Carmen Iannaccone, class of 1957, enjoyed a distinguished 2 sport career at Bennett. A transfer from Grover Cleveland High School, Carmen benefited from his Bennett Tiger experience as much as any athlete in the long tradition of orange and blue athletics. Getting caught up in the sprit of Bennett, Iannaccone made tremendous strides to become an All High performer in baseball and basketball.
Iannaccone helped lead Bennett to 3 team championships, 2 in baseball, and 1 in basketball.
In his junior year, Carmen proved to be a sure fielding baseball shortstop with a strong throwing arm, as well as a dangerous hitter in the powerful Bennett lineup. He consistently contributed both defensively and offensively, toward Bennett’s march to the Cornell Cup. The cup is emblematic of baseball supremacy in the Buffalo Public School league.
As a senior in 1957, Carmen was named to the Buffalo News and Courier Express All High baseball teams. He batted well over .400 and executed sparkling defensive plays from his shortstop position. Bennett again won the Cornell Cup, defeating Riverside 3-2, at Offermann Stadium. After the 1957 basketball season, Iannaccone was named to the Buffalo News All High team. He starred as a playmaking guard, defensive stalwart, and superb floor general. His strong play was a vital cog in the Tigers Yale Cup city championship team.
During his collegiate career at Buffalo State, Carmen continued to excel in baseball and basketball. In 1985, he was named to the Buffalo State College Sports Hall of Fame.
Upon graduation from Buffalo State College in 1961, Carmen played several years as a professional baseball player in the Baltimore Oriole’s farm system. A highlight was being named to the All Star team in the Western Carolina League, as a Salisbury Brave. His high level of play in minor league ball, as well as his accomplishments over many many years in local amateur leagues, enabled him to be inducted into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame.
A recently retired Professor of Exceptional Education at his alma mater, Buffalo State College, Carmen now resides in Derby, NY.