Montclair State University Athletics

In the box score and in the post-game recap, it appeared as nothing more than an insurance home run – a solo shot in the top of the eighth inning that put Montclair State in front of Anderson 5-1 during the 1993 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship in Battle Creek, Michigan. As he rounded the bases in C.O. Brown Stadium, this home run for John Pallino was much more than that. Five days prior at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament, Pallino, playing in the outfield, charged hart into a cement pillar severely injuring his hip and although the Red Hawks would advance to the World Series, it appeared as if they would be going would their team leader. That wouldn’t be the case. In a moment that defines his entire career at Montclair State, Pallino battled through the injury and appeared in all five games helping Montclair capture its second NCAA national championship. One of the greatest players in the successful history of the Red Hawk program, Pallino was the key player on a squd that posted a 131-52 mark and reached the World Series twice (1993 & 1994) and also picked up an NJAC title in 1994. He was named the NJAC’s Rookie of the Year in 1991 and his numbers only got better. During the 1993 championship run, the four-time All-NJAC selected batted .35 with 12 home runs and 58 RBI as he was named the ECAC Player of the Year, selected to the All-Region squad and earned the first of his two All-America honors. By the time he completed his career, Pallino had collected more hits than any player in school history with 259.