Eastern Connecticut State University

One of only two three-time All-America players in the history of the  baseball program at the time of his induction, John C. Caneira set New England career records for strikeouts (547) and innings-pitched  (377 1/3) during his brilliant four-year career. A native of Naugatuck, Caneira won 37 games and lost only ten, leading the Warriors to their first NAIA Area 8 title in 1973 and a berth in the national tournament, where they placed second. A three-time professional draft pick, Caneira signed with California as its No. 1 pick in the June, 1974 secondary draft, appearing with the Angels in both 1977 and ’78. As an amateur, Caneira competed in the Pan American Games, the World Federation Cup Championships, and the World Baseball Championships.