Eastern Connecticut State University

The program’s all-time winningest baseball pitcher at the time of induction, Steven A. Thomas holds a multitude of program and New England records. Despite standing just 5-foot-7 inches tall, Thomas overwhelmed opponents with gritty determination and a blazing fastball. In four seasons, the right-hander appeared in a New England-record 72 games, winning 40, losing only 10 and compiling a 2.32 ERA. As a junior, Thomas enjoyed a season unmatched to date in New England college baseball history. That year, the Naugatuck native set New England single-season marks for wins (16), appearances (26), starts (16), complete games (13, eight straight), and shutouts (6) en route to becoming Eastern’s only NAIA first-team All-America. In his first three seasons, when the Warriors were members of the NAIA, Thomas complied a record of 33-4 (21-2 regular season) with three saves and a 1.77 ERA as Eastern won three straight District 32 and two Area 8 titles.