News

One of the all-time greats in Villanova University baseball history, Southampton Breakers manager Rob Cafiero will enter the school's Varsity Hall of Fame in a ceremony this March.

During his standout career with the Wildcats from 2001 to 2004, Cafiero twice earned All-America honors, and graduated as the program's all-time leader in RBI (196), doubles (61) and games played (202). He finished his career with a .335 batting average.

"It is such an honor to have been selected for the Villanova University Hall of Fame," Cafiero said. "Growing up, my dream was to play professional baseball, and I was fortunate to have played for seven years. Being selected for the Hall of Fame at my alma mater is just as special because this is an honor that will last forever."

In 2002, Cafiero was drafted in the 32nd round by the Philadelphia Phillies, and played seven professional seasons. He began his coaching career in 2008 with the Long Island Ducks, and the following summer, he was an assistant during the Westhampton Aviators' run to the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League title.

Cafiero was named Southampton manager in 2010, and has gone on to become the winningest manager in league history. He also guided the Breakers to league championships in 2012 and 2014. In addition to his duties in the HCBL, Cafiero is an assistant coach at LIU Post, where he's joined on the staff by former Montauk Mustangs assistant Jamie Loeb and former Aviators catcher Dan Parisi.

In the 2017 VU Hall of Fame class, Cafiero is joined by John Celestand (men's basketball), Brett Gordon (football), Paul Paternoster (men's lacrosse), Jim Curtin (men's soccer), Keri Stoller (softball), Elizabeth Lauwaert (women's swimming), Stephen Howard (men's track and field) and Joan McGuckin (Jake Nevin Award).