Pride on the Diamond: A History of Hofstra University Baseball
Hofstra University's baseball program, a source of pride and tradition, has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1938. From its early beginnings to its recent successes, the program has produced talented players, memorable moments, and a lasting legacy within the university and the broader baseball community.
Early Years and Development
The Hofstra University baseball program started in 1938. The early years of the program saw the establishment of a foundation built on dedication, perseverance, and a love for the game. While comprehensive records from this era may be limited, the commitment of the student-athletes and coaches laid the groundwork for future growth and achievement.
Notable Players and Achievements
Over the decades, numerous talented players have donned the Hofstra Pride uniform, leaving their mark on the program and beyond. Brant Alyea holds the distinction of being the first former Pride player to reach the Major League level. Irving Burton, who played baseball and basketball at Hofstra from 1949 through 1952, signed with the New York Giants organization after graduation. In 1951, he was named the Metropolitan Baseball Conference Most Outstanding Pitcher, setting a conference record for strikeouts. Walter Kohanowich, a standout athlete from 1948 through 1952, earned letters in five sports, including baseball, and captained both the football and baseball teams.
For the first time in the long history of the Hofstra baseball program, the Pride has lifted the Colonial Athletic Association Baseball Championship.
Hall of Fame Recognition
To honor the exceptional individuals who have contributed to Hofstra's athletic legacy, Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz and the Hofstra Pride Club established the Hofstra University Athletic Hall of Fame. The inaugural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala Dinner was held February 25, 2006, at Chateau Briand in Carle Place, New York. The mandates for candidates were that they be of good character and exemplify the citizenship expected of persons representing the interests of Hofstra University. Student-athletes are eligible beginning 10 years after receiving their degree from the University. A person who did not graduate from the University may be nominated upon a majority vote of at least six committee members and approval from the University president.
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The Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and administrators who have made significant contributions to Hofstra Athletics. Inductees include individuals from various sports, including baseball. The inaugural class of inductees featured a diverse group of accomplished individuals:
- Crystal Boyd: A standout softball player, Boyd led Hofstra to its first-ever NCAA appearance in 1993 and holds numerous single-season, single-game, and career records.
- Irving Burton: A dual-sport athlete in baseball and basketball, Burton excelled as a pitcher, earning Metropolitan Baseball Conference Most Outstanding Pitcher honors.
- Wayne Chrebet, Jr.: A football standout, Chrebet set single-season and career touchdown records and went on to a successful NFL career with the New York Jets.
- Nick Gallo: A wrestling student-athlete, and an All-American and NCAA champion at 126 pounds in 1977 (Hofstra’s only national wrestling champion), also earned the 1977 NCAA Championship Outstanding Wrestler Award, and was a three-time NCAA qualifier and two-time conference champion.
- Dr. Sylvia Giallombardo: The first director of women’s athletics at Hofstra (1961-79), while also serving as chair of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department (1961-85) and then as associate provost and associate dean of faculties.
- Liz (Irwin) Knauss: A women's basketball star, Knauss is Hofstra's all-time leader in assists.
- Walter Kohanowich: Hofstra’s first five-sport athlete - earning letters in football, baseball, track, lacrosse and wrestling from 1948 through 1952 - was a three-year captain of the Football team and a two-year captain of the Baseball squad.
- Rich Laurel: A men's basketball standout and NBA draft pick, Laurel ranks among Hofstra's all-time leading scorers.
- Dr. Joseph M. Margiotta: A three-year letterwinner on the Football team and a longtime supporter of Hofstra Athletics, has helped raise millions of dollars for the University. He is a founding member of the Fifty for Hofstra Club, founder and president of the Hofstra Pride Club, and a former Hofstra trustee.
- Howard “Howdy” Myers: Served as lacrosse (1950-75) and football coach (1950-74), as well as athletic director at Hofstra from 1950 through 1974. He compiled a 141-98-4 record as football coach and a 216-139-4 record as lacrosse coach.
- Steve Nisenson: A three-year member of the Men’s Basketball team and Hofstra’s all-time leading scorer with 2,222 points, led the team in scoring in each of his three seasons and was a member of two NCAA Division II Tournament teams.
- Carl Orent: A three-year letterwinner in both football and lacrosse, and a two-time lacrosse All-American, was a third team selection in 1954 and earned first team honors in 1955.
- John Schmitt: A three-year letterwinner on the Football team and an 11-year veteran of the National Football League, played on the 1969 Super Bowl-winning New York Jets team.
- Dr. James M. Shuart: A former Hofstra Lacrosse and Football team captain, was president of Hofstra University for 25 years. Jim served the University for more than 40 years as a professor, dean, administrator, trustee and president.
- Dr. Nathalie J. Smith: The first coach of the Hofstra Volleyball club team, which she developed into a varsity program and coached for three years, also developed Women’s Lacrosse from a club sport in 1975 to a varsity program in 1976 and served as head coach for five years. She also served as an associate professor of physical education at Hofstra and is a former department chair.
- William Thieben: Was a member of the Hofstra Men’s Basketball team from 1953 through 1956 and is the Hofstra career leader in rebounds with 1,837 (651 more than second place). Bill also scored 2,045 points, which ranks third in Hofstra history, while his career 26.9 points per game average ranks first.
- Susan (Gades) Trommer: A four-year member of the Hofstra Volleyball team and two-time team most valuable player, was a four-time All-East Coast Conference selection and the 1985 ECC most valuable player. She holds six single season records and five career records, and her career hitting percentage ranks 10th in NCAA history.
- Owen Walsh: A letterwinner in lacrosse and a two-time team captain, was an honorable mention All-American in 1952 and was an initial inductee to the Hofstra College Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
These individuals represent the diverse range of talent and dedication that has shaped Hofstra Athletics.
Beyond Hofstra: Professional Baseball and Other Fields
The impact of Hofstra baseball extends beyond the university, with several players making their mark in professional baseball and other fields. Three former Hofstra University ballplayers who made it to the majors. Beyond those who played baseball, there have three other former major league players who attended Hofstra, but did not play baseball for the Price.
Academic Excellence
The student-athletes of Hofstra University consistently demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence. Hofstra University’s student-athletes put forth an outstanding academic performance during the Fall 2023 semester, compiling a combined 3.48. The stellar academic efforts of the Hofstra University student-athletes continued during the Spring 2022 semester, and the Department of Athletics is. Hofstra University student-athletes once again delivered an outstanding semester in the classroom as the Pride’s more than 400 student-athletes. Hofstra University’s student-athletes turned in another outstanding academic performance during the Spring 2023 semester, compiling a combined. The student-athletes of Hofstra University turned in another exceptional academic performance for the Spring 2024 semester, with the 21 athletic programs.
Connections to Other Sports and Achievements
Hofstra's athletic program has seen success not only in baseball but also in other sports. Did you know that Jen Pawol played softball for the Pride (catcher), and became the first female umpire in major league history on August 9, 2025?
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The Hofstra University Department of Athletics celebrated the 2021-22 year in Pride Athletics at the Fifth Annual HOFSPYS Awards. Hempstead, NY - It was another outstanding year for the Hofstra University Department of Athletics as on Monday evening the University and. Hofstra University and the Department of Athletics are thrilled to announce some of the details for Hofstra Winter Homecoming early next month.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
The Hofstra University Department of Athletics partnered with the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication graduate journalism program and the. The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication graduate journalism program, Hofstra Athletics and Hofstra’s chapter of the Society of.
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