University of New Haven Athletics

A member of the Chargers’ first NCAA postseason team, James Pascarella played second base for the Chargers from 1969-72 before being drafted by Texas in the 23rd round of the 1972 Major League Baseball Draft.

Pascarella had a breakout season as a sophomore when he finished with a .314 batting average, his first of three straight season batting .300 or better. He closed out the year with a career-high five home runs as the Chargers finished with a 29-4 overall record and made the program's second trip to the NAIA World Series. He also finished the 1970 season with 50 runs scored, a mark that remains among the top-10 in school history to this day.

As a junior, Pascarella earned All-America honors after finishing third on the team with a .353 batting average. He also drove in a career high 32 runs and matched his career best with five home runs. The East Haven, Conn. native capped off his career leading the Chargers with a .371 batting average as New Haven made its first appearance in the NCAA East Region Championship.

During his four years at New Haven, the Chargers posted a remarkable 104 wins with just 22 losses, an impressive .825 winning percentage. At the end of his collegiate career, Pascarella was first all-time in runs scored (121), first in home runs (14), second in hits (143), tied for second in doubles and seventh in RBI (75).