Yale Dedicates John and Theresa Mazzuto Field

Yale University has dedicated the John and Theresa Mazzuto Field, a multi-use practice facility adjacent to Yale Field. To celebrate, the Yale baseball program hosted project donor John Mazzuto ’70 and his wife, Theresa, for a team workout on the new field, followed by a reception at the Smilow Field Center. John Mazzuto is a former Bulldog shortstop who played for legendary head coach Ethan Allen.

Head Coach John Stuper, Theresa Mazzuto, John Mazzuto ’70 and Yale Director of Athletics Tom Beckett (Photo by Drew M. Kingsley, Yale Sports Publicity)

A field turf facility, John and Theresa Mazzuto Field enables the Yale baseball program to practice outside in almost any weather. The versatile multi-use field also is used extensively by many other varsity teams.

In 2007, the donors also endowed the Mazzuto Family Head Coach of Baseball, a position currently held by John Stuper. “John has bestowed upon Yale baseball an incredible gift,” said Stuper, now in his Seventeenth season at the helm of the Bulldogs. “His support of our program has been absolutely phenomenal. I am honored to be known as the Mazzuto Family Head Coach of Baseball.”

Director of Athletics Tom Beckett spoke highly of Mazzuto at the dedication reception, praising his generosity and love for Yale.

“Athletically and academically, John Mazzuto had the same dreams that all of you have,” said Beckett, addressing the 2009 Yale baseball team. “He realized his dreams, and because of that, he chose to make Yale a better place.”

Mazzuto later answered questions from the current Elis, discussing topics ranging from his life as a Yale baseball player to his membership in the DKE fraternity. Mazzuto’s love for both baseball and Yale rang clear in his remarks.

“I learned many life lessons as a Yale baseball player,” said Mazzuto. “Most importantly, I learned that if you lose, there will be another game tomorrow.”

The reception concluded with the presentation of a Gold Glove commemorating Mazzuto’s support of the Yale baseball program.

(Adapted from a report filed by Drew M. Kingsley, Yale Sports Publicity, on April 17, 2009)