Carlton Steele is regarded as one of Westfield State’s greatest all around athletes. He was a standout in baseball and soccer for three years, volleyball for two years, and also played varsity basketball for a year. 

The talented outfielder was a second team All American and first team All New England selection in 1975 when he batted .372 with eight home runs and 26 stolen bases. 

The two-time all conference selection was drafted by the Boston Red Sox following his junior year in 1975. He graduated in 1979 following his minor league career that saw him advance to the Double A level. 

In the minor leagues, Steele was a New York-Penn League All-Star selection while playing for Elmira in 1975. Elmira won the league championship in 1976 when Steele batted .305 with 45 stolen bases. 

He batted .286 with 49 stolen bases at Winter Haven in 1977. In 1978 he hit .246 with 29 steals for Eastern League champion Bristol. Injuries cut short Steele’s promising professional career in 1979. 

Steele was named the soccer team’s most versatile player in 1973 and 1974. He was a member of two NCAA Tournament teams in soccer and one in baseball. In volleyball, he was a captain and All New England performer. 

Steele resides in his hometown of Springfield and is a mailroom supervisor for the Springfield Republican. He is a Cub Scout leader and school volunteer. As a naval reserve petty officer, he was the recipient of two naval achievement medals.