In the 50s, fastball was a dominant sport in the Sudbury area. One of the best pitchers ever to throw heat from the mound was Capreol's Ezio Bevilacqua.
The tall and husky hurler was known for his determination,
competitive spirit and endurance. He is also being inducted
into the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame and will be honoured at
the House of Kin Sports Celebrity Dinner on June 9.
Bevilacqua was so dominant that other teams paid pitchers
from across Canada to come in and try to thwart his power.
Although he didn't pick up a ball until he was in his early
20s, Bevilacqua became a force, practicing day and night on his
game.
Despite lucrative offers from Sudbury teams, Bevilacqua
spurned them and helped Capreol win eight All Ontario titles.
No other team in Ontario has ever matched this string of
championships.
Bevilacqua recorded two no-hit games and countless one and
two-hit games. In one match, he and an opposing pitcher, Metro
Szeryk, combined for 61 strikeouts.
Bevilacqua died March 2002 at the age of 67.
"He would have been very proud of being inducted," said
Marlene, his wife of 41 years. "He worked hard to perfect his
game and being recognized would have meant a lot to him. I am
happy as well he's being inducted. Ezio was a character and a
family man."
Bevilacqua and Marlene have two children, Mike and Cathie and two grandchildren, Morina and Frankie.
