Ralph Addonizio (2021) - Hall of Fame - St. John's University Athletics

Ralph Addonizio

Induction:
2021
Class:
1968

A power-hitting catcher who helped lead the Redmen to a pair of College World Series appearances during his three varsity seasons, Ralph Addonizio was one of the team's most prolific players during one of the most successful periods in St. John's Baseball history. As a senior in 1968, Addonizio led the team with a .353 batting average, eight doubles and 24 RBIs. The Brooklyn native was named to the Metropolitan Baseball Conference All-Star Team, the District II All-Star Team and the College World Series All-Tournament Team. That season, St. John's tied for third in Omaha and was ranked sixth in the final national poll of the campaign. The Johnnies went 25-10 and, with Addonizio anchoring efforts behind the plate, turned in 53 consecutive scoreless innings stretching from the end of the regular season through the second game of the College World Series.

As a junior, Addonizio hit .269, but ranked second on the team with 18 walks to reach base at a .398 clip. He earned the first of two MBC All-Star nods for his efforts that year.

The Boston Red Sox selected Addonizio in the 21st round of the 1968 draft. He played 24 games with the Winston-Salem Red Sox of the Carolina League that summer.