HOF committee in 2003, brought in by the late George Ritchie. He worked as "right-hand" man for slow pitch committee chairman Jim Consiglio through 2009 before becoming chairperson in 2010. He resigned earlier this year.
Chiappetta also had a successful three-year managing stint leading National Auto of Stamford to a pair of Masters Over 35 Division national tourneys in 1987 and 1988.
Chiappetta also had a notable softball playing career, beginning in 1973 as a shortstop in Stamford area leagues. From 1976-1986 he pitched for some of the top teams in Connecticut, primarily VIP Limousine and DeVito Brothers of Norwalk. He pitched in seven state championship games, with one title in 1978 as he led VIP to the Major Division crown.
He later played for National Auto from 1986-91 in the Masters Division as the state and regional powerhouse went to three national Masters tourneys, finishing 9th in both 1986 and '87. Chiappetta earned third-team All-American honors in 1987.
Dinner tickets are $50 per person. Tables of 10 are available. For dinner information contact Hank Koritkoski at 860-803-3012 or email him at hank.donnak@comcast.net.
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