PEORIA, Ill. -- Bradley Athletics is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joe Napoli Sr., a Bradley Athletics Hall of Famer, former Braves baseball standout and longtime supporter of Bradley University whose impact reached far beyond the baseball diamond.
Statement from James E. Shadid, President
"Joe Napoli was more than a familiar face in his front row seats at Bradley basketball games - he was part of what makes Bradley feel like family. His warmth, friendship and unwavering love for Bradley and Peoria will be deeply missed."
Statement from Dr. Chris Reynolds, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics
"Joe Napoli Sr. represented Bradley with distinction throughout his life. His accomplishments as a student-athlete placed him among the great players in the history of Bradley Baseball, but his impact went well beyond what he accomplished on the field. Joe was a tremendous advocate for Bradley University, our student-athletes and the Peoria community. His loyalty to Bradley and the relationships he built across generations will be remembered for years to come. We extend our deepest condolences to the Napoli family and all who were fortunate enough to know him."
After serving four years in the United States Air Force, Napoli came to Bradley and played third base for the Braves from 1957 through 1960. As a senior, he led the nation with a .490 batting average and earned First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors. He finished his Bradley career with a .392 batting average.
Following his collegiate career, Napoli declined tryout invitations from Major League Baseball organizations to pursue a career in law. He attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago before returning to Peoria, where he built a distinguished legal career and taught law courses at Bradley through 1989.
Napoli was inducted into the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
Bradley Athletics extends its heartfelt condolences to the Napoli family, his former teammates, colleagues, friends and the many members of Braves Nation whose lives he impacted. His legacy will forever remain a part of Bradley Athletics and Bradley University.
