Tom Ippolite's baseball career began on the sandlots of South Camden nearly six decades ago. Long before the use of radar guns, it was evident; Tom could throw a pitch with blinding speed and soon became a prominent pitcher of his era.

He played briefly at Camden High School, but scholastic ball wasn't enough of a challenge so Ippolite took his game to the semi-pro level. Box scores of his young career were consistent with double digit strike outs during a time when complete games were the rule rather than the exception.

His brilliant career, like many others, was interrupted for World War II. Even during wartime, Tom found time to pitch at Fort Hood (Texas), Camp McQuade (Calif.), Camp Breckinridge (Ky.), Fort Sill (Okla.) and overseas.

Following his discharge in 1946, Ippolite returned to semi-pro ball and was eventually offered a professional contract by the Philadelphia Athletics. During a brief minor league career, he developed arm trouble which cut his playing days short. But he has a scrapbook full of pictures of such former teammates as Bobby Shantz, Nellie Fox, Art Ditmar, Carl Sawatski, Gus Bell, Roy Smalley and Roy Sievers.

Tom, a retired carpenter, and his wife Agnes live in Westville, and have been married for 57 years. They raised twin daughters, Denice and Diane, and sons Tom Jr. and Michael. They have four grandchildren and one great grandchild.