University of Houston Athletics
Altobelli to be Enshrined by ABCA
7/9/2021 11:04:00 AM | Baseball
Houston standout, coaching legend receives highest ABCA honor
HOUSTON – Former Houston team captain and Orange Coast College coaching legend John Altobelli is among seven individuals to be inducted to the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in January 2022, the organization announced this week.
The 2022 ABCA Hall of Fame Banquet induction ceremony will be held during the 78th annual ABCA Convention on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. The 2022 ceremony will also include the induction of the eight-member ABCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021 due to the cancellation of the in-person 2021 ABCA Convention.
As a student-athlete, Altobelli was a two-year letterwinner for the Cougars from 1984 to 1985. He also served as an assistant coach in 1987. That year, he graduated from Houston with a degree in physical education.
A two-year team captain and starting right fielder, Altobelli led the team in RBI (34), runs scored (47) and triples (3), and was tied for the team lead in both doubles (14) and stolen bases (8) in 1984. In 1985, he drew a single-season record 57 walks and also led the team in runs scored (68) and stolen bases (13).
Altobelli appeared in 116 consecutive games from Feb. 18, 1984, to May 25, 1985, a mark that continues to rank among the top 10 in program history. He helped the Cougars to an NCAA Regional berth as a senior, bringing them within a win from advancing to the College World Series.
Induction to the ABCA Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the organization. The ABCA was founded in 1945 and the Hall of Fame began in 1966. Alongside Altobelli, class of 2022 honorees include Dave Barnett (Flagler College), Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina), David McDonald (Wheeler High School), Marty Miller (Norfolk State), Paul Page (Ohio Dominican) and Marty Paulsen (Fond du Lac High School).
DUGOUT CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Baseball program directly by joining the Dugout Club. To find out more information about the Dugout Club, text UHBASEBALL to 71777, call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH or visit UHCougarPride.com.
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The 2022 ABCA Hall of Fame Banquet induction ceremony will be held during the 78th annual ABCA Convention on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. The 2022 ceremony will also include the induction of the eight-member ABCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021 due to the cancellation of the in-person 2021 ABCA Convention.
"I am thrilled and thankful to the ABCA for honoring the Altobelli family by inducting John into the ABCA Hall of Fame," Houston head coach Todd Whitting said. "John, Keri, and Alyssa are loved and missed by so many. This induction ensures that their legacy in the college baseball world will live on."
Altobelli led the baseball program at Orange Coast College from 1992-2019 before passing away tragically in January 2020. Over 27 seasons, Altobelli's teams combined for a 705-478-4 (.594) record, making him the winningest coach in school history. In 2019, he became just the 16th coach in California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) history to reach the 700-win mark.As a student-athlete, Altobelli was a two-year letterwinner for the Cougars from 1984 to 1985. He also served as an assistant coach in 1987. That year, he graduated from Houston with a degree in physical education.
A two-year team captain and starting right fielder, Altobelli led the team in RBI (34), runs scored (47) and triples (3), and was tied for the team lead in both doubles (14) and stolen bases (8) in 1984. In 1985, he drew a single-season record 57 walks and also led the team in runs scored (68) and stolen bases (13).
Altobelli appeared in 116 consecutive games from Feb. 18, 1984, to May 25, 1985, a mark that continues to rank among the top 10 in program history. He helped the Cougars to an NCAA Regional berth as a senior, bringing them within a win from advancing to the College World Series.
Induction to the ABCA Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the organization. The ABCA was founded in 1945 and the Hall of Fame began in 1966. Alongside Altobelli, class of 2022 honorees include Dave Barnett (Flagler College), Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina), David McDonald (Wheeler High School), Marty Miller (Norfolk State), Paul Page (Ohio Dominican) and Marty Paulsen (Fond du Lac High School).
DUGOUT CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Baseball program directly by joining the Dugout Club. To find out more information about the Dugout Club, text UHBASEBALL to 71777, call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH or visit UHCougarPride.com.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Baseball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarBB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Baseball on Facebook.
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